Rustic Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa with Tangy Lime (Print Version)

Sweet, smoky Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa is easy to make. My personal recipe blends fresh tomatoes, garlic, and lime for a vibrant, flavorful dip.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Garden Fresh Stars

01 - 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
02 - 1/2 small red onion, roughly chopped
03 - 1-2 jalapeños (or serrano peppers), deseeded and minced (adjust to heat preference)

→ Aromatic Essentials

04 - 4-5 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Bright & Zesty Finish

06 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)

→ Spice & Seasoning

08 - 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red onion ready. I just toss the whole cherry tomatoes onto a baking sheet – no need to cut them, honestly! Peel and smash the garlic cloves a bit, and roughly chop the red onion into chunky pieces. Don't worry about perfection; rustic is the name of the game here. This is where I always forget to preheat the oven, so learn from my mistakes, okay? Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) now!
02 - Drizzle the tomatoes, garlic, and red onion on the baking sheet with a generous glug of olive oil. Season them with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together right on the pan with your hands – yes, get in there! Spread them into a single layer. Slide that sheet into the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and slightly charred, and the garlic is fragrant and softened. The smell, friends, is divine!
03 - Once roasted, pull the pan out of the oven and let everything cool down for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial, because trying to chop hot tomatoes is just asking for a messy kitchen and scalded fingers – trust me, I've been there! While they're cooling, grab your fresh cilantro and jalapeño and give them a fine chop. Remember to wash your hands after handling that pepper, unless you want a spicy surprise later!
04 - Now, here's where you decide your salsa's destiny! For a chunkier Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa, I usually just transfer the cooled roasted veggies to a cutting board and give them a good chop with a sharp knife. If you prefer it a bit smoother, pop them into a food processor and pulse a few times – don't overdo it, we want texture, not soup! I've made the mistake of blending too long, and it turned into a sad, pink puree.
05 - Once chopped (or pulsed), transfer the roasted mixture to a bowl. Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro, the minced jalapeño (or serrano, if you're feeling spicy!), and that glorious fresh lime juice. This is where the magic happens, where the warm, smoky flavors meet bright, zesty freshness. Give it a good stir to combine everything beautifully. Don't forget to taste it now!
06 - Taste your Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa and adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? A little more lime? Maybe another tiny pinch of pepper? This is your moment to make it truly yours! Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes for the flavors to really meld. Honestly, it gets even better if you let it chill in the fridge for an hour. Serve it up with your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, or anything that needs a serious flavor boost!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your baking sheet; steaming instead of roasting is a real flavor bummer.
02 - Always use fresh lime juice – bottled just doesn't hit the same, I learned that the hard way.
03 - Letting the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes lets all those beautiful flavors really meld and deepen.
04 - Serving this with warm, crispy tortilla chips and a good craft beer? Chef's kiss!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - food processor (optional)
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife
05 - mixing bowl

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 60
Total Fat: 4g
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Protein: 1g

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