Fresh Homemade Salsa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Homemade Salsa is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make addition to any meal. Whether you’re using it as a dip for chips, topping tacos, or as a side for grilled meats, this salsa delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and tang. Made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, this salsa is a refreshing alternative to store-bought versions. It’s customizable to your preferred level of spice, and it’s always a hit at parties, BBQs, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced

• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

• 1-2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for a bit of richness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, mince or finely chop the jalapeños (removing the seeds if you prefer less heat), and chop the cilantro.

2. Combine the ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.

3. Add seasoning: Squeeze the lime juice over the salsa and stir in the garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Optional: Add olive oil: For extra depth of flavor, stir in a tablespoon of olive oil. This adds a bit of richness, but it’s completely optional.

5. Chill and serve: Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have time, refrigerate it for 30 minutes or longer before serving to intensify the flavors.

6. Serve: Serve the salsa fresh with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or as a side to any Mexican-inspired dish.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 10-15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)

Variations

• Mango salsa: Add diced mango for a sweet and tropical twist. This pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.

• Roasted salsa: For a smoky flavor, char the tomatoes, jalapeños, and onion on a grill or under the broiler until they’re slightly blackened, then blend them together for a roasted salsa version.

• Spicy version: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix for an extra kick.

• Corn salsa: Add a cup of cooked corn kernels to the salsa for a bit of sweetness and texture.

• Tomato-free salsa: For a different take, swap out tomatoes for diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for a more refreshing, chunky salsa.

Storage

• Storage: Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen over time.

• Freezing: Salsa can be frozen, though the texture may change after thawing. Freeze it in a tightly sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before using.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh tomatoes are best for this recipe, but if fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Drain them well before using to prevent excess liquid.

How can I make the salsa spicier?

To make the salsa spicier, add more jalapeños or include the seeds in the peppers. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or even a serrano pepper for extra heat.

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s often better when made ahead. The flavors meld together after sitting for a while, so make it a few hours or even a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

How long does fresh salsa last in the fridge?

Fresh salsa will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop, but the tomatoes will start to break down over time.

Can I add other ingredients to the salsa?

Absolutely! You can get creative with additions like diced bell peppers, roasted garlic, or even a pinch of sugar for a touch of sweetness. The beauty of homemade salsa is its versatility.

Is this salsa gluten-free?

Yes, this salsa is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Fresh Homemade Salsa is a simple, flavorful, and refreshing dip or topping that adds a burst of color and taste to any meal. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can make a delicious salsa that beats store-bought versions every time. Customize it to your taste with more or less spice, or add fruit and herbs for a unique twist. Whether you’re having a casual snack or serving it with dinner, this salsa is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Fresh Homemade Salsa

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Fresh Homemade Salsa is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dip that’s perfect for any meal or snack. Made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, it’s customizable to your spice preference and beats store-bought versions.

• Author: Catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Total Time: 10-15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Dip
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1–2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for a bit of richness)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, mince or finely chop the jalapeños (removing the seeds if you prefer less heat), and chop the cilantro.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.
3. Add seasoning: Squeeze the lime juice over the salsa and stir in the garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Optional: Add olive oil: For extra depth of flavor, stir in a tablespoon of olive oil. This adds a bit of richness, but it’s completely optional.
5. Chill and serve: Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have time, refrigerate it for 30 minutes or longer before serving to intensify the flavors.
6. Serve: Serve the salsa fresh with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or as a side to any Mexican-inspired dish.

Notes

Mango salsa: Add diced mango for a sweet and tropical twist, perfect with grilled chicken or fish.

Roasted salsa: For a smoky flavor, char the tomatoes, jalapeños, and onion on a grill or under the broiler until blackened, then blend them together for a roasted salsa version.Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.Corn salsa: Add a cup of cooked corn kernels for a bit of sweetness and texture.Tomato-free salsa: Swap out tomatoes for diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for a refreshing, chunky salsa.Storage: Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.Freezing: Salsa can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, but the texture may change after thawing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 25
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg