Classic Garden Salsa

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Classic Garden Salsa is a fresh, zesty companion to many of your favorite dishes. It's a simple recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of your garden straight to your table. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just snacking, this salsa is a must-have!

Ingredients for Classic Garden Salsa

Tomatoes: These are the star of the show, bringing sweetness and juiciness. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key for the best flavor.

Red Onion: Adds a sharp bite and a bit of crunch. It's milder than white onions, which makes it perfect for salsa.

Cilantro: Offers a fresh, citrusy note. If you're not a fan, you can reduce the amount or substitute with parsley.

Jalapeño: Provides a moderate level of heat. Adjust the amount to your taste, or leave the seeds in for more spice.

Garlic: Adds depth and richness. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use jarred if you're in a pinch.

Lime Juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste. Adjust to your preference.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use the freshest ingredients for the best results. Fresh tomatoes and cilantro make a world of difference.
  • If you're short on time, make the salsa the night before. It tastes even better the next day!
  • To tone down the onion's sharpness, rinse the chopped onion under cold water before adding it to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips for a classic snack. It's also a great topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. Try it spooned over a bowl of rice for a quick, flavorful meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but in a pinch, canned tomatoes can work. Just make sure to drain them well.
How long will the salsa keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salsa should last about 3-5 days.
What if I don't like cilantro?
You can substitute cilantro with parsley or simply leave it out. The salsa will still be delicious!

Classic Garden Salsa Recipe Walkthrough

Start by dicing 2 medium tomatoes. The size of the dice is up to you, but smaller pieces will blend better with the other ingredients. Place them in a medium-sized bowl.

Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion to the bowl. The finer you chop it, the better it will integrate without overpowering the salsa.

Next, chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. If you're a cilantro fan, feel free to add a bit more. Toss it into the bowl with the tomatoes and onions.

Take 1 jalapeño, remove the seeds to keep the heat manageable, and mince it finely. Add to the mixture. Remember, if you like it spicier, leave some seeds in.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl. Fresh garlic really makes a difference here!

Pour 1 tablespoon of lime juice over the mixture, then sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure the lime juice and seasonings are evenly distributed.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Once chilled, your salsa is ready to serve! Enjoy it as a dip or a topping.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors with a hint of heat.
  • Great for using up fresh garden produce.
  • Versatile enough to pair with various dishes.

Ingredients

2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic.
2. Add the lime juice, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled as a dip or topping.

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