Fresh Vegetable Salsa Recipe: Bright & Zesty Summer Dip (Print Version)
Make this Fresh Vegetable Salsa Recipe! It's a vibrant, easy dip bursting with garden flavors. Perfect for any gathering or a quick snack.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Veggies
01 -
2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (Roma or Beefsteak)
02 -
½ red onion, finely diced
03 -
1 bell pepper (any color), finely diced
04 -
½ English cucumber, finely diced
05 -
1-2 jalapeños, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
07 -
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
08 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings & Spices
09 -
½ teaspoon ground cumin
10 -
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
11 -
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
→ Optional Extras
12 -
½ cup corn (fresh or frozen, thawed)
13 -
½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
14 -
1 ripe avocado, diced
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all those beautiful vegetables washed and ready. Dice your tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and cucumber into small, even pieces. I always aim for about ¼-inch dice; it makes for a better scoop and a more balanced bite. The satisfying sound of the knife hitting the cutting board is honestly one of my favorite kitchen noises. For the jalapeño, mince it finely, and remember to remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat – I usually do, my spice tolerance isn't what it used to be!
02 -
Next, finely mince your fresh cilantro and garlic. These guys are the flavor powerhouses of this Fresh Vegetable Salsa Recipe, so don't be shy! I sometimes find myself humming while I chop cilantro; it just smells so incredibly fresh and vibrant. If you're using a garlic press, go for it, but a good old knife works just fine. Just make sure everything is super fine so it distributes evenly throughout the salsa; no one wants a huge chunk of raw garlic, hon.
03 -
Alright, time to bring it all together! Gently transfer all your diced vegetables, minced cilantro, and garlic into a large mixing bowl. I love this part; seeing all those colors come together just makes me happy. It’s like a rainbow exploded in the bowl! Make sure your bowl is big enough so you can really get in there and mix without everything flying out, a mistake I've made too many times.
04 -
Now for the magic! Pour in the fresh lime juice, sprinkle in the ground cumin, and add a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is where the Fresh Vegetable Salsa Recipe really starts to sing. Give it a good stir to combine everything thoroughly. Taste it! This is the most crucial step – does it need more lime? More salt? A little extra kick? Adjust to your liking, my friend, trust your taste buds.
05 -
Once seasoned, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, this step is non-negotiable for me. It allows all those incredible flavors to really meld and deepen, making the salsa taste so much better. I know, waiting is the hardest part, but it's totally worth it! It’s like giving all the ingredients a little time to get to know each other.
06 -
After its little chill session, give your Fresh Vegetable Salsa Recipe one last stir. The flavors will be perfectly married, and the salsa will be beautifully chilled. Scoop it into a pretty serving bowl and get ready to impress! It should look incredibly vibrant, smell amazing, and taste like pure summer. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, or anything that needs a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy, you earned it!
# Notes:
01 -
I've found letting this Fresh Vegetable Salsa Recipe sit for 30 minutes really marries the flavors, trust me on this!
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; it's honestly even better the next day.
03 -
No fresh lime? A splash of white vinegar works in a pinch, I've tried it and it's... acceptable.
04 -
Serving this with homemade tortilla chips just elevates the whole Fresh Vegetable Salsa Recipe experience.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Cutting board
02 -
sharp knife
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
measuring spoons
05 -
citrus juicer
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: Approx. 50-70 kcal
Total Fat: Approx. 0.5-1g
Total Carbohydrate: Approx. 10-15g
Protein: Approx. 1-2g