Traditional Salsa

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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This traditional salsa recipe is a burst of fresh flavors that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want a zesty topping for your tacos, this salsa’s got you covered.

Ingredients for Traditional Salsa

Tomatoes are the heart of the salsa, offering a juicy, slightly sweet base. Go for ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor. Red onion adds a mild, crisp bite, while the cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note. Jalapeños provide the heat – adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Garlic contributes a pungent, aromatic depth. Lime juice ties everything together with a bright, tangy finish, while salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor. A touch of sugar balances the acidity and heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smokier flavor, try roasting the tomatoes and jalapeños before dicing them.
  • If you like your salsa extra chunky, use a variety of tomato sizes and cut them unevenly.
  • Keep a few seeds from the jalapeños if you want to up the spice level without adding more peppers.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips as a classic snack. It’s also a fantastic topping for grilled chicken or fish, adding a fresh, zesty layer to your dish. Try it in tacos or as a side for scrambled eggs to start your day with a flavorful kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are best for this recipe, but you can use canned in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well.
How long will this salsa keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last about 3-4 days.
Can I make this salsa in advance?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after a day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Traditional Salsa Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving those tomatoes a good wash. Dice them into small chunks; if you’re not a fan of too much juice, feel free to scoop out the seeds. This step is all about your texture preference. Move on to the red onion, finely chopping it to keep the flavor evenly distributed without overpowering the salsa.

Next, grab your cilantro and chop it up. There’s no need to be too precise here – rustic cuts work just fine. For the jalapeños, remove the seeds if you're aiming for less heat, then mince them finely. The heat level is your choice, so feel free to leave the seeds in if you love a kick.

Mince the garlic cloves until they’re almost paste-like – this helps them blend seamlessly into the salsa. Now, toss everything into a large bowl. Add the lime juice, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix everything well. You want all those flavors to mingle and become friends.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making that first bite even more spectacular.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with fresh, simple ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
  • Versatile enough to pair with chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for various dishes.
  • Customizable heat level to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced
1 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Wash and dice the tomatoes, removing seeds if desired.
2. Finely chop the red onion and cilantro.
3. Mince the jalapeños and garlic.
4. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
5. Add lime juice, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
6. Mix well until combined.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

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