Best Homemade Salsa Ever
This homemade salsa is fresh, bright, and full of vibrant flavor. It blends ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and a touch of jalapeño for the perfect balance of freshness and heat. It works well with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or any dish that needs a burst of flavor. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and tastes far better than anything store-bought.
Ingredients
4 large ripe tomatoes or 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), drained
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded for mild heat or left with seeds for extra spice
1 garlic clove, minced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ¼ teaspoon sugar if tomatoes are not very sweet
Instructions
Chop the tomatoes into small pieces or pulse them in a food processor until they reach your preferred texture. Some prefer a chunky salsa, while others like a smoother consistency. Transfer the tomatoes to a medium mixing bowl.
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly chopped cilantro. Stir everything together gently.
Finely dice the jalapeño. Remove the seeds and membranes for a mild salsa, or keep some of them for more heat. Add the jalapeño to the bowl.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Add the fresh lime juice. Stir well and taste to adjust the seasoning. If the salsa tastes too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
Let the salsa rest for at least ten to fifteen minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and deepen. If possible, refrigerate it for an hour for the best flavor.
Serving Notes
Serve the salsa with chips, tacos, quesadillas, seafood, grilled chicken, or eggs. It keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the salsa releases extra liquid after chilling, simply stir before serving.