1. Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe tomatoes, finely diced | 4 medium |
| Red onion, finely diced | ½ medium |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | ½ cup |
| Jalapeño, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fresh lime juice | 2–3 tbsp |
| Tomato paste, optional | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cumin | ¼ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp, or to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Sugar, optional | ¼ tsp |
| Olive oil, optional | 1 tsp |
2. Full preparation instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Finely dice them into small pieces.
For a thicker salsa, remove some of the watery seeds and pulp before chopping.
Step 2 — Chop the vegetables
Finely chop the red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic. Remove the jalapeño seeds for a milder salsa, or leave some in for extra heat.
Step 3 — Combine the ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic to a medium mixing bowl.
Stir gently to distribute the vegetables evenly.
Step 4 — Add the seasonings
Pour in the lime juice. Add the cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional tomato paste and olive oil.
Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the lime juice, salt, or jalapeño as desired.
Step 5 — Let the flavors develop
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps the lime, garlic, onion, and cilantro flavors blend together.
Step 6 — Adjust the consistency
If the salsa releases excess liquid, drain a little before serving. For a smoother restaurant-style texture, pulse a portion briefly in a food processor, then mix it back into the chunky salsa.
Step 7 — Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl or clean container. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Enjoy with tortilla chips, tacos, quesadillas, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
3. Nutrition information
Estimated per ¼-cup serving — about 8 servings
Approximately 20 calories
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
4 g
Total fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g
Approximate values without optional olive oil or sugar. Sodium depends on the amount of salt added.
4. Nut information and allergens
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Nuts: This salsa recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients.
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Common allergens: The listed ingredients are generally free of the major common allergens, but packaged seasonings can vary.
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Allergy precautions: Check ingredient labels and avoid cross-contact from shared cutting boards, containers, or utensils.
5. Tips for the best salsa
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Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
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Fresh lime juice gives a brighter flavor than bottled juice.
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Chop everything finely for the texture shown in your photo.
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For smoky flavor, add a little roasted jalapeño.
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For a hotter salsa, add extra jalapeño or a small amount of serrano pepper.
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For a smoother texture, pulse briefly in a blender rather than blending continuously.
6. Storage and food safety
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Store in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Best enjoyed within 3–4 days.
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
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Do not leave fresh salsa at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C).
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This fresh salsa is not shelf-stable; do not store it unrefrigerated.
Serving suggestion: Serve this bright, chunky salsa with crunchy tortilla chips, warm quesadillas, or grilled chicken for an easy restaurant-style snack.