Fresh Tomato Homemade Salsa Recipe for Tacos & Chips (Print Version)

Homemade Salsa Recipe: Learn to make fresh, vibrant salsa from scratch! Our easy recipe is perfect for chips, tacos, or adding a burst of flavor to any dish.

# Recipe Info:

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

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Produce Base

01 - 4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced (or 3 large vine-ripened)
02 - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
03 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

→ Heat & Brightness

08 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (more or less to taste)

→ Optional Add-ins

09 - 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper (for crunch, if you like)
10 - Pinch of sugar (to balance acidity, if needed)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your gorgeous produce ready. I like to dice my tomatoes pretty finely, but not so small that they turn into mush when blended – we want texture! Then, finely chop the red onion and cilantro. For the jalapeño, I usually slice it in half, scrape out the seeds and membranes (that's where most of the heat lives!), and then mince it. Honestly, I always forget to wash my hands thoroughly after handling the jalapeño, and then accidentally touch my eye. Oops! Learn from my mistakes, friend.
02 - Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl, one that gives you plenty of room to stir without making a mess. Toss in your diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and the minced jalapeño. This is where you start to see all those vibrant colors come together – it’s such a pretty sight! I usually take a moment to just appreciate the fresh smells, especially that crisp tomato aroma. Don't worry if it looks a little chaotic; that's just part of the homemade charm.
03 - Now for the good stuff! Add your fresh cilantro, minced garlic, a good squeeze of fresh lime juice, and that tiny pinch of ground cumin. This homemade salsa recipe really comes alive with these additions. I always add the salt here, maybe half a teaspoon to start. Give it all a good stir with a spoon, making sure everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen, you'll feel it!
04 - This is the most important step, honestly! Take a little spoonful and taste. Does it need more salt? Another squeeze of lime? A bit more jalapeño if you're brave? This is your homemade salsa recipe, so make it sing to your taste buds! I always find myself adding a little extra lime because I love that bright tang. Don't be shy; adjust until it's just right for you.
05 - Once you're happy with the flavors, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial, it allows all those amazing flavors to meld and deepen. I know it's hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it. I sometimes forget this step in my excitement, and while it's still good, it's not *as* good. Patience, my friend!
06 - When you’re ready, give your homemade salsa recipe one last stir and serve it up! It should look vibrant, smell incredibly fresh, and taste absolutely divine. I love serving it with tortilla chips, but it's also fantastic on tacos, grilled chicken, or even just by the spoonful (no judgment here!). Garnish with a little extra cilantro if you're feeling fancy. Enjoy every single fresh, tangy, slightly spicy bite!

# Notes:

01 - Don't over-blend the salsa; a bit of chunkiness is what we're after, trust me.
02 - You can totally prep the veggies ahead, but don't mix everything until you're ready to serve for the freshest taste.
03 - Ran out of cilantro once, subbed parsley, and it was... different. Not bad, just different. Stick to cilantro if you can!
04 - Serve this in a cute bowl with a giant spoon – makes it feel extra special.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Cutting board
02 - sharp knife
03 - mixing bowl
04 - spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 30 kcal
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 6g
Protein: 1g

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