Traditional Tomato Salsa

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
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Salsa is the life of the party when it comes to dips, and this Traditional Tomato Salsa is a staple you’ll want to keep on hand. With fresh, vibrant flavors and a bit of a kick, it’s perfect for nearly any occasion, from casual gatherings to family dinners.

Ingredients for Traditional Tomato Salsa

The star of the show here is, of course, the tomatoes. They bring that juicy, fresh base that every good salsa needs. The onions add a bit of crunch and a sharpness that cuts through the other flavors. Then we have cilantro, which infuses a fresh, herbaceous aroma that’s essential for authentic salsa. Don’t skip the garlic — it adds depth and complexity. Our jalapeño pepper introduces a bit of heat, making the salsa exciting without overwhelming your taste buds. Lime juice ties everything together with its tangy brightness, and a dash of salt enhances all these flavors, bringing them into harmony.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a chunkier salsa, cut your tomatoes into larger pieces.
  • If you prefer milder heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
  • Use a serrated knife to chop tomatoes; it works better than a straight blade.
  • Let the salsa sit overnight for an even deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa is fantastic with tortilla chips for a simple snack. It’s also a great topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or as a side for scrambled eggs. You could even mix it into cooked rice for a quick and flavorful side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh is best for this recipe, but in a pinch, you can use canned. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid watery salsa.
How long will this salsa last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should stay fresh for about 4-5 days.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
Feel free to leave it out or replace it with fresh parsley for a different flavor.

Traditional Tomato Salsa Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl; you’ll want plenty of room to mix everything without making a mess. First, toss in your chopped tomatoes and diced onions. The key here is to chop them finely enough that they’re easily scoopable on a chip, but not so fine that you end up with a mush.

Next, add the cilantro, garlic, and jalapeño. Make sure your jalapeño is finely chopped, especially if you’re serving this to folks who might be sensitive to spice. You can always add more heat, but it’s hard to take it out once it's in there!

Pour in the lime juice, making sure it’s evenly distributed, and then sprinkle the salt over the top. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything.

Once mixed, cover the bowl with a lid or some plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Letting it chill for at least 30 minutes is crucial — it gives all those flavors time to mingle and develop into something truly delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten any dish.
  • Quick and simple preparation — no cooking required!
  • Perfect balance of heat and tanginess.
  • Versatile enough to complement a wide variety of dishes.

Ingredients

3 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup diced onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes and diced onions.
2. Add the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño peppers to the mixture.
3. Pour in the lime juice and sprinkle with salt.
4. Stir everything together until well mixed.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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