Get ready to elevate your culinary game with this delightful salsa recipe featuring fresh, juicy tomatoes. Perfect for summer gatherings, this salsa is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Serve it with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a topping for grilled meats. With a balance of flavors and textures, this salsa will be a hit at any occasion!
Ingredients
– 4 ripe fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
– Black pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and there’s no cooking time required.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 1/4 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 30
– Protein: 1g
– Carbohydrates: 7g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 3g
– Fat: 0g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly.
2. Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces.
3. Peel and finely chop the onion.
4. Remove seeds from the jalapeño and mince it finely.
5. Chop the fresh cilantro, ensuring no large stems remain.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
7. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients.
10. Allow the salsa to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes in a pinch, though fresh tomatoes provide a brighter flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a milder salsa, use bell peppers instead of jalapeños.
Serving and Pairings
This fresh salsa pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. It’s also great as a topping for nachos or burritos, adding a burst of freshness to any dish.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using under-ripe tomatoes can result in a bland salsa.
- Not allowing the salsa to sit can prevent flavors from developing.
- Over-seasoning with salt can overwhelm the fresh flavors.
- Skipping the lime juice removes essential acidity.
- Chopping ingredients too coarsely can lead to uneven texture.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning.
- Try adding diced avocado for creaminess.
- Use a mix of tomatoes for depth of flavor.
- Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried, but use less.
FAQs
Can I make salsa in advance?
Yes, salsa can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.
What can I serve salsa with?
Salsa is delicious with chips, tacos, grilled meats, and even on top of salads.
How spicy is this salsa recipe?
The spiciness depends on the jalapeño used; you can adjust it by adding more or less.
Can I use other vegetables in salsa?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or black beans can add great flavor and texture.
Is this salsa healthy?
Yes, it’s low in calories and packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables.
Conclusion
This salsa recipe with fresh tomatoes is a simple yet flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. Perfect for any occasion, its fresh ingredients and vibrant colors will surely impress your guests. Enjoy it fresh, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite ingredients!
Salsa Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 ripe fresh tomatoes diced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, then dice them into small pieces.
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Remove seeds from the jalapeño and mince it finely.
- Chop the fresh cilantro, ensuring no large stems remain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients.
- Allow the salsa to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition
