Description
This easy homemade salsa recipe uses fresh tomatoes and simple ingredients for a bold, zesty, and garden-fresh flavor. Perfect as a dip, topping, or side for any occasion, it’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds (about 3 cups) fresh tomatoes, diced (Roma or plum preferred)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- Optional: Extra Roma tomatoes for chunkier salsa
- Optional: 1 avocado, diced (add just before serving)
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked corn
Instructions
- Wash and dry the tomatoes. Remove cores and chop into small, even pieces (about 1/4-inch dice). For thicker salsa, scoop out some seeds and watery pulp.
- Finely dice the red onion and jalapeño pepper (remove seeds for milder salsa). Chop the cilantro and mince the garlic.
- Add the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic to a large mixing bowl.
- Squeeze in the lime juice. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- For a chunkier salsa, serve as is. For a restaurant-style salsa, transfer about 1/3 of the mixture to a food processor or blender and pulse a few times, then stir back into the bowl.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lime, or jalapeño as needed. Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are tart.
- Cover and let the salsa rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes (or refrigerate up to 1 hour) to let flavors meld.
- Serve in a bowl, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
For best texture, use firm, ripe tomatoes and chop all ingredients evenly. Letting the salsa rest before serving allows flavors to meld. Adjust heat by adding or reducing jalapeño. If salsa is watery, drain excess liquid or serve with a slotted spoon. Add-ins like avocado or corn should be added just before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 100g)
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Keywords: salsa, fresh tomato salsa, homemade salsa, garden salsa, easy salsa, Mexican dip, summer appetizer, vegan salsa, gluten-free salsa, healthy salsa