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Okay, so, rhubarb. It’s one of those ingredients that often gets relegated to pies and jams. Which, don't get me wrong, those are delightful! But I had this crazy idea—what if we treated rhubarb like a tomato, and turned it into a salsa? I know, sounds wild, right? But trust me on this one. The slightly sour, almost grassy flavor of rhubarb pairs beautifully with spicy chili, bright lime, and a touch of sweetness. One of my old college roommates, Sarah, thought I was nuts when I first told her about it. Now? She asks me to make it every time we have a cookout! You'll absolutely love this rhubarb salsa!
This salsa is ridiculously versatile, too. I love it with grilled fish or chicken, as a topping for tacos (especially fish tacos!), or even just as a dip for tortilla chips. It’s also surprisingly good with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie. Imagine that, a dollop of soft cheese with a spoonful of this salsa – pure heaven! The possibilities? Endless! This recipie will soon be your next go-to.
Required Equipments
Cutting Board
Knife
Mixing Bowl
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Refrigerator
Chili Lime Rhubarb Salsa: A Sweet and Spicy Spring Sensation: Frequently Asked Questions
Chili Lime Rhubarb Salsa: A Sweet and Spicy Spring Sensation
This Chili Lime Rhubarb Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that perfectly balances the tartness of rhubarb with the heat of chili and the zest of lime. It’s an unexpected twist that’s sure to wake up your taste buds and add a burst of spring to any dish.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prep the Rhubarb: Wash the rhubarb stalks thoroughly. Trim off the ends and discard any leaves (rhubarb leaves are poisonous, so be careful!). Chop the stalks into small, roughly 1/4-inch dice. Aim for about 2 cups of diced rhubarb. If the rhubarb is particularly thick, you might want to peel the outer layer with a vegetable peeler for a more tender salsa. Who knew?
Dice the Onion and Pepper: Finely dice about 1/2 cup of red onion. Red onion adds a nice color and a bit of sharpness that complements the other flavors. Remove the seeds and membranes from a jalapeño pepper (or two, depending on your spice preference!) and finely dice it. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling chili peppers; you don't want to accidentally rub your eye!
Chop the Cilantro: Roughly chop about 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with flat-leaf parsley, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile. The salsa won't be the same without it, though.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced rhubarb, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. The bowl should be big enough to mix everything without making a mess.
Add Lime Juice and Seasoning: Squeeze the juice of 2-3 limes over the mixture (about 1/4 cup). Add 1 tablespoon of honey (or agave nectar for a vegan option), 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. More lime juice for extra tang, more chili powder for extra heat, more honey for more sweetness.
Mix Well and Let it Rest: Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rhubarb to soften slightly. Letting it sit in the fridge is key.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more lime juice, honey, or chili powder to get it just right. It's all about personal preference!
Serve and Enjoy!: Serve the Chili Lime Rhubarb Salsa chilled with tortilla chips, grilled meats, fish tacos, or your favorite appetizers. Garnish with a lime wedge or a sprig of cilantro, if desired. Watch your friends and family go nuts over your new secret weapon!
📝 Notes
For a sweeter salsa, add more honey.
For a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you don't have fresh limes, bottled lime juice can be used, but fresh is always best.