Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Fresh Tomato Salsa is a game-changer for any snack or meal. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and zesty lime, creating a salsa that’s as colorful as it is delicious. The blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors dances on your taste buds, while the chunky texture adds a satisfying crunch. Perfect for dipping, topping, or even enjoying straight from the spoon, this salsa is a celebration of summer in every bite.
Packed with vitamin C and low in calories, this salsa is as nutritious as it is tasty. The bright acidity of lime balances the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, while a hint of jalapeño adds just the right kick. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a fresh snack, this recipe is your go-to for a quick, healthy, and irresistibly flavorful treat. It’s proof that the best things in life—and cooking—can be effortless.
Fresh & Flavorful Ingredients
- 5 large tomatoes, or 6-8 small tomatoes, chopped (use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced (yellow or red onion works well)
- ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro (or 2 Tbsp dried cilantro if fresh isn’t available)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 4 teaspoons fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped (include seeds for extra heat, or reduce for milder salsa)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Simple Steps to Perfect Salsa
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Mince the garlic.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and garlic.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, Kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Finish with lime juice: Pour the fresh lime juice over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust: Give the salsa a taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
- Serve or store: Serve immediately for a fresh, bright flavor, or refrigerate for 24 hours to let the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Salsa
This fresh tomato salsa is incredibly versatile! Serve it with tortilla chips for a classic snack, or spoon it over grilled chicken, fish tacos, or burrito bowls for a burst of flavor. It also makes a great topping for scrambled eggs or avocado toast for a zesty breakfast twist.
Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Salsa Fresh
Store your salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld beautifully after 24 hours, so it’s even better the next day! If you notice excess liquid, simply drain it before serving. Pro tip: Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fresh tomatoes may change.
Spice It Up (or Down): Recipe Variations
Customize your salsa to suit your taste! For a milder version, remove the jalapeño seeds or use a pinch of cayenne instead. If you love heat, add an extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. You can also swap the green bell pepper for red or yellow for a sweeter flavor, or add diced mango for a tropical twist.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, use a food processor to quickly chop the tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Just pulse a few times to avoid over-processing. Pre-minced garlic and bottled lime juice can also speed things up, though fresh ingredients will give you the best flavor.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use canned tomatoes? While fresh tomatoes are ideal, you can use diced canned tomatoes (drained) in a pinch. Just note the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a day enhances the taste.
(The BEST) Fresh Tomato Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 large tomatoes, or 6-8 small tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro (or if you don’t have fresh you can use about 2 Tbsp dried)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 4 teaspoons fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped (include seeds if you want it hotter- add less if you don’t like heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and serve. Keep leftovers in fridge. This tastes amazing after about 24 hours in the fridge . . . the flavors all mix together and it is delicious!