Fresh • Flavorful • Fast • Beginner approved
This is a classic fresh tomato salsa (also known as pico de gallo or salsa fresca) with optional tweaks if you want it more saucy, spicy, or restaurant-style.
🥣 Ingredients (Simple + Fresh!)
3 ripe tomatoes (Roma is best!)
½ small onion (white or red)
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño or serrano pepper (optional for spice)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional: ¼ teaspoon cumin for extra depth
You can add or remove anything — salsa is super customizable!
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Chop the Tomatoes
Cut tomatoes into small cubes.
Smaller pieces = better flavor + texture.
Place in a medium bowl.
2. Add Onion + Garlic
Finely chop:
Onion
Garlic
Add to the bowl.
This builds the salsa base.
3. Add Heat (Optional But Yummy!)
Chop ½–1 jalapeño depending on how spicy you want it.
For mild salsa → remove the seeds
For spicy salsa → keep the seeds
Add to the bowl.
4. Add Cilantro + Lime
Chop cilantro
Squeeze lime juice all over
The lime wakes up all the flavors!
5. Season Your Salsa
Add:
Salt
Pepper
Optional: cumin
Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
6. Taste + Adjust
Try a spoonful and adjust:
More lime → brighter taste
More salt → deeper flavor
More pepper → subtle heat
More jalapeño → spicy
This part makes your salsa perfect for YOU.
⭐ Tips to Make the Best Salsa Ever
Use ripe tomatoes — they make all the difference.
If tomatoes are very juicy, scoop out some seeds to avoid watery salsa.
Chill your salsa for 10 minutes — flavors blend beautifully.
Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
Chop ingredients evenly so every bite has everything.
🍅 Yummy Variations
Restaurant-Style Smooth Salsa
Blend everything lightly for 3–5 seconds.
(Still chunky, but smoother!)
Roasted Salsa
Roast tomatoes + onions + garlic + jalapeño in the oven first.
Blend → smoky perfection.
Fruit Salsa
Add:
Mango
Pineapple
Peach
Super fresh and sweet!
Avocado Salsa
Add diced avocado at the end for creamy yum.
🍽️ What to Serve With Your Salsa
Tortilla chips
Quesadillas
Burrito bowls
Tacos
Nachos
Eggs
Grilled veggies
Rice bowls
Salsa makes EVERYTHING better.
🎉 Make the Best Salsa Recipe Ever — Final Thoughts
This recipe is:
Fast
Fresh
Beginner-friendly
Budget-friendly
Totally customizable
Perfect for snacks or meals
Once you try this homemade salsa, you’ll never go back to store-bought!