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Salsa Recipe: The Best Fresh Tomato Version You’ll Ever Try


  • Author: Erin
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups (8 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This vibrant Fresh Tomato Salsa is the perfect balance of fresh, zesty flavors that will elevate any meal! Made with ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, and aromatic cilantro, this homemade salsa is infinitely better than store-bought versions. The secret to perfect texture is draining the tomatoes to prevent watery salsa, ensuring every bite is packed with concentrated flavor. Perfect for chips, tacos, grilled meats, or any dish that needs a fresh kick!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3½ cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 28-ounce can diced tomatoes)
  • ¼ small onion
  • ⅓ cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Drain the Tomatoes: Chop the tomatoes and place them in a fine-mesh strainer for 5 minutes. This crucial step drains excess liquid so the salsa won’t be too watery. Discard the drained liquid.
  2. Blend the Ingredients: Add the drained tomatoes and all remaining ingredients (onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, cumin, salt, pepper, and sugar) to a blender or food processor.
  3. Pulse to Desired Consistency: Pulse the mixture until you reach your preferred texture – chunky for rustic salsa or smooth for a more refined consistency.
  4. Store and Serve: Transfer to a clean jar or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Roma tomatoes work particularly well due to their lower water content. Adjust heat level by adding more or less jalapeño, or include the seeds for extra spice. Texture Control: For chunkier salsa, pulse briefly; for smoother salsa, blend longer. Make-Ahead: Salsa tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as flavors develop and meld together. Serving Suggestions: Perfect with tortilla chips, on tacos, grilled chicken, fish, or eggs.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup (1/8th of recipe)
  • Calories: 15
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: fresh tomato salsa, homemade salsa, cilantro lime salsa, easy salsa recipe