Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa: Bright & Zesty Dip (Print Version)

Make vibrant Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa at home. This zesty, easy dip is bursting with garden flavors, perfect for any snack or meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Garden Fresh Base

01 - Ripe Tomatoes (Roma or Vine-Ripened)
02 - Red Onion
03 - Fresh Cilantro

→ Zesty Flavor Boosters

04 - Fresh Lime Juice
05 - Garlic

→ Optional Heat & Spice

06 - Jalapeño Pepper
07 - Salt (Kosher or Sea Salt)
08 - Pinch of Cumin (Optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those beautiful tomatoes ready. I like to dice them fairly small, maybe about a quarter-inch, so they meld together but still have some texture. Then, finely dice your red onion – we want flavor, not big chunks, right? And for the jalapeño, remember to seed it first unless you're feeling brave! I once forgot gloves and my fingers tingled for hours, oops. You want everything ready to go before you mix.
02 - Now for the aromatics! Finely mince your garlic. I'm talking tiny, so it integrates perfectly without any harsh raw garlic surprises. Next, chop that gorgeous fresh cilantro. I aim for a medium chop; we want to see those vibrant green flecks! Honestly, the smell of fresh cilantro and lime together just makes my kitchen sing.
03 - Grab a nice big bowl – you'll need room to mix! Toss in your diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño. Give it a gentle stir just to get things acquainted. I always picture them having a little mingling session before the party really starts. This is where I start to get excited about the colors!
04 - Now for the magic! Pour in the fresh lime juice. Squeeze it right over the bowl; you can smell that citrus pop, can't you? Then, sprinkle in your chopped cilantro and a good pinch of salt. If you're using it, add that optional pinch of cumin. This is where you really start to build the signature Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa flavor.
05 - Gently fold everything together until it's well combined. Don't mash it; we want to preserve those lovely textures. Now, the most important step: <em>taste it!</em> This is your chance to adjust. Does it need more salt? Another squeeze of lime? A bit more cilantro? I always do a little happy dance when I get the balance just right. Don't be shy; make it yours!
06 - Once you're happy with the flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial, hon! It lets all those incredible flavors meld and deepen. I didn't expect that it would make such a difference, but it really does. When it comes out, it'll be cool, refreshing, and bursting with vibrant taste, ready to dive into!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh lime juice for that vibrant zing, hon! Bottled just doesn't cut it.
02 - For best flavor, let your salsa chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; it really lets the flavors deepen.
03 - If you're out of jalapeño, a tiny pinch of cayenne can add heat, but you'll miss the fresh pepper notes.
04 - This salsa is incredible spooned over grilled fish or chicken for a fresh, zesty meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Cutting board
02 - Sharp knife
03 - Large mixing bowl
04 - Citrus juicer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 35
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Protein: 1g

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