Tangy Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa: A Zesty Snack (Print Version)

Whip up this vibrant Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa! Sweet, smoky tomatoes, fresh herbs & a little kick make it perfect for any snack.

# Recipe Info:

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

# Ingredients:

→ Sweet Tomato Base

01 - 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes
02 - 1/2 red onion, roughly chopped
03 - 4-5 garlic cloves, peeled

→ Kick & Zest

04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped (or left whole for more heat)
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

→ Aromatic Boosters

06 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Seasoning & Finish

10 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First up, preheat your oven to a good hot 400°F (200°C). Grab a big baking sheet, line it if you want an easier cleanup—I often forget, oops! Toss your cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, those glorious garlic cloves (whole is fine, they'll soften and get sweet), and the jalapeño (if you're using it) with a generous glug of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some fresh black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer. This is where I always try not to overcrowd the pan; they need space to roast, not steam! You want them to caramelize and get all blistered and sweet, not mushy.
02 - Pop that tray into the oven and let them roast for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You're looking for those beautiful blistered skins and a slightly browned, softened texture. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine, like a warm summer evening. I usually peek in around the 15-minute mark, maybe give the tray a little shake. If they're browning too fast, a quick stir helps. Don't be afraid if some burst; that's flavor escaping, and it’s perfect for Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa!
03 - Once your roasted veggies are out of the oven and just slightly cooled (they'll be hot, so careful!), transfer them to a bowl. Now, for the magic! Add your fresh chopped cilantro, the bright squeeze of fresh lime juice, and those warm spices—cumin and smoked paprika. This is where the whole thing really comes alive. I usually take a deep sniff here; the blend of roasted sweetness and fresh herbs is just incredible. Sometimes I add a little extra lime if I'm feeling zesty!
04 - Now for the fun part! Grab a fork or a potato masher and gently mash the roasted mixture. You don't want a completely smooth paste; a rustic, chunky texture is what we're aiming for. I like leaving some tomatoes whole, some just gently broken open. It adds so much character! This is where I taste it for the first time and usually realize I need a bit more salt or another squeeze of lime. Don't be shy about tasting and adjusting; it's *your* Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa!
05 - Once you've got it to your desired consistency and flavor, cover the bowl and let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Honestly, the longer it sits, the better it gets. Those flavors need a little time to get to know each other and mingle. I've been known to sneak a spoonful during this waiting period, just to "test" it, of course. Patience is a virtue, but sometimes a small taste test is necessary!
06 - Finally, give your Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa one last stir, a final taste adjustment if needed, and serve it up! It should look vibrant, smell like a dream, and have that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, tangy, and a little bit spicy. I love seeing those bits of charred tomato skin and bright green cilantro. It's truly a labor of love, even if it's a super easy one!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your baking sheet; the tomatoes need space to roast and caramelize, not steam.
02 - Letting the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes really lets the flavors deepen and meld together.
03 - Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end; a little extra lime or salt can make all the difference.
04 - Serving it slightly warm straight from the roasting pan adds an extra layer of comfort and flavor.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - large bowl
03 - fork or potato masher
04 - cutting board
05 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 80 kcal
Total Fat: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 9g
Protein: 2g

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