Basic Fresh Tomato Salsa
Use fresh salsa as a side or topping for Mexican food, or use it as a dip for chips. When you need something to spice up a dish, consider fresh salsa!
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Fresh tomato salsa is a simple recipe that immediately shows why homemade is worth the effort. And honestly, it is so much better than store-bought. With just a few minutes of chopping, you get bright flavor, crisp texture, and a freshness that jarred salsa can’t quite match. The tomatoes stay juicy, the onion adds bite, and the cilantro and jalapeño bring everything together into something vibrant and lively. It’s the kind of recipe that feels effortless but delivers a big payoff.
This is a foundational salsa — clean, balanced, and endlessly adaptable. It works just as well spooned over tacos or grilled chicken as it does served with tortilla chips, and it’s easy to adjust depending on your tomatoes, heat preference, or what’s in your fridge. Once you make a batch like this, it becomes less of a “recipe” and more of a go-to staple you can pull together whenever you want something fresh and flavorful.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Fresh, clean flavor. Using raw tomatoes, onion, and herbs keeps the salsa bright and crisp, with no cooked or muddled flavors.
Quick to prepare. A short prep time and no cooking make this an easy last-minute addition to meals or gatherings.
Balanced taste. The acidity from vinegar or lime juice, a touch of sugar, and fresh aromatics create a well-rounded salsa that isn’t overly sharp or flat.
Easy to customize. You can adjust heat, acidity, sweetness, or texture without changing the basic structure.
Versatile use. This salsa works as a dip, topping, or condiment across a wide range of dishes.
Ingredient Notes
- Plum tomatoes – Firm, meaty tomatoes hold their shape well and release less excess juice, keeping the salsa from becoming watery.
- Red onion – Adds sharpness and color; chopping it finely helps it blend without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Cilantro – Brings freshness and a classic salsa flavor; use leaves and tender stems for the best aroma.
- Jalapeño pepper – Provides gentle heat; removing the seeds keeps it mild, while leaving some in increases spice.
- Garlic – Mashing it into a paste distributes the flavor evenly so it doesn’t dominate in raw form.
- Cider vinegar or lime juice – Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Granulated sugar (optional) – A small amount rounds out acidity, especially if tomatoes are less ripe or slightly tart.
How to Make the Recipe
- Combine the diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic in a bowl.
- Stir in the vinegar or lime juice and sugar, if using, until evenly mixed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate briefly to let the flavors meld before serving.
Pro Tips
- Chop the ingredients evenly so each bite has a balanced mix of tomato, onion, and herbs.
- If your tomatoes are very juicy, drain off a little liquid after mixing to keep the salsa thick.
- Letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for a short time helps the flavors blend without dulling the freshness.
- Taste again just before serving, as salt and acidity can mellow as the salsa sits.
- For smoother salsa, finely dice or lightly mash part of the tomatoes while leaving some chunks for texture.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy salsa. Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper for more heat.
- Chunky salsa. Dice the tomatoes slightly larger and reduce stirring for a heartier texture.
- Citrus-forward salsa. Use lime juice only and add a bit of zest for brighter citrus notes.
- Garlic-lover’s salsa. Increase the garlic slightly for a more assertive flavor.
- No-cilantro salsa. Replace cilantro with chopped green onions or parsley for those who prefer a different herb profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tortilla chips as a fresh appetizer or snack. It’s also fantastic with tortilla roll-ups. Take these appetizers to a party with a bowl of homemade salsa and watch them disappear.
- Add as a topping for tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled meats. Spoon it over the sour cream or guacamole for a fabulous Mexican flavor sensation.
- Pair with eggs, omelets, or breakfast tacos for a bright contrast. It’s amazing with these Mexican scrambled eggs.
- Choose to spoon it over fish or chicken to add color and acidity.
How to Store
Refrigerate. Store the salsa in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of preparation. Use within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freeze. Freezing is not recommended, as fresh tomatoes lose their texture and become watery when thawed.
Refresh. Stir before serving and adjust salt or acidity if needed, as flavors can mellow during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Fresh Tomato Salsa
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 medium plum tomatoes, diced, about 2 cups diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 small clove garlic, mashed into a paste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, or cider vinegar
- 1 scant teaspoon granulated sugar, optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a serving bowl; stir to blend.
- Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
