Fresh Tomato Salsa

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Fresh Tomato Salsa is a vibrant, tangy delight that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Perfect for dipping or topping, it's a simple and refreshing way to elevate your meal with bold, zesty flavors.

Ingredients for Fresh Tomato Salsa

Tomatoes are the star of this salsa, offering juicy texture and natural sweetness. Opt for ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavor. Red onion adds a sharp, crisp bite that complements the tomatoes. The cilantro brings a fresh, herby note that is essential for authentic salsa. Lime juice provides the acid that brightens and balances the dish. Garlic adds an aromatic depth, while the jalapeño introduces a gentle heat. Salt and black pepper round out the flavors, enhancing each ingredient’s natural taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your salsa feels too watery, strain it lightly before serving.
  • For a smoky twist, try roasting the tomatoes and jalapeño before chopping.
  • Use a food processor for a smoother texture, but be careful not to over-process.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa shines as a topping for tacos or grilled chicken. It's also fantastic served alongside tortilla chips as a snack. Try spooning it over scrambled eggs for a zesty breakfast twist, or mix it into a salad for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are best for this recipe, but in a pinch, canned tomatoes can work. Drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
How long does the salsa last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should keep for about 3-5 days.

Fresh Tomato Salsa Recipe Walkthrough

Start by dicing the tomatoes into small cubes. You want the pieces to be uniform so the salsa has a nice consistency. Place the diced tomatoes in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Next, finely chop your red onion — the finer, the better, to avoid overwhelming chunks in each bite. Add the onion to the bowl with the tomatoes.

Chop the cilantro, stems and all, until you have a quarter cup. This gives the salsa a wonderfully fresh taste. Toss that into the mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice from a lime, ensuring no seeds sneak in, and pour it over the mixture. Mince a teaspoon of garlic and add it in.

Now, take your jalapeño. If you like a milder heat, remove all the seeds and membranes before chopping it finely. If you’re a heat seeker, leave a few seeds in. Add the jalapeño to the bowl. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over everything.

Grab a spoon and stir it all together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a more cohesive taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with fresh ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of acidity, heat, and freshness.
  • Versatile enough for tacos, chips, or grilled meats.
  • Customizable to suit your spice preference.

Ingredients

2 cups diced ripe tomatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, jalapeño, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir all ingredients until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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