• Home
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Store
  • Grow
  • Cook
  • Preserve

Grow a Good Life

journey to a self sufficient life

in Party Food· Recipes

Italian Salsa Cruda

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Share
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • Email

This Italian Salsa Cruda is a great way to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and fresh Italian herbs. It is perfect for bruschetta, tossed with pasta, or spooned over grilled meat or fish.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Italian Salsa Cruda is a great way to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and fresh Italian herbs. It is perfect for bruschetta, tossed with pasta, or spooned over grilled meat or fish.

If you enjoy fresh salsa, you will like this Italian salsa cruda recipe. Also known as salsa cruda di pomodoro or raw tomato sauce. It is similar to the Mexican pico de gallo but with an Italian twist.

Summer fresh tomatoes are the star of this recipe.

Fresh, seasonal tomatoes from the garden or farmers’ market are so sweet and flavorful. Locally grown heirloom tomatoes at the grocery store will work wonderfully as well. Keep the tomatoes at room temperature when you bring them home. Refrigerating affects the flavor and texture of the fruit.

Peppers add crunch, color, and lots of flavor to the Italian salsa cruda.

Either green bell peppers, or colorful ripe sweet bell peppers are a great choice. Also consider Marconi, Jimmy Nardello, or other sweet Italian frying pepper. If you want to add a bit of heat, try pepperoncini peppers.

Don’t fear the raw garlic in this recipe.

The strong flavor of raw garlic is tamed when combined with acidic vegetables and vinegar. No one enjoys biting into a chunk of raw garlic, so be sure to either grate the garlic cloves with the small holes of a box grater, or mince it very fine. The raw garlic flavor will mellow and infuse with the other ingredients in the salsa cruda after mixing.

How to Make Italian Salsa Cruda

This Italian Salsa Cruda recipe is easy to throw together and offers a lot of fresh flavors from the ripe tomatoes, peppers, and fresh Italian herbs. Simply chop and combine with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, a bit of red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper.

Ingredients for Italian salsa cruda

Let the salsa cruda sit out at room temperature for a least an hour after mixing. The vegetables will macerate and soften, and the flavors will mingle into a delicious raw salsa.

Serving Ideas for Italian Salsa Cruda

As a dip

Serve as a chunky dip with crackers, crostini, grilled flat bread, sliced cucumbers, or baked zucchini chips.

Toss with pasta

This wonderful raw tomato sauce is perfect for summer pasta dishes served warm or cold. Simply prepare your pasta, drain, and top with the salsa cruda. Finish with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and enjoy.

Use as a bruschetta topping

Italian salsa cruda is delicious heaped on grilled slices of crusty bread, bruschetta style. Cut the bread into 1/2 inch slices, grill or toast under a broiler until lightly browned, rub with garlic, and top with the salsa cruda. Try it with this Roasted Garlic Rosemary Bread.

Spoon over grilled meat or fish

This Italian-style uncooked tomato sauce is tasty served over grilled fish or chicken. Drizzle with fresh squeezed lemon, and sprinkle with additional fresh Italian herbs.

photo of pasta topped with salsa cruda

Feel free to explore variations using your favorite ingredients. Try different types of tomatoes and peppers. Swap some of the herbs for thyme or oregano. Replace the red wine vinegar with balsamic for some extra sweet richness. Add some chopped Kalamata olives. The possibilities are endless.

This Italian Salsa Cruda is a great way to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and fresh Italian herbs. It is perfect for bruschetta, tossed with pasta, or spooned over grilled meat or fish.
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Italian Salsa Cruda (Salsa Cruda di Pomodoro)

This Italian Salsa Cruda is a great way to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and fresh Italian herbs. It is perfect for bruschetta, tossed with pasta, or spooned over grilled meat or fish.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Keyword italian salsa cruda
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 half cup
Calories 85kcal
Author Grow a Good Life

Ingredients

  • 1 pound tomatoes diced about 2 cups
  • 1 medium bell pepper diced about 1 cup
  • 4 cloves garlic grated or chopped very fine
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl.
  • Let the salsa cruda sit out for a least an hour at room temperature to let the flavors marinate.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Makes about 3 cups. Refrigerate leftovers and use within 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 6half cup | Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.3g | Protein: 1.1g | Fat: 7.2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 3g

You May Also Like

  • Roasted Garlic and Cannellini Bean Dip Recipe
  • Chicken Paillard with Mushroom Marinara Sauce
  • Roasted Garlic Rosemary Bread

If you enjoy fresh salsa, you will like this Italian salsa cruda recipe. Also known as salsa cruda di pomodoro or raw tomato sauce. It is similar to the Mexican pico de gallo but with an Italian twist.

  • Share
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • Email

Filed Under: Party Food, Recipes

FREE email series:
5 Easy Vegetable Gardening Tasks You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less!
Plus get seasonal gardening tips, recipes, and ways to preserve the harvest right in your inbox each week.

Previous Post: « Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
Next Post: Cocktail Meatballs with Cherry BBQ Sauce »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Renee D Kohley says

    December 23, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    5 stars
    I love all the veggies and fresh herbs in this – so colorful and full of flavor! This would go fast in my house!

    Reply
  2. Hope says

    November 27, 2018 at 6:54 am

    5 stars
    So many delicious flavours in here! Homemade salsa is the best it goes so well with pretty much anything!

    Reply
  3. Megan Stevens says

    November 15, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow, this looks delicious!! True comfort food, happy food! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Jean says

    November 12, 2018 at 3:10 am

    5 stars
    I’ve never heard of Italian Salsa Cruda before, but now I need to try it! It has all the ingredients and flavors I love.

    Reply
  5. ChihYu Smith says

    November 12, 2018 at 1:19 am

    5 stars
    Oh my! I love all the gorgeous color and flavor in there! It’s a wonderful dip and topping for practically anything!

    Reply
  6. Tessa Simpson says

    November 3, 2018 at 9:25 pm

    5 stars
    WHat a great spin on traditional salsa!! Looks So delicious!

    Reply
  7. Shelby @Fitasamamabear says

    October 30, 2018 at 4:15 pm

    5 stars
    Homemade salsa is the best! I could eat mounds lol

    Reply
  8. Raia Todd says

    October 25, 2018 at 12:42 am

    5 stars
    Oh, my husband would love this! I’m always on the lookout for homemade salsa recipes for him. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Susannah says

    October 23, 2018 at 2:31 am

    5 stars
    This looks so good! Pinnng!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

cover of ebook Grow a Good Life Guide to Planning Your Vegetable Garden

your favorites

seed starting tray filled with soil

rosemary plant in a pot

raised bed vegetable garden with mulched paths

over head photo of home canned carrots and beans on a kitchen counter

colorful lettuce in the garden

Footer

looking for something?

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Copyright

All content is ©2023 Rachel Arsenault Grow a Good Life Media. Please feel free to Pin or link to articles with credit and a link back, but do not copy, take images, or content from this site without my permission.
For more info: Syndication and Use of Article

disclosures

Grow a Good Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Grow a Good Life uses affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. Full disclosure policy.

Copyright © 2009-2023 Grow a Good Life Media | Disclosure & Affiliate Advertising Policy | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy