Bursting with fresh flavors, this vibrant dip combines diced Roma tomatoes with red onion, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro, enhanced by tangy lime juice and balanced with salt and pepper. This Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe perfectly complements your favorite Chips And Salsa picks for delightful festive gatherings or a casual snack.

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I love making a quick, restaurant style salsa with ingredients that not only taste great but also pack a nutritional punch. My homemade salsa is made with 4 medium Roma tomatoes diced perfectly, 1/2 of a medium red onion finely chopped, and a juicy jalapeno pepper seeded and minced for that light kick.

I also add 1 clove garlic minced well to bring some extra flavor along with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped. To balance the flavors, I mix in 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

This easy homemade salsa is not only a perfect snack to pair with your favorite chips or tortillas, but its vitamins like C and antioxidants can make it a wholesome option for any party or casual meal. I’ve found that simple, honest ingredients create amazing taste while being a smart addition to everyday recipes.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to whip up even on busy days and it only takes about 10 mins to get all the flavors to blend together just right. I also love the mix of ingredients; the tangy lime juice, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the slight heat from the jalapeno create a really refreshing taste that never gets boring. Plus, it’s versatile enough that I can use it as a dip with my favorite chips one day or mix it into other dishes the next, which makes every meal feel a little extra special.

Ingredients

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Roma tomatoes add juiciness and fiber while giving a mildly sweet, fresh taste.
Red onion supplies a pleasant crunch and natural sweetness, plus a good dose of fiber.
Jalapeno offers heat and capsaicin that helps boost your metabolism and flavor.
Cilantro brings herbal freshness and vitamins, making the salsa bright and zesty.
Lime juice adds a sharp sour twist that perfectly counterbalances the other flavors.
Garlic gives a savory depth and is known for its health benefits and aroma.

Ingredient Quantities

4 medium Roma tomatoes, diced

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make this

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1. Start by dicing the Roma tomatoes and chopping up the red onion so it’s nice and fine.

2. Next, seed the jalapeno, then mince it along with the garlic.

3. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro and toss it into a bowl.

4. Put all the chopped ingredients together in a bowl.

5. Add in the 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.

6. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

7. Mix everything together really well so all the flavors blend.

8. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the taste can really come together.

9. Serve it up with your favorite chips or use it in any recipe that calls for salsa. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board – Essential to safely chop the tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro while keeping your prep area clean.
2. Chef’s knife – A sharp knife will let you dice, chop, and mince all the veggies evenly which is key for the salsa.
3. Mixing bowl – Use a bowl big enough to toss all the chopped ingredients so the flavors mingle well.
4. Measuring spoons – Needed for getting the salt, pepper, and lime juice measurements spot on.
5. Citrus juicer – Handy for quickly squeezing 2 tablespoons of lime juice without wasting any juice.

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute some ingredients?

A: Yeah, you certainly can. If you're out of fresh garlic, a pinch of garlic salt can work in a pinch. You can also tweak the amount of lime juice and cilantro to suit your taste.

Q: Should I let the salsa sit before serving?

A: I'd recommend letting it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It helps all the flavours mix together so it tastes better.

Q: How long will this salsa last in the fridge?

A: It should be good for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that the fresher the better, so try to enjoy it sooner.

Q: Can I make it spicier?

A: Definitely. If you want more heat, leave a few jalapeño seeds in or even add another pepper. Just adjust to your personal heat level.

Q: Do i have to use Roma tomatoes?

A: While Roma tomatoes are ideal for this recipe because theyre less watery, you can use regular tomatoes if that's all you have. Just drain out any extra liquid.

Homemade Salsa Recipe {Restaurant Style} Substitutions and Variations

Roma tomatoes: If you cant find these, try using vine-ripened tomatoes or even a handful of chopped cherry tomatoes. They give a similar texture but might be a bit sweeter.
Red onion: White onions or even shallots work great too if you want a milder or slightly different flavor profile.
Jalapeno pepper: For less heat, you can swap the jalapeno for a green bell pepper. If you prefer similar spice, serrano peppers are also a good choice.
Fresh cilantro: If you’re not into the taste of cilantro, parsley is a decent alternative though the flavor isnt quite the same.

Pro Tips

1. Let the salsa sit a bit longer if you can because letting it cool for like 15-20 minutes instead of just 10 helps all the flavors mix together way better.
2. If you really love a kick, you might wanna toss in another jalapeno or even a bit of serrano. Just be careful and add a little at a time till it feels just right.
3. Sometimes the tomatoes get all watery, so if you find your mix looking too runny, you can drain some juice off. It keeps the salsa thicker and lets the other ingredients shine.
4. Always taste it as you go. Every tomato and jalapeno is a bit different so you might find you need a little extra lime or salt to hit that perfect balance.

Homemade Salsa Recipe {Restaurant Style}

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cutting board – Essential to safely chop the tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro while keeping your prep area clean.
2. Chef’s knife – A sharp knife will let you dice, chop, and mince all the veggies evenly which is key for the salsa.
3. Mixing bowl – Use a bowl big enough to toss all the chopped ingredients so the flavors mingle well.
4. Measuring spoons – Needed for getting the salt, pepper, and lime juice measurements spot on.
5. Citrus juicer – Handy for quickly squeezing 2 tablespoons of lime juice without wasting any juice.

Ingredients

4 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Start by dicing the Roma tomatoes and chopping up the red onion so it's nice and fine.
Next, seed the jalapeno, then mince it along with the garlic.
Roughly chop the fresh cilantro and toss it into a bowl.
Put all the chopped ingredients together in a bowl.
Add in the 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Mix everything together really well so all the flavors blend.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the taste can really come together.
Serve it up with your favorite chips or use it in any recipe that calls for salsa. Enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.