🌶️ Fresh Homemade Salsa Recipe
🥣 Description:
This vibrant, zesty homemade salsa bursts with fresh flavor and takes just minutes to make. Packed with ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, fiery jalapeños, and fragrant cilantro, it’s the perfect dip for tortilla chips or a delicious topping for tacos, grilled meats, eggs, and more. Easily customizable and far fresher than store-bought!
🧄 Ingredients:
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes, diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1–3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tbsp lime juice (fresh is best)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: A pinch of sugar to balance acidity
⏲ Prep Time:
- Total Time: 10–15 minutes
- No cooking required
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Prep All Ingredients:
Dice tomatoes and onion, mince jalapeños (adjust number for spice level), chop cilantro, and mince garlic. - Mix:
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir well to combine. - Taste & Adjust:
Add more salt, lime juice, jalapeño, or a pinch of sugar to balance flavor. - Chill (Optional):
For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. - Serve:
Enjoy with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, grilled meats, eggs, or any dish that needs a flavor boost!
🍽 Servings:
- Yields: About 3–4 cups
- Serves: 6–8 as a dip or topping
🧠 Tips & Notes:
- Tomato Tip: Use Roma or plum tomatoes for less watery salsa.
- Consistency: Blend or pulse in a food processor for a smoother texture.
- Spice Level: Keep seeds in jalapeños for more heat or add a serrano/chili pepper.
- Make-Ahead: Salsa flavor deepens after a few hours or overnight.
- Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
🔍 Nutrition Information (Per ¼ cup serving, approx.):
- Calories: ~20
- Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Vitamin C: ~15% DV
(Nutritional info will vary based on exact ingredients.)
🌱 Health Benefits:
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
- Cilantro: May aid in digestion and detoxification.
- Jalapeños: Contain capsaicin, which can boost metabolism.
- Lime Juice: High in vitamin C and adds bright acidity without calories.
- Low Calorie: Guilt-free way to add bold flavor.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
A: Yes! Use one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (drained) for convenience, but fresh tomatoes provide better texture and taste.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Stored properly in the fridge, it lasts up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Technically yes, but fresh salsa may get watery after thawing. Better for cooked uses like soups or sauces.
Q: Can I omit cilantro?
A: Absolutely. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or just leave it out.
Q: How do I make it smoky?
A: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or use roasted tomatoes and fire-roasted peppers.
Would you like a chunky or smooth salsa variation, or a printable recipe card?