🌿 Zesty Cilantro-Lime Salsa

🍅 Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Fresh cilantro leaves	1 cup	Loose, stems removed
Tomatoes	2	Diced
Red bell pepper	1/2 cup	Roasted or raw, chopped
Cucumber	1 small	Seeded, diced (optional)
Jalapeño	1	Seeds removed (optional)
Lime	2	Zest and juice
Extra-virgin olive oil	2 tbsp
Ground cumin	1/2 tsp	Or 1 tsp toasted seeds
Smoked paprika	1/4 tsp	Optional
Maple syrup or agave	1 tsp	Optional
Salt & black pepper	To taste
Parsley	1–2 tbsp	Optional, for milder flavor

⚡ Estimated Calories (per serving)

Ingredient

Per Serving

Estimated Calories

Substitution / Lower‑Calorie Options

Fresh cilantro leaves

¼ cup approx.

≈ 2 kcal

Use entire bunch if desired—very low calories

Tomatoes

½ of 2 medium

≈ 11 kcal

Use cherry tomatoes for similar effect

Red bell pepper

~⅛ cup

≈ 6 kcal

Use raw instead of roasted for less prep

Cucumber (seeded, diced)

¼ of 1 small

≈ 6 kcal

Optional—omit if you prefer ultra‑light version

Jalapeño (optional)

¼ of 1 pepper

≈ 1 kcal

Skip or reduce if you want milder heat

Lime (juice + zest)

½ of 2 limes

≈ 10 kcal

Use less sugar or skip syrup for lower calories

Extra‑virgin olive oil

½ Tbsp

≈ 30 kcal

Replace with spray oil or omit for ultra‑light version

Maple/Agave syrup (optional)

¼ tsp

≈ 5 kcal

Omit or use stevia for lower calories

Total Estimated Calories: ~92 kcal per serving (assuming 4 servings)
(Actual calories may vary depending on ingredient amounts and cooking method.)

🧴 Instructions

Roast the red pepper (optional) until charred, peel, deseed, and chop.
Dice tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeño, and roughly chop cilantro.
Whisk together lime juice + zest, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and maple syrup.
Fold in tomatoes, red pepper, cucumber, jalapeño, and cilantro gently.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let sit 20–30 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

💡 Tips & Serving Ideas

Mix parsley with cilantro for a milder flavor if desired.
Refrigerate 3–4 days; best within 48 hours.
Great as topping for tacos, grain bowls, roasted veggies, or with tortilla chips.

Chop, mix, taste, chill — and suddenly your meal feels brighter and more vibrant. A simple recipe that brings joy to your plate and a little zing to your day!