Spicy Jalapeno Salsa Recipe: Fresh Kick for Everything (Print Version)
Spicy Jalapeno Salsa Recipe that's easy, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavor. Learn my kitchen secrets for the best homemade salsa!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes (or similar), finely diced
02 -
2-3 fresh jalapenos, finely diced (seeds/membranes removed for less heat)
03 -
1/2 red onion, finely diced
04 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
07 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
→ Seasoning
08 -
1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
→ Optional Kick
09 -
1/2 serrano pepper, finely minced (for extra heat)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those tomatoes, jalapenos (remember to remove seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave some in for more!), and red onion finely diced. I like a rustic chop, not too perfect, because honestly, that's real life. I usually end up with a bit of a mess on my cutting board, but that's part of the fun!
02 -
Dump all those gorgeous chopped veggies into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Look at all those colors! The vibrant red, the crisp green, the purple onion—it's already starting to smell like summer. This is where the anticipation really builds, you know?
03 -
Now, mince your garlic real fine and toss it in. Add the fresh chopped cilantro, the squeeze of fresh lime juice, and that little sprinkle of ground cumin. The aroma of the lime and cilantro hitting the fresh veggies? Oh, that's just pure kitchen joy right there.
04 -
Give everything a good, gentle stir with a spoon. You want all those flavors to mingle and become friends. Then, add your sea salt. Start with a teaspoon, mix, and taste. This is the crucial step where you become the flavor maestro. I always taste a tiny bit on a chip—it’s the rules, right?
05 -
If you're like me and sometimes crave an extra kick, now's the time to finely mince another half a jalapeno (or even a tiny bit of serrano if you're feeling adventurous!) and stir it in. Taste again! Don't be shy; this is your salsa, make it how you like it.
06 -
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour if you can wait. This chilling time is super important! It lets all those incredible flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, it tastes so much better when it's had a chance to chill. The wait is worth it, promise!
# Notes:
01 -
Always taste and adjust seasoning *before* chilling; flavors deepen when cold.
02 -
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; don't freeze!
03 -
If you're out of fresh cilantro, a tiny bit of dried oregano can work, but it's a different vibe.
04 -
Serve with warm tortilla chips and maybe a cold beer for the ultimate experience.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Cutting board
02 -
sharp knife
03 -
mixing bowl
04 -
spoon
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 30 kcal
Total Fat: 0.5 g
Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
Protein: 1 g