Fresh Salsa with Cilantro Lime: My Zesty Garden Dip (Print Version)

Make vibrant Fresh Salsa with Cilantro Lime! This easy, homemade dip brings bright flavor to any meal. My secret tips for the best texture.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Base

01 - 2 cups ripe Roma tomatoes, diced (about 3-4 medium)
02 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
03 - 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced (seeds and membranes removed for less heat)

→ Zesty Brighteners

04 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)

→ Flavor Depth

06 - 1 clove garlic, minced very fine
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

→ Optional Kick

08 - Pinch of ground cumin

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those tomatoes ready. I like to dice them fairly small, about a quarter-inch, but not so tiny they turn to mush. You want a bit of texture, you know? As I'm chopping, I'm already smelling that fresh, earthy tomato scent. Then, finely dice your red onion – remember my onion incident? Rinse it under cold water quickly to soften the bite. Finely mince your jalapeño (seeds out for mild, in for heat!), and get that garlic super fine. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, like a garden party is about to happen!
02 - Next up, the cilantro! Give it a good wash and pat it dry. Then, chop it pretty fine. I'm a stickler for fresh herbs, and there's nothing worse than finding huge stems in your salsa. This step always makes the kitchen smell so vibrant and green. Honestly, it's one of my favorite parts because it really signals that your Fresh Salsa with Cilantro Lime is coming together. Don't rush it, just enjoy the process. I've definitely chopped it too coarsely before, and it just doesn't blend as nicely.
03 - Now for the fun part: grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. Toss in your diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. It's such a pretty sight, all those colors! I love seeing the vibrant reds, greens, and whites mingling. This is where you really start to feel like a chef, even if you're just a home cook like me. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those gorgeous ingredients. You're building the foundation for your delicious Fresh Salsa with Cilantro Lime!
04 - Time for the lime and salt! Squeeze in the fresh lime juice – start with about half of what's called for and add more to taste. Sprinkle in the sea salt. If you're using cumin, add that tiny pinch now too. This is a crucial step for your Fresh Salsa with Cilantro Lime, because it's where all the flavors really wake up. I always taste a small spoonful at this point. Sometimes I forget and add too much salt, then I have to add more tomato to balance it out. Oops!
05 - Give everything a good, thorough but gentle stir. You want all those beautiful flavors to get to know each other. The smell in your kitchen right now should be absolutely incredible – fresh, zesty, and just a little spicy. I usually let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer in the fridge, before serving. This resting period is honestly where the magic happens; the flavors deepen and meld, making your Fresh Salsa with Cilantro Lime even more fantastic. Don't skip it!
06 - Before serving, give it one last taste. Does it need more salt? More lime? A little extra kick from another tiny bit of jalapeño? This is *your* Fresh Salsa with Cilantro Lime, so adjust it to your personal preference. The texture should be chunky but easy to scoop. It should smell bright and inviting. Spoon it into a pretty bowl, grab your favorite chips, and enjoy! It's such a rewarding feeling to create something so fresh and flavorful from scratch.

# Notes:

01 - Always taste and adjust lime and salt *before* serving; it makes all the difference!
02 - This salsa actually tastes better the next day, so it's a fantastic make-ahead for parties.
03 - If you're out of fresh jalapeño, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can give a similar warmth, but it won't have the same fresh bite.
04 - Serving it in a clear glass bowl really shows off those beautiful colors, almost like a little garden on your table.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Cutting board
02 - sharp knife
03 - mixing bowl
04 - spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 30 kcal
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 6g
Protein: 1g

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