Best Herb Salsa Recipes

HERB-ROASTED SALMON WITH TOMATO-AVOCADO SALSA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and brush it lightly with oil.
• Mix together the dill, parsley, chives and basil in a small bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the mixture for the salsa and set aside.
• Put the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. Drizzle the top lightly with oil, then top evenly with the herb mix. Bake until just cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, halve and peel the avocados and cut them into 1/2-inch pieces. Put the avocados in a large bowl and gently toss with the tomatoes, lemon juice, shallots, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the reserved herbs. Transfer to a serving bowl.
• Serve the salmon with the salsa on the side.

GRILLED SWORDFISH WITH FRESH TOMATO-HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Bring medium saucepan of water to boil. Add tomatoes and blanch 30 seconds. Drain. Transfer to medium bowl. Cover with cold water; cool. Peel tomatoes. Cut in half; squeeze out juices. Chop tomatoes; transfer to bowl. Add herbs, shallot, vinegar and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
• Prepare barbeque (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Brush fish with oil. Sprinkle with generous amount of peppercorns and salt. Grill until just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer fish to plates. Spoon tomato salsa over and serve.

FRESH HERB SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine herbs, garlic, and vinegar; if desired, add capers and anchovy fillets. Pulse until coarsely chopped, 20 seconds. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

HERB-ROASTED SEA BASS WITH SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly brush baking sheet with olive oil. Place fish fillets on baking sheet. Brush fish with olive oil; drizzle with lemon juice. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper, then herbs.
• Bake fish until just opaque in center, about 10 minutes. Transfer fish to plates. Spoon some Salsa Verde over fish. Pass remaining Salsa Verde separately.

HALIBUT A LA VASCO CON ALBUIAS EN SALSA VERDE (BASQUE-STYLE HALIBUT WITH WHITE BEANS AND HERB SAUCE)

Steps:

• For the white beans: Put the white beans in a container with the 4 cups water and soak overnight. The next day, drain the water and put the white beans, salt, carrot, celery, thyme, bay leaf, onion and 6 cups water in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer and skim any foam that forms on top. Simmer gently so as not to break the beans, until they are soft in the middle, about 2 hours. Take the pot off the heat and let the beans cool in the liquid. Drain, reserving the bean cooking liquid.
• For the fish stock: Put the olive oil, fennel, leek and onion in a 1-gallon stock pot and cook over medium heat to soften without browning, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and lemon juice. While that is going, wash the fish bones in cold water and then add to the pot with the bay leaf and 8 cups cold water. Bring the stock up to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and simmer, skimming off any foam that forms on top, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the stock and cool in an ice bath. (Makes about 6 cups; leftover fish stock can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 2 months.)
• For the white bean stew: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over low heat, add the garlic and let it brown slowly. Once it starts smelling of cooked garlic, whisk in the flour so it dissolves into the oil to make a roux. Whisk in the wine and 2 cups of the fish stock until smooth. Increase the heat to medium high, bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add up to 1 cup of the reserved bean cooking liquid. Add the white beans and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons Calabrian chile flakes-add more if you prefer spicy. Add a little lemon zest and juice. Keep the stew warm while you cook the clams and halibut. Just before serving add the parsley to keep it as green and fresh as possible.
• For clams: Put the clams in a pot and with wine to cover. Cover the pot and bring the wine to a boil over high heat, to gently open the clams. As soon as the clams start to open, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate.
• For the fish: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the halibut on both sides with salt and pepper. Sear the fish skin-side down until the first layer of fish starts to turn white, about 3 minutes. Flip, and cook until sides of the filets have turned white and the fish feels firm in the middle when you push down on the tops, another 2 minutes.
• To serve: Stir the parsley into the white bean stew. Divide the stew and clams among 4 bowls and top each with a piece of halibut, skin-side up. Sprinkle with some chopped parsley and serve.

GRILLED SKIRT STEAK WITH HERB SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Mix 1/4 cup oil, garlic, and lemon zest in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Let marinate for 20 minutes. Add all herbs to oil mixture; stir until well coated. Let stand until herbs begin to wilt, about 10 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup oil. Season herb salsa verde to taste with salt and pepper.
• Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to high. Season skirt steak generously with salt and pepper and grill until charred, 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer steak to a serving platter; let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to accumulate on platter.
• Transfer skirt steak to a cutting board and slice against the grain on a diagonal. Season to taste with salt; return to platter with juices. Spoon half of herb salsa verde over. Serve with lemon wedges. Pass remaining herb salsa verde alongside.

DUAL CONTROLS CHICKEN AND STEAK - HERB POACHED CHICKEN WITH OLIVE SALSA OVER BASMATI RICE AND NEW YORK STRIP STEAK WITH SAUCE ROBERT OVER BABY POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• To make the olive salsa for the chicken topping, slice the root end off the entire head of garlic and turn it upside down, wrap it in aluminum foil and mold the foil so it supports the garlic to allow the cut end to stand upright in the oven. Pour about 1 teaspoon olive oil on the garlic so it slips between the skin and the cloves and wrap with the foil so it is enclosed. Roast for about 1 hour and set aside until it is cool enough to handle.
• In a small bowl combine the tomato, basil, parsley, peppercorns, olives and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from the skins into the mixture. Fold everything together and set aside to let flavors integrate.
• For the rice accompaniment to the chicken, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir in the basmati rice, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper, allowing rice to toast for a few minutes. Then add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer covered and undisturbed for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
• While the rice is cooking begin the sauce for the steak. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, and saute the shallot until it becomes translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are tender and give up their juices. (While the mushrooms are cooling, begin sauteing the bacon in a separate skillet for the potatoes.) Add the merlot and cook for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon water and the cornstarch, then add the tomato paste and Dijon mustard and mix thoroughly until smooth. Add this mixture to the pan of mushrooms along with demi-glace and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn heat down to medium low, and allow to reduce and thicken.
• While the mushrooms are cooking, heat the oil in the deep-fryer to 375 degrees F or according the manufacturer's instructions for potatoes. Saute the bacon strips in a skillet until crispy. Remove to paper towels to drain and cool to room temperature. Drain excess bacon fat from the skillet leaving a coating in which to saute the onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent. Deep-fry the baby potato slices until golden and drain on paper towels. Transfer them to the pan of onions, and crumble in the bacon. Toss in the scallions and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
• Heat the oven to 375 degrees F for the steak, if you are finishing in the oven.
• In a large saute pan, heat the chicken stock over medium-high heat. Add the basil, tarragon and parsley, bring to a boil to integrate flavors, then reduce heat. This is your poaching liquid. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper, rubbing the seasoning in, and place the chicken in simmering poaching liquid. (Remember, you are poaching, not boiling. The liquid should be kept at a simmer.) Poach chicken until cooked through, about 10 minutes, turning breasts midway through cooking period. Remove to paper towels to drain.
• Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet with oven-safe handles. Season the steaks with walt and pepper. Sear for about 2 minutes per side undisturbed (to let seasonings integrate into the surface of the meat) and then to your preferred level of doneness. Transfer the entire skillet to the oven to finish (about 10 minutes for medium-rare) They can also be cooked on a grill. Let steaks rest, then slice into 1/4- inch thick slices.
• On half of the serving plate, spoon some basmati rice, top with a piece of chicken, and spoon olive salsa over chicken. On the other half of the serving plate, spoon some potatoes, top with a "fan" of steak slices (about 3 ounces of steak or an amount equal to half of a strip steak, per person) and drizzle sauce over sliced steak. Garnish the plate with haricots verts.

GREEN HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Using a chef's knife (or food processor) finely chop almonds, garlic, and herbs. Stir (or blend) in oil and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. (To store, refrigerate, up to 1 day.) Stir in vinegar just before serving.

GRILLED HALIBUT WITH HERB SALAD AND MEYER LEMON-GREEN OLIVE SALSA

Steps:

• Place halibut in a baking dish large enough to lay fillets flat without overcrowding; season with zest, thyme, and chopped parsley. Cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Heat grill pan over high heat until very hot. Allow fillets to return to room temperature before cooking, about 15 minutes; just before cooking, toss fennel, fleur de sel, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a large bowl.
• Brush fish on both sides with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper; place on grill, and cook, rotating once 90 degrees, until nicely colored, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn, and cook until it begins to flake and separate a little, being careful not to overcook the fish.
• Gently toss arugula and herbs with fennel; season with salt and pepper. Arrange salad on a serving platter, place fish on top, and spoon salsa over halibut. Serve with remaining salsa on the side.

HERB-GRILLED SALMON WITH PAPAYA-CHILE SALSA

Steps:

• To prepare the salmon, in a small bowl, combine mustard, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, and pepper. Brush mixture all over both sides of salmon steaks and transfer salmon to a large, shallow flameproof baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Preheat grill or broiler.
• Place salmon steaks on grill or under broiler and cook 4 minutes per side, or until fork-tender and cooked through.
• To make the salsa, place chile peppers on hot grill or under broiler and cook 4 minutes, turning frequently, until charred on all sides. Wrap peppers in plastic wrap and let stand 5 minutes. Remove skin from peppers, halve, seed, and cut into small dice-sized pieces. Transfer to a small bowl and add papaya and red onion. Set aside.
• When ready to serve, spoon salsa over salmon steaks.

CORN FRITTERS WITH HERB SALSA AND FRESH CHEESE: AREPITAS WITH CHIMICHURRI AND QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• Make the chimichurri: In a food processor, pulse the onion until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer the onion to a bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice, parsley, cilantro, oregano leaves, garlic, and jalapeno and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer the herb mixture to the bowl with the onion and stir to combine. Season the chimichurri with salt and pepper.
• Make the arepitas: In a large bowl, whisk together the harina pan, Parmesan, and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together the water, milk, and 3 tablespoons oil. Stir the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Using your hand, knead the mixture until a firm but malleable dough is formed. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pour the oil for frying into a large pot to a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 365 degrees F.
• Form the dough into 1 to 1 1/2-inch round balls. Using the palms of your hands, form the dough balls into rounded "UFO" shapes.
• Working in batches, add the dough balls to the oil and fry, turning occasionally, until puffed and golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the arepitas to paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
• Serve the arepas in a bowl with the chimichurri and queso fresco in separate bowls on the side.

GRILLED HALIBUT WITH HERB SALAD AND MEYER LEMON-GREEN OLIVE SALSA

Steps:

• Season the fish with the lemon zest, thyme, and sliced parsley. Cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Remove the fish from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking, to let it come to room temperature.
• Light the grill 30 to 40 minutes before you're ready to cook.
• Just before you grill the fish, toss the sliced fennel with the fleur de sel, the super-good olive oil, and 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon juice in a large bowl.
• When the coals are broken down, red, and glowing, brush the fish with the regular extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the fish on the grill, and cook 2 to 3 minutes, rotating the fish once, until it's nicely colored on the first side. Turn the fish over, and cook a few more minutes, until it's almost cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish. When it's done, it will begin to flake and separate a little, but the center will still be slightly translucent. Remember, the halibut will continue to cook a bit more once you take it off the grill.
• While the fish is cooking, very gently toss the arugula and herbs with the fennel. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and taste. Arrange the salad on a large platter, place the fish on top, and spoon some of the Meyer lemon-green olive salsa over the halibut. Serve the remaining salsa on the side.
• Meyer Lemon-Green Olive Salsa
• Place the shallot, champagne vinegar, and a healthy pinch of salt in a small bowl, and let sit 5 minutes.
• Slice the stem and blossom ends from the Meyer lemons. Stand the lemons on one end, and cut them vertically into 1/8-inch slices. Stack the slices in small piles on a cutting board, and cut them lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks. Line up the matchsticks, and cut them into 1/8-inch cubes.
• Add the diced lemon to the shallot. Stir in the honey, olives, parsley, a pinch of pepper, and the olive oil. Taste for balance and seasoning.
• Note
• The halibut needs to be seasoned with lemon and herbs at least 4 hours ahead of time. You can pick the herbs and make the salsa a few hours ahead.

BABY POTATOES IN SEA SALT WITH HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a frying pan wide and deep enough so that they sit in an even layer (don't cut the baby potatoes in half, otherwise they will absorb the salt and be too salty to eat). Pour over just enough water to cover (about 300ml) and add the salt.
• Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 40 mins until the potatoes have cooked. When the water begins to evaporate, give the pan a shake to coat the potatoes in the salt. Once the water has gone completely and the potatoes are covered in a light salty crust, they are ready to serve.
• Meanwhile, make the herb salsa. Chop the herbs finely, tip into a bowl and mix in the vinegar, oil and garlic. Taste and season as required. Serve the potatoes with a little salsa drizzled over and the rest served separately for dipping.

HERB CRUSTED MONKFISH WITH ZUCCHINI SALSA

Steps:

• Method:
• To make the cilantro crust, process all the ingredients except the olive oil to a rough paste. With the processor motor still running, add the olive oil in a thin stream until well combined. Neatly spread a tablespoon of the crust over one side of the fish fillets and set aside.
• To make the salsa, simply combine all ingredients gently together.
• Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan and pan fry the fish fillets on a medium heat until the crust is golden and the fish just cooked through.
• To serve:
• Serve the fish with the zucchini salsa over the top and a fresh potato salad.

PAN-SEARED BRANZINO WITH HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Mince the anchovies, capers, garlic and red pepper flakes together on a cutting board, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and mash into a paste using the flat side of a chef's knife. Transfer to a food processor along with the parsley, mint and marjoram. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth; transfer to a medium bowl.
• Toast the fennel seeds in a skillet over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and crush with the bottom of a small skillet. Combine with 1/4 cup of the herb mixture and the herbes de Provence in a small bowl. Put the fish fillets in a shallow dish and brush with the fennel seed-herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours.
• Meanwhile, add the lemon juice, bell pepper and cucumbers to the remaining herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Heat 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat. Brush the excess marinade off the fish. Working in batches, add the fish to the skillets, skin-side up, and cook until browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip the fillets, pressing with a spatula to sear the skin, and cook 2 more minutes. Serve with the herb salsa and lemon wedges.

THREE-DAY, TWICE-COOKED PORK ROAST WITH FRIED-HERB SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Day 1: Prep the pork:
• Place pork shoulder on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with 1 tablespoon each kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Cover pork with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Day 2: Cook the pork:
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Heat a large heavy pot (such as a Dutch oven) over high; add 1/4 cup oil, onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to sizzle; reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, herbs, and spices and sauté for 1 minute more. Add the wine and bring to a simmer.
• Place the pork on top of the aromatics and add enough stock or water to come halfway up the pork. Bring liquid to a simmer, and then cover pot with a lid or a couple layers of foil.
• Transfer pot to oven and cook for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 325°F and cook until the meat is quite tender, about 3 hours. (To test for doneness, insert a slender, sharp knife into the middle of the roast; it should pull out easily.)
• When meat is cooked, transfer it to a separate container, reserving the pan juices. Set a colander over a large bowl, and strain the pan juice into the bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Let strained pan juices until fat rises to the top, about 5 minutes. With a small ladle, skim off and discard the fat. Pour the skimmed, strained pan juices over the pork and let cool to room temperature; cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Day 3: Crisp the pork and make the sauce:
• One hour before you're ready to serve the pork, remove the meat from its cooking liquid and cut (while still cold) into neat 1-inch slices; set aside. Pour cooking liquid in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer and reduce by a third. Season to taste, cover, and keep warm.
• While your pork comes to room temperature, prepare the salsa verde. Line a large plate with a paper towel, and place it next to the stove, alongside a slotted spoon or "spider" spatula. In a small skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. When the oil starts to look swirly, drop in a single rosemary leaf to test for readiness: if it sinks quietly to the bottom, the oil's not ready. When a leaf sizzles, but not in a frantic way, you are ready to fry.
• Add the rosemary leaves to the oil and fry until the sizzling subsides, about 1 minute. Using the slotted spoon or spider, scoop the herbs from the oil and place the on the paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat with the sage leaves in the same oil; remove skillet from heat.
• On a cutting board, gather the parsley leaves into a ball, holding them down on the cutting board as if they were trying to run away. Slice this parsley bundle thinly, as if it were a single vegetable. As you slice, the ball will come apart, but just bunch it back together as best you can, keep slicing, and you'll have a nice head start on the chopping that remains. Anchor the tip of the knife to the cutting board and use a paper cutter-like motion to chop away at your pile. Go over it a couple of times, then slide the knife under, like a spatula, and flip it over. Continue chopping and flipping until the parsley is finely chopped; transfer to a medium bowl.
• Render the garlic a paste by either pounding it in a mortar with a pinch of salt, or with a knife on a cutting board, again with salt. When the garlic is almost a thick liquid, transfer it the bowl with the parsley; add the fried herbs and the olive oil. Stir salsa verde to combine, adding more salt or oil as needed.
• To serve:
• Heat a grill, grill pan, griddle, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, coat the grill or pan with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Working in batches and adding more oil as needed, cook until well browned and crispy on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
• Pour the reduced pan juices onto a serving platter with the pork (but not over the slices or they will lose some crispness) and arrange pork slices on top. Serve with salsa verde spooned over the top, or served alongside.

HERB POACHED CHICKEN WITH OLIVE SALSA OVER BASMATI RICE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice the root end off the entire head of garlic and turn it upside down, wrap it in aluminum foil and mold the foil so it supports the garlic to allow the cut end to stand upright in the oven. Pour 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil on the garlic so it slips between the skin and the cloves and wrap with the foil so it is enclosed. Roast for about 1 hour and set aside until it is cool enough to handle.
• To make the olive salsa for the chicken topping, in a small bowl combine the tomato, basil, parsley, peppercorns, olives and 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from the skins into the mixture. Fold everything together and set aside to let flavors integrate.
• For the rice accompaniment to the chicken, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir in the basmati rice, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper, allowing rice to toast for a few minutes. Then add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer covered and undisturbed for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
• In a large saute pan, heat the chicken broth over medium high heat. Add the basil, tarragon and parsley, bring to a boil to integrate flavors, then reduce heat. This is your poaching liquid. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper, rubbing the seasoning in, and place the chicken in simmering poaching liquid. (Remember, you are poaching, not boiling. The liquid should be kept at a simmer.) Poach chicken until cooked through, about 10 minutes, turning breasts midway through cooking period. Remove to paper towels to drain.
• Spoon some basmati rice onto serving plate, top with a piece of chicken, and spoon olive salsa over chicken. Garnish with baby carrots.

ADOBO HERB SALSA

Steps:

• In a bowl, toss together the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, adobo sauce, tarragon, and vinegar. Season to taste with salt, cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

BAKED HERB OMELET WITH FRUIT SALSA

Steps:

• In large glass or plastic bowl, mix all salsa ingredients. Refrigerate until serving time.
• Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch glass pie plate or spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle onion and cheese in pie plate. In blender, place all remaining omelet ingredients. Cover and blend on medium-high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into pie plate.
• Bake uncovered about 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with salsa.

HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
• Warm gently before spooning on fish or vegetables.