We try to stick pretty closely to home improvement and decorating related content, but when we saw this little five dollar salsa kit at the farmer’s market we immediately loved the “homey” feeling it gave us. And it was a DIY project of sorts. We also thought it would make an adorable hostess or housewarming gift. Who knew tossing salsa ingredients into a decorative basket or bowl could be so darn cute?
After happily handing five dollars over in return for some locally grown salsa ingredients, John sweetly asked if it came with any directions. The response? Just chop everything up and let it stand for an hour. It doesn’t get much easier than that. So we stopped for some tortilla chips and got to work whipping up our homemade salsa as soon as we got home.
It took about fifteen minutes for us to chop up the varied collection of tomatoes along with the garlic and the onion (and we only used half of the jalapeño because we’re wusses). Before we knew it we had a multi-colored bowl of goodness staring us in the face.
And what’s that bowl in the background of the photo above? That’s what I like to call John’s Rachael Ray bowl. He likes to use a regular old cereal bowl to collect the skin and ends of all the stuff we chop to keep the counter and the cutting board nice and clean. Didn’t I hit the jackpot when I married my little chef? It’s also nice because it easily allows us to pick out the stuff we can compost and then dump the rest of it in the garbage in one fell swoop. Another bowl bonus? Using it to collect the waste while we cook keeps the base cabinet where we store our garbage pail and compost container much cleaner since we only open it once at the end of the project instead of constantly tossing things in the trash with dirty hands as we go.
But back to the salsa at hand. After our chop fest we just let it sit for an hour or so in the fridge and then it was fiesta time.
So what do you guys think? Wouldn’t a DIY salsa kit make a cute little gift for a friend? Or a sweet little date night activity? And while we’re on the subject of DIY meals, do you have any other favorite snacks or meals to whip up in a snap that still feel special and fun? Do tell. We also love making s’mores in our backyard firepit… and come to think of it a s’mores kit would also be a great gift. Gotta love DIY projects that result in a delicious treat.
lauren says
What are all the different vegetables? I can make out the obvious ones, but what about the tiny circular yellow things? And are those green tomatoes? Super cute gift idea.
Sarah says
Sherry! I’m also from Richmond… which farmer’s market did you get this from? i love this idea and would love to pick some up for the weekend!
Erika says
Love the salsa kit idea!! A nice way to give veggies out of your garden as well.
Amy V says
YUM! What a fabulous idea, and such cute simple packaging goes a long way.
One question- How much of the garlic did you guys use? 2 or so cloves?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s the million dollar question, Lauren! We realized we had no idea when we got home what everything was. Besides the jalapeno, garlic and onion, everything else just seemed to be a different variety of tomato. But if any tomato experts out there can help us identify each we’d love it. We’re so curious.
Sarah, we got these from from Amy’s Garden at the South of the James Farmer’s Market in Forrest Hill Park. It’s open on Saturday mornings and Amy’s booth is usually at the far end.
Amy V – I think we ended up using 2 or 3 cloves of garlic, though probably would’ve been safe with another. The guy who sold it to us said some people use the whole thing!
-John
Autumn says
So cute! We just made homemade tacos recently and whipped up our own salsa and guacamole–that would be adorable as a gift.
When we’re super hungry and haven’t been able to grocery shop much but need to whip up dinner, we find we usually have breakfast ingredients on hand. So we have what we call “AM in the PM”–we whip up french toast or pancakes, have some eggs and bacon, a cup of fresh fruit or whatever mix of breakfast ingredients we have and have a quick, fun and easy meal. I love breakfast food but am not always that hungry in the morning so I love getting a chance to eat it for dinner.
Laura@JourneyChic says
That is such a cute (and tasty) idea!
SFDC says
This is such a smart idea for a hostess gift.
The yellow-ish green ones look like tomatillos to me.
Jenny says
If you want a neat little sweet addition to your salsa, add peaches, dried pineapple(the kind you get in the store that’s sugar coated, and a little cilantro. My friends and I make this and we can’t stop eating it!
Christascafe says
I will totally make my own salsa kids for a gift along with a Pampered Chef Food Chopper (a great invention). It will simplify the chopping process and make this salsa extra easy to make. This is also an awesome budget friendly way to give an housewarming gift. Thanks for the idea.
Kelly says
I bet a salsa-garden-in-a-pot would make a good Spring housewarming gift for someone who doesn’t have room for a garden. Just a simple salsa – tomato, jalapeno, onion, maybe garlic. Few enough things so you don’t need too giant of a pot.
Amanda says
For those that are interested, I’ve noticed a similar salsa kit, and a guac kit, at Trader Joes in Northern VA. I know a new Trader Joes opened up in the Short Pump area in Richmond, might be worth checking out!
Laura says
Oooh, that looks soo yummy! Need to find a farmer’s market somewhere other than IN D.C. You’ve inspired me!
Beth says
That is too cute. We always made salsa as a family growing up….It was soo fun! I can’t beleive y’all only used half of the jalapeno! That is exactly the opposite of our house. We would have used 2! HA!
Hope you enjoyed it!
Lori H says
I love Amy’s Garden booth at the farmer’s market. I think the yellow tomatoes are SunGold cherry tomatoes – yummy. The green ones might be Zebra, if they have some stripes (can’t tell from the pic). And of course, the smaller red ones are some variety of Romas, maybe Juliettes? That’s what my parents grow. The salsa looks yummy. I have to have cilantro and lime juice in mine, though.
Jenna says
What a great idea! I LOVE it! Will definitely file this away in the “gift idea” file. Thanks!
Laura V says
So what’s the verdict? Was it any good? :)
Carmen says
I am all about the guacamole this summer. Can’t get enough of it. It’s so easy, quick and yummy.
Kendra says
I’ve bought a salsa kit like this from Trader Joe’s before. I’m not sure if they’re still doing it but I always loved the idea & it turned out great!
Chelsea says
Trader Joes has salsa kits and guac kits as well. And Im thinking they were pretty cheap too! My hubby always adds a can of pinto beans, a can of corn, a bunch of cilantro, and a dash of sugar to his salsa kit…and it comes with us to every potluck were invited to. We were actually thinking about canning it for Christmas presents this year! My hubby is so domesticated!
Jamie says
You guys have just made me SO hungry!
Our Trader Joes does both salsa kits and guacamole kits. Although I think it would be super cute to package them up cutely. This buy a motar and pestle (from Target) and pile up all the gauc ingredients in there.
Around Christmas I give fudge kits with my grandmas recipes.
Susan the shoppe owner says
Someone at my old farmer’s market in Irvine used to do those little kits, too! And Trader Joe’s often does a guacamole one for pretty cheap.
BTW, I love your new bedroom ceiling! Quite a lovely upgrade – and what a deal!
Jackie L. says
This is such a cute idea! Kudos to the F.M. stand owner who packaged it up that way. Thanks for sharing. One of my fave little snacks is taking a slice of salami, adding a bit of cream cheese in the middle, then adding a few sliced pepperchini’s. Fold the salami in half, and if you are making a bunch secure it with a toothpick. I don’t usually get that far though, because I pop em right in my mouth!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip on the Trader Joe’s salsa kits everyone. Hopefully they’ll still be around as a backup when the Farmer’s Market is closed for the season.
And Laura V – the verdict = great! It was a perfect popcorn substitute for watching “I Love You, Man” on Sunday (which had some great inspiration rooms by the way).
-John
Jenn R. says
Wow, I’m so hungry now. I think I’ll have to pick up some salsa and chips on the way home!
LauraC says
Hubby and I are salsa/guacamole loving freaks!!! We make our own salsa only occasionally, but always make our own guacamole. Never thought of it as a DIY though, just fresh food! Yours sure looks delish!
megan says
I love this idea! I have been searching for a good salsa recipe. We could eat salsa everyday!
Tish says
Did anybody else notice they spelled tonight wrong? I hate that I always notice those things (and that they bug me)!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tish – Funny, we didn’t spot that ’til right now (and we are – well, Sherry is – usually on high alert for those things). Good eye! Apparently we were too distracted by the spread of veggies to notice. But I’m willing to give them a pass on their spelling if they keep dishing delicious salsa my way.
-John
patti says
love it! the Trader Joe’s near me has the DIY guacamole kit. it’s absolutely perfect. comes with everything you need to make the best guac ever!
Molly says
Okay…now my mouth is watering!!! That DIY salsa idea is ingenious! :) I LOVE CHIPS AND DIP!!! :)
Donita says
One question, did the jalepeno burn your hands? My friends make salsa alot, they tell me that the jalepeno is murder on your skin. ;-)
We do baskets alot for gifts….one of my favorites was for a December wedding, I handmade some ornaments, put in two christmas mugs with cocoa, a box of white lights, a package of candy cane striped napkins, some baked goods, several other items that would work great for a newly married couples first Christmas. The couple tell me every year that they remember their basket, and still use all the things from it. The bride said it was nice to return from honeymoon and have some things to start decorating their home for Christmas.
We have also done themed meals, like everything for lasagna, with bread etc. :-) Hope it helps!!! hee hee *you make me smile Sherry*
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Donita,
Good question! Actually the jalepeno didn’t burn our hands (maybe it had thick skin or wasn’t a particularly strong one) but it definitely left a red mark on my tongue after it was cut open and I licked it on a dare. Ouchie.
xo,
s
Donita says
DONE* themed meals *what an backwoods thing to say LOL*
WE MADE BASKETS WITH MEALS!!! ;-)
Donita says
I GIVE UP. LOL TIRED!!!!
Kate says
Salsa is a wonderful thing in high tomato season! Ours is simple: diced fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, garlic, lime, cilantro, salt mixed to taste.
You can also make salsa in the winter, too. Just use a can of diced tomatoes in place of the fresh and blend it in the food processor or blender.
Another easy gift idea is hummus in a bag: package of dried garbanzos (have to be soaked/cooked) or a can of them, head of garlic, tiny bottle olive oil, tin of tahini, salt. Throw in to the food processor or blender and whirl away until smooth – mmmm!
Sophie says
Yum! Although I have to say…. no salt or pepper? You need salt!
Miranda says
I’m with Tish…bothers me, too!
As to the salsa, I like mine with lots of fresh cilantro and not watery. I think the key is to seed the tomatoes first?
Loriana says
Oh wow that is such an awesome idea! Going to try this.
BTW Tish & Miranda, “tonite” is actually a slang spelling of tonight. Perhaps they were trying to be hip with those veggie baskets lol.
micah says
mmmmmm… homemade salsa makes me happy :)
totally off the subject, but can someone tell me how you get your picture to show up in your comments?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Micah,
Here’s an old post about getting a picture to show up when you comment. https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/03/bloggy-bonuses/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
srabee says
why so overpriced? because its on a basket? that little batch should cost no more than $2. and im sorry you cannot have salsa without cilantro. thumbs down on your salsa.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Srabee,
We happily support our local farmers so paying $5 for the experience of enjoying a variety of locally grown organic and pesticide free veggies was totally worth it to us. To each his own, right?
xo,
s
Powered by Tofu says
I love seeing DIY salsa kits! They’re quite cutesy, great for a gift (I wouldn’t buy it for myself, as all included items are already staples in my veg kitchen!).
Oh and the tomatoes just look like a mix of roma, grape and cherry.
Sevi says
Ok this recipe is my fav. Works with anything, with pasta or rice. Smells garlic a lot and it is really colorful, so it looks like something special lol!! I can cook this even for important guests or for just the two of us in 5 mins!
Put some butter in a frying pan or in a wok. When it melts, add A LOT of tiny chopped garlic, at least 8-10 cloves. Before they go brown or crispy, make sure you add sliced chicken, chest preferably. Chicken gets moisty and this is the time you add curry, A LOT again. I use yellow curry and it is not hot. This dish should look very very yellow so try not to use other spices. After chicken is cooked, ta ta, it is ready to serve. It only takes less than 5 mins to cook it.
Actually this is my husband’s recipe. He had learned it when he was doing tour leading in Thailand. Then he cooked it for me and stole my heart. That night was a dream but we both stinked! :D
Pamela says
That was such a great marketing idea for them! I don’t think it would work here in SE Texas because everyone makes their own all the time, but good for them! They do need to add fresh cilantro to it though. The taste is just all wrong without it (I’ve tried before).
While you’re on the latin kick, you should try guacamole. My easy recipe is 1 avacado (really ripe), 1 clove garlic, 1 tomato, 1 jalapeno or 2 serrano peppers, 1/4 bunch cilantro and salt/pepper/lime to taste.
sarah { a beach cottage } says
good for you for supporting local and organic and yep I’d pay a little extra just for the whole experience…
love salsa, it’s just literally hit Spring here in our little beach cottage Down Under so hmmm salsa hits the note
btw just found your site, thanks for the inspo, I’d got a trifle stale in my fixer-upper but you’ve got me ready for stage II
keep up the good work
Sarah
Carol from Indian Springs says
This is perfect posting just in time for football season and watching your favorite college team this weekend. Hubby and I are hosting game night on Friday so this will defenitely be on the menu to munch on while playing some serious Monopoly!
Mandi says
It is a great gift idea. I think the salsa probably would benefit from a little lime juice, salt (just a bit) and maybe a drizzle of good Spanish olive oil, though.
Sarah says
Wow that is such a cute idea! It reminds me of the cookie mixes people make for one another around Christmas time and put in the pretty jars! I love this kind of stuff. This is really funny timing (maybe not because it is the perfect time to pick tomatoes) but my mom has been canning tomatoes like crazy and yesterday she whipped some salsa of our very own to can for all year long. My dad has a tomato garden and we’ve been eating tomatoes like they’re going out of season…
jbhat says
Again with the love for this idea. I used to make a mean salsa, with a serrano pepper, even–not wimpy here–but sort of forgot all about it. I’m going to have to whip some up before the weather changes and the good tomatoes are not to be had. PS–The secret ingredient in mine is a pinch or two of sugar.
Sonja says
My daughter picked up the New Zealand slang “bowl of sick” from a family friend. Although it’s supposed to mean a hot mess, she insists on referring to my version of the Rachael Ray bowl as the kitchen’s bowl-o-sick.
The closest DIY meal I’ve given as a gift was for a friend moving into a new apartment. She requested the recipe for my spaghetti sauce and I decided to prepare it for her. I presented the sauce in a 8oz. canning mason jar with a bag of fun Campanelle pasta, a wedge of lovely Parmigiano-Reggiano, a loaf of homemade rosemary italian bread and bottle of Merlot in a blue speckled pasta pot. It was a little pricey but she still talks about the gift years later.
Chrissy says
That’s a good idea for people who are hard to buy material things for but don’t have sweet tooths (teeth?) since usually baked goods are the go-to gift staple.
One question: Sherry, is John a designer/artist as well as you? Did you have to “train” him (no offense John) to like decorating? I’ve read you went to art school, but I’m just surprised a guy is that into decorating! And he comes up with good ideas!! My fiance is an artist like me (and his name is also John =)), but he would rather dust his Star Wars collection than give an opinion on the best Ikea table.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Chrissy,
Mind if I field your question? I’m not quite the fine artist that Sherry is, but I still consider myself a creative person. It’s probably our shared love of creativity (in whatever form) that made us such a good match in the first place. We realized early in our relationship that designing our homes (well, apartments at the time) was something that we were both interested in and could enjoy together. Sure, Sherry’s probably gotten me more involved in the more feminine side of design (fabrics, flowers, ceramic animals) but I’m happy to take interest in it so that we can have equal pull when it comes to what our house looks like. If you want more of my musings on being a husband to a design enthusiast, check out this post (Putting the “Men” Back in Home Improvement) and this post (Have Husband, Will Decorate).
But yes, there are times when I’d rather go out for a run than say, um, paint a ceiling. :)
-John
Sallyill says
Cool. Our farmer’s market had DIY tomatillo salsa kits last summer – with tomatillos, jalepeno, garlic, and a recipe. It gave us the push to try cooking with tomatillos for the first time. Now we buy them and make yummy salsa verde!
Allison says
Trader Joes sells a Guacamole kit that is very similar. It comes with 2 avocados, 2 plum tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeno, and a lime. The best part is that it is $2.99!!! It is one of my favorites. Add a little kosher salt and some pepper and it is the perfect treat!