Fresh Homemade Salsa Recipe: Zesty & Bright (Print Version)
Craft this vibrant Homemade Salsa Recipe! Fresh tomatoes, zesty lime, and a hint of spice make for a perfect, easy dip. Full of authentic flavor.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes (or similar vine-ripened), roughly chopped
02 -
1/2 small red onion, roughly chopped
03 -
1-2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed (seeded and de-ribbed for less heat)
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
05 -
2 cloves garlic, peeled
06 -
Juice of 1 fresh lime
→ Seasonings & Heat
07 -
1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
08 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
09 -
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, chop your tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño. I usually quarter my tomatoes, roughly chop the onion, and slice the jalapeño (remembering to de-seed if you're like me and prefer a milder kick). Don't worry about perfection; it's all going into the food processor anyway. This step is where the kitchen starts smelling amazing, all those fresh aromas mingling. I sometimes get a little teary-eyed from the onion, but it's a good kind of cry!
02 -
Next, toss your chopped tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and garlic into your food processor. Give it a few short pulses. You're aiming for a chunky consistency, not a purée. I made the mistake once of over-processing, and it turned into a watery soup. Learn from my oops! Just a few quick bursts, check, then a few more if needed. You want to see distinct pieces, not a smoothie.
03 -
Now for the fresh stuff! Add your fresh cilantro and the juice of one lime to the food processor. Pulse again, just a couple of times, until the cilantro is incorporated but still visible. This is where the salsa really comes alive. The smell of fresh lime and cilantro together? Oh, it's just pure magic. Don't overdo it; we want that vibrant green to shine!
04 -
Transfer your salsa to a bowl. Now comes the important part: seasoning. Stir in your sea salt and ground cumin. Give it a good mix, then taste! This is crucial. Does it need more salt? More lime? A little more heat? Adjust to your liking. I always start small and add more; it's easier to add than to take away, right? Trust your taste buds here.
05 -
Once you've got the seasoning just right, cover the bowl and pop your Homemade Salsa Recipe into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, an hour or even longer is even better. This chilling time lets all those beautiful flavors really get to know each other and deepen. It’s like a little flavor party happening in there, and you're invited!
06 -
When you're ready, give your chilled salsa a final stir. It should look vibrant, smell incredibly fresh, and taste absolutely delicious. Serve it up with your favorite tortilla chips, or whatever you fancy. This Homemade Salsa Recipe is truly a labor of love, and seeing everyone enjoy it makes all the chopping worth it. Enjoy every zesty, fresh bite!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use fresh lime juice; the bottled stuff just doesn't deliver that bright, zesty punch this recipe needs.
02 -
Don't over-process your salsa in the food processor; aim for chunky, not puréed, or it'll be watery.
03 -
Let your Homemade Salsa Recipe chill for at least 30 minutes; it really lets the flavors meld and deepen beautifully.
04 -
For an even deeper flavor, lightly char your jalapeño and onion under the broiler before adding them to the food processor.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Food processor
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
mixing bowl
05 -
airtight container
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 30
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 6g
Protein: 1g