Fresh Tomato Garden Salsa

Whether you’re a fan of mild or spicy, this homemade salsa with fresh tomatoes is bursting with freshness from garden-picked tomatoes, crisp peppers, tangy lime, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a dip with your favorite chips, a side dish for grilled meats, or a topping for tacos, this versatile salsa brings a refreshing, wholesome touch to any meal. 

Making salsa with fresh tomatoes is a lot of fun, and this salsa tastes even better. As you know, fresh vegetables always taste better than store-bought ones. I love homegrown tomatoes—you can easily grow them in your own small garden. I enjoy growing some basic fruits and vegetables in my garden, and you can do the same. It’s a great choice for eating a healthy diet, and it’s also fun!

This tomato salsa is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Are you a spice lover? If so, don’t skip the jalapeño peppers, as they add a perfect kick to make the salsa spicy!

Ingredients

1. Diced Fresh Tomatoes (2 cups): Fresh tomatoes are the base of this salsa, providing juiciness and a naturally sweet taste. You can use a mix of different tomato varieties, such as Roma tomatoes for a firmer texture or heirloom tomatoes for a more complex flavor.
2. Diced Green Peppers (1 cup)
3. Diced Onion (1 cup): Red onions can also be used for a more colorful and slightly milder flavor.
4. Minced Garlic (2 cloves): The fresh garlic flavor enhances the overall profile of the salsa, making it even more appetizing.
5. Chopped Fresh Cilantro (1/2 cup): It’s a key ingredient in many salsas. However, if you don’t like cilantro, you can substitute it with basil or parsley for a different fresh flavor.
6. Juice of 1 Lime: Lime juice is essential in salsa. The acidity also helps balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cumin and garlic.
7. Sea Salt (1/2 teaspoon): You can adjust the amount of salt based on your preference and the ripeness of the tomatoes.
8. Finely Chopped Jalapeño Pepper (1, optional): If you prefer a milder salsa, you can skip this or reduce the amount. For a more fiery salsa, you can add extra jalapeño or seeds.
9. Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)

How To Make Salsa with Fresh Tomatoes

1. Prepare the Vegetables

• Dice the tomatoes into small pieces, ensuring they’re cut into a size that will easily scoop up with chips or sit comfortably as a topping for grilled meats or tacos. Be sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes if you prefer a less watery salsa.
• Dice the green peppers and onions into small, uniform pieces. This helps with the texture of the salsa and ensures even flavor distribution in every bite.
• Mince the garlic finely. This allows the garlic to spread evenly throughout the salsa without overpowering any one bite.
• Chop the cilantro finely to release its flavors. Fresh cilantro is aromatic and will blend into the salsa, offering a fresh burst with each bite.

2. Combine the Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, green peppers, onion, and minced garlic. These are your core salsa ingredients.
  • Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife to chop the vegetables finely, ensuring that all pieces are roughly the same size for an even texture.
• Add the chopped cilantro (or your choice of basil/parsley) to the bowl. The herb will brighten the salsa and enhance its freshness.

3. Add Lime and Seasonings

• Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture.
  • Pro Tip: To make juicing easier, roll the lime under your palm before cutting it in half. This helps release more juice. Also, use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
• Sprinkle in the sea salt and ground cumin. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors. Salt will enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balance the acidity of the lime, while cumin adds a subtle, earthy warmth.
  • Pro Tip: Start with a smaller amount of salt and cumin, then taste and adjust. You can always add more to suit your preferences.

4. Add the Jalapeño (Optional)

• If you enjoy a spicy salsa, finely chop the jalapeño and add it to the mixture.
  • Pro Tip: Remove the seeds from the jalapeño for a milder salsa, or leave them in for extra heat. Wearing gloves while handling jalapeños can help avoid irritation from the oils.

5. Let the Salsa Sit

• Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time allows the lime juice, salt, and cumin to fully combine with the vegetables and enhance the salsa’s overall taste.
  • Pro Tip: If you have more time, you can let the salsa sit for longer, or even refrigerate it for up to an hour to let the flavors develop even more.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with tortilla chips: Fresh tortilla chips are perfect for dipping into this refreshing salsa. They balance out the flavors and provide a satisfying crunch.
• As a topping: This salsa makes a great topping for grilled meats (like chicken or steak), tacos, burritos, or even grilled vegetables.
• With Mexican dishes: Pair this salsa with dishes like quesadillas, nachos, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
• On salads: Add a spoonful of salsa to a simple salad for a fresh, zesty twist.

Pro Tips for Perfect Salsa

1. Use Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key for a flavorful salsa. Avoid using canned tomatoes, as they can make the salsa watery and less vibrant.
2. Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or omit it entirely based on your heat preference. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can use sweet bell peppers or omit the jalapeño and rely on the lime for tang.
3. Let it Rest: Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This gives time for the flavors to meld and develop fully.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salsa before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, a little extra salt or lime juice can make a big difference.
5. Store and Serve: Salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, but the freshness is best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.

Conclusion

This Salsa with Fresh Tomatoes is a delicious, customizable recipe that highlights the natural flavors of fresh produce. It’s perfect as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes. The combination of tomatoes, peppers, lime, and cilantro creates a refreshing salsa that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it fresh or store it for a few days to let the flavors develop even further!

How To Store

Feel free to make a large batch, as salsa stays fresh for quite a while! When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can last for up to a week. With the addition of lime juice, which serves as a natural preservative due to its acidity. However, the shelf life may vary depending on the freshness of your vegetables.