Craving a fresh, zesty salsa? This salsa recipe with fresh tomatoes is your answer! Bursting with flavor, it combines ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, and zesty lime for a delightful dip or topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in, this salsa will elevate any meal. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, ensuring you can whip it up in no time. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and bring some brightness to your table!
Ingredients
– 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, to taste
– Pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 50 calories, 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, and 0g fat. This is a healthy, low-calorie option perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Gather all the ingredients on a clean workspace.
2. Wash the tomatoes under cold water.
3. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
4. Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
5. Seed and mince the jalapeños, adjusting the amount to your spice preference.
6. Chop the cilantro and add it to the mixture.
7. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salsa.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. If using, add minced garlic for extra flavor.
10. Stir the mixture until well combined.
11. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones are unavailable. Additionally, red onion can be swapped for yellow onion for a milder taste, and you can use lime juice from a bottle in a pinch.
Serving and Pairings
This salsa pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for burrito bowls. It can also complement a fresh salad or be used as a zesty garnish for soups.
Storage and Reheating
Store unused salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage, but the texture may change upon thawing. No reheating is necessary as it’s best enjoyed cold.
Cooking Mistakes
– Using overly ripe or mushy tomatoes can result in a watery salsa.
– Not letting the salsa sit can prevent the flavors from developing.
– Over-seasoning with salt can overpower the fresh flavors.
– Forgetting to remove jalapeño seeds may lead to excessive spiciness.
– Using dried cilantro instead of fresh will alter the taste significantly.
– Chopping vegetables too large can affect the texture.
– Skipping the lime juice can result in a flat flavor profile.
Helpful Tips
– Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
– Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice tolerance.
– Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning.
– For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
– Experiment with adding diced avocado for creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa a few hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, but keep in mind that the tomatoes may release juices over time.
What can I serve with salsa?
Salsa is versatile! Serve it with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Can I add other vegetables to the salsa?
Absolutely! Corn, bell peppers, and cucumbers make excellent additions for extra crunch and flavor.
How do I make it less spicy?
To reduce the heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or substitute with a milder pepper like bell pepper.
How long does salsa last in the fridge?
Fresh salsa typically lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
This salsa recipe with fresh tomatoes is a delightful way to add flavor to your meals. Quick to prepare and bursting with freshness, it’s perfect for gatherings or a simple snack. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving it alongside your favorite dishes!
Salsa Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes diced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients on a clean workspace.
- Wash the tomatoes under cold water.
- Dice the tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Seed and mince the jalapeños, adjusting the amount to your spice preference.
- Chop the cilantro and add it to the mixture.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salsa.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using, add minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.