Easy Fresh Tomato Salsa

Discovering the Perfect Salsa

My Favorite is Fresh Tomato Salsa and I remember the first time I truly appreciated the beauty of fresh tomato salsa. It was a sunny afternoon during one of our family barbecues. I watched as my grandmother effortlessly chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños with a skill that only years of practice could hone. Her movements were precise, and the vibrant colors of the ingredients captured my attention. I was intrigued by how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so flavorful and refreshing. It was then that I knew I wanted to learn her secret to making the perfect salsa.

Learning from the Best

Determined to recreate my grandmother’s masterpiece, I asked her to teach me the recipe. She smiled warmly and began guiding me through each step. We started with Roma tomatoes, which she insisted were the best for their firm texture and rich flavor. Next, she showed me how to finely chop the white onion and mince the jalapeño pepper, ensuring just the right amount of heat. The juice of a lime, she explained, would add a tangy brightness that tied all the flavors together. Finally, we chopped fresh cilantro, which added a burst of freshness to the salsa.

Perfecting the Recipe

As we mixed all the ingredients in a bowl, my grandmother taught me a crucial step: letting the salsa rest. She explained that allowing it to sit for an hour would let the flavors meld together, making the salsa even more delicious. I patiently waited, and when the time was up, we tasted our creation. The result was a vibrant, zesty salsa that was perfect with tortilla chips. Each bite was a delightful combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, spicy jalapeños, and refreshing cilantro. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make something so delicious.

Sharing the Joy

Since that day, I’ve made Fresh Tomato Salsa countless times, each time thinking of my grandmother and her kitchen filled with the scent of fresh ingredients. I love sharing this recipe with friends and family, whether at summer barbecues or simple weekday meals. It’s always a hit, and I enjoy watching others discover the joy of homemade salsa. This recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a reminder of the simple pleasures in life and the importance of sharing good food with loved ones.

Chef’s Notes- Fresh Tomato Salsa

• Choose ripe but firm Roma tomatoes to ensure your salsa has the perfect balance of juiciness and texture. Overripe tomatoes can make the salsa too watery.
• Uniformly dice the tomatoes and finely chop the onions and cilantro to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of flavors. A sharp chef’s knife is essential for precise chopping.
• Taste the salsa before letting it rest. Adjust the salt, lime juice, and pepper to your preference. Remember, the flavors will intensify as the salsa sits.
• Soaking the onions and jalapeños in lime juice helps to mellow their sharpness and infuse a tangy flavor, making the salsa more harmonious.
• Allowing the salsa to rest for at least an hour enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together. For a quicker option, serve immediately, but resting will give the best results.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within two days for optimal freshness. Use a slotted spoon when serving to avoid excess liquid.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

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This Fresh Tomato Salsa is a vibrant, zesty addition to any meal! Perfect for tacos, taquitos, or simply with tortilla chips, this naturally vegan and gluten-free condiment is a must-try. With juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, spicy jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, it’s a burst of flavor in every bite. Let it rest for an hour to meld the flavors, and you’ll have a salsa that’s even more irresistible. Dive into this easy-to-make recipe and elevate your dishes with a touch of freshness!

Course: Side Dish, SnackCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

0

minutes

Calories

25

kcal

Resting Time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 5 Roma tomatoes, diced (about 1 lb)

• 1/2 large white onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)

• jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

• Macerate Onions and Jalapeños – If serving immediately, place the finely chopped onion and minced jalapeño in a bowl. Pour the lime juice over them and let sit while you prepare the other ingredients (about 5 minutes).
• Combine Ingredients – Add the diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the onions and jalapeños. Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Mix and Rest – Stir everything together until well combined. For best results, let the salsa rest for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve and Store – Serve with a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• mixing bowls
• citrus juicer

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 25kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Potassium: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 15IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 2mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQ-Fresh Tomato Salsa

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Yes, making the salsa a few hours ahead or even the day before enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just ensure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Is there a way to make the salsa less spicy?

For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or substitute the jalapeño with a bell pepper. You can also add more tomatoes to balance the heat.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

If fresh cilantro isn’t available or if you don’t prefer its flavor, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different but still fresh taste.

Can I freeze the salsa?

Freezing fresh tomato salsa is not recommended as it can become watery and lose its fresh texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to two days.

How can I make the salsa chunkier or smoother?

For a chunkier salsa, dice the tomatoes and onions into larger pieces. If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the ingredients a few times in a food processor until you reach the desired consistency, but be careful not to over-process.