Spicy Jalapeño Vinagrete
A fiery twist on the classic, with fresh jalapeño and cayenne creating a bold, zesty companion for grilled steak and fish. This brazilian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs ripe tomato, red onion, green bell pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 115 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large (200g), diced into 1/4-inch cubes ripe tomato
- 1/2 cup (75g), finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup (75g), diced green bell pepper
- 1 small (10g), seeds removed and finely diced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup (10g), finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 3 tbsp (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) cayenne pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place diced tomatoes in a bowl, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt, and let sit for 5 minutes to release moisture; gently press to remove excess liquid using a spoon.
- Step 2: Add finely diced red onion, bell pepper, diced jalapeño, and chopped parsley to the bowl; mix until vegetables are evenly distributed with no dry spots.
- Step 3: Whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar until combined, then pour over the mixture; sprinkle with remaining salt and cayenne pepper, stirring gently until the heat is evenly distributed and the oil emulsifies.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Jalapeño Vinagrete take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spicy Jalapeño Vinagrete?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ripe tomato from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Jalapeño Vinagrete?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Jalapeño Vinagrete for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spicy Jalapeño Vinagrete?
Brazilian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
