Tangy Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa: Zesty Dip for Any Meal (Print Version)

Whip up a vibrant, tangy Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa! This simple recipe brings sunshine to your plate with bright flavors and a touch of heat. So good!

# 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 Roma tomatoes, finely diced
02 - 1/2 small red onion, finely minced

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
04 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ A Little Heat

06 - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and finely minced (adjust to taste)

→ Essential Seasoning

07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First, chop your tomatoes. I like a small dice, about a quarter-inch, so they're easy to scoop and you get a bit of everything in each bite. Then, finely mince your red onion. I usually rinse mine under cold water for a minute or two after chopping to mellow out that strong oniony bite. Trust me, it makes a huge difference; I learned that trick from Maria, and it's a game changer for Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa!
02 - Next, the jalapeño. Slice it lengthwise, scoop out all those seeds and membranes with a spoon. This is where I go slow, because a rogue seed can seriously amp up the heat, and not in a fun way, oops! Then, finely mince it. Remember my fiery mistake? Don't be me! If you're really sensitive to heat, you can wear gloves for this part, honestly.
03 - Gather your beautiful fresh cilantro. Give it a good wash, pat it really dry – water is the enemy of good salsa, it dilutes the flavor. Then, chop it pretty finely, stems and all if they're tender; they add extra flavor! The smell of fresh cilantro hitting the cutting board always makes me smile. It's so bright and fresh!
04 - Now, grab those limes! Roll them on the counter first to get more juice out, it’s a little trick I picked up over the years. Freshly squeeze about two tablespoons of juice. If you're feeling wild, or your limes are a bit dry, squeeze a third. You want that tangy punch in your Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa, it's key!
05 - In a medium bowl, gently combine your chopped tomatoes, red onion, minced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Add the finely minced garlic and pour in the fresh lime juice. Give it a good, gentle stir with a spoon. You don't want to mush everything; you want distinct, vibrant pieces in your Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa. It's all about the texture!
06 - Now for the critical part: salt! Start with about half a teaspoon, mix it in, and then taste. Add more if you think it needs it, but remember, you can always add, never subtract! This Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa really benefits from a little chill time, about 15-30 minutes, for the flavors to meld. It's totally worth the wait, honestly, for that perfect taste!

# Notes:

01 - Always taste and adjust the salt and lime juice before serving; it makes all the difference, I learned that the hard way!
02 - For the best flavor in your Fresh Cilantro Lime Salsa, use the freshest ingredients you can find – it really shines through.
03 - If you're out of jalapeño, a tiny bit of serrano will give it more heat, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're desperate, but fresh is always better.
04 - This salsa and a good rom-com? Yes please, that's my kind of cozy night in.

# Equipment Needed:

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

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 35 kcal
Total Fat: 0.3g
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Protein: 1g

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