One of the things that I was contemplating doing with Red Gold tomatoes during the Tomato Bowl was a salsa of sorts. If you’ve spent any time here at the blog you know that I have a fondness for homemade salsa- but that I usually make it at the height of tomato season with salsa fresh from the vine. Could a salsa made from canned tomatoes stand up? I was curious, but at the same time, I didn’t want to make just any old salsa.
So I decided to take a trip to a different part of the globe and create a Mediterranean-inspired salsa. Once I got my salsa assembled though, I realized exactly how versatile this flavorful creation was.
Mediterranean Style Salsa
1 (14.5 ounce) can Red Gold Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano 1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1 red bell pepper, diced 12 black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped or sliced 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley 2 ounces feta cheese 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1/2 teaspoon mint Salt and pepper to taste (not pictured)
Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well to combine. Chill for at least two hours to allow the flavors to combine.
So what does one do with a Mediterranean Style Salsa? Why, any number of things. It was delicious served with pita chips for a different riff on chips and salsa
It was also delicious atop a toasted piece of bread, a la bruschetta.
But I think where it really shone was as a salad or relish for a dinner of Gremolata Pork Chops with Paprika Roasted Potatoes.
It was also delicious eaten straight up with a fork like a salad. So, so good. This multi-purpose salsa is something completely different that will be sure to spice up your Great Game Day spread.
PS: Hoping to find a more traditional salsa? You should head on over to Evelyn’s Corner then, where my friend Jeanna has hijacked her mother’s blog in order to participate in the Red Gold/Red Pack Tomato Bowl. Her salsa looks delicious- and I hear it’s terribly addicting. And the pasta she made yesterday? That’s going on my menu ASAP. We’ll forgive her for rooting for the Steelers just this once.
Anything with Feta is alright with me =)
You had me at feta and black olives, what a delightful little cheese.
Garbanzo beans, woman you are serious about your salsa!
Wow, with a kind of pork chop I’ve never heard of, you are impressive. And I bet they complimented the roasted potatoes as well.
Did you find the Basil, Garlic, and Oregano diced tomatoes spicy? Something hot and spicy was happening with mine.
Thanks for the forgiving shout out. If the Pack was playing ANYONE but my baby boys in black and yellow (black and yellow black and yellow)…
The tomatoes were on the spicy side! I suspect it was the garlic, which makes me wonder about the other can I bought of Olive Oil and Garlic tomatoes…
I think you’re right.