Easy Bloody Mary Salsa to Celebrate National Nutrition Month!

 
 
Happy National Nutrition Month! You didn't know? I wouldn't have either if I hadn't gotten an email from the PR firm for Red Pack tomato products. Was I interested in trying the brand for National Nutrition Month? My answer was a hearty YES!  

Strolling (okay, dashing most harried evenings) through the canned veggie aisles at the local grocery store, bright red cans of Red Pack tomatoes have always been a trusted sight and brand. I couldn't wait to get the package.

What did I get in the mail, but a GREAT BIG can of Red Pack products and a handy selection of kitchen tools to help celebrate the month. Thank you, Red Pack!
I couldn't wait to play with the new fun stuff...what would I make...what would be as much fun as the can, with the removable lid, that everything was packed into? Bloody Marys! Too early in the day? Well now, how about Bloody Mary Salsa instead. 

BIG CAN! Can opener, pasta server, magnets, pot holder, magnets and Red Pack tomatoes!

All the flavors and heat of my beloved favorite cocktail were combined anew in a low cal, high in lycopene, high in Vitamins A and C, fiber-filled dip that's easy to make for drop-in company. I always have a can of diced tomatoes on the shelf and there's always fresh onion, garlic and celery in the pantry. Instant party!

The juice that's reserved in the recipe? You know I don't waste anything. AND you know my favorite cocktail. No surprise at all that juice went into a brand new Bloody Mary mix, is there? My new mix is one with a somewhat south of the border flair using guajillo and jalapeno peppers, a touch of smoky cumin, a little garlic...oh, and instead of vodka? Tequila! That recipe will be coming up very soon. 

In the meantime, check out the Red Pack website for lots more good-for-you recipes to help celebrate National Nutrition month in style!

Red Pack Bloody Mary Salsa

• 2 cups Red Pack canned diced tomatoes in juice, drained well (reserve juice for another purpose) You should have approx. 2 C. tomatoes
• 1 stalk celery, diced small
• 2 tablespoons onion, finely minced
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (be sure it's gluten free to make this GF)
• 1 teaspoon tabasco sauce
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon vodka, you know this is optional...I just had to put in a bit to make it REAL! Feel free to leave it out.
• salt and pepper, to taste - be sure it's freshly ground black pepper!

Combine all the above ingredients well. Refrigerate for an hour or so to mellow and meld the flavors. Serve with corn chips!
 
NOTE: Want to make this with fresh, glorious summer tomatoes from your garden? Go ahead! The Red Pack version above can be made all year round, no waiting for in-season tomatoes!

Try using Bloody Mary Salsa on eggs or huevos rancheros in the morning, too!

Wondering why I used fresh garlic AND granulated garlic? Fresh celery AND celery salt? Flavor layering. Puts more of a punch into the depth of flavors. Try the technique in your own recipes!