| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 35 | 0.3g | 0g | 7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4.7g | 2g | 1.6g | 0.38g |
There’s something truly special about the Tomato Salsa recipe. You could say it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh produce in one bright, zesty dish. This salsa recipe captures the essence of a summer garden, combining ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, fiery jalapenos, and fragrant cilantro. It’s a dish that holds a special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.
The Magic of Fresh Ingredients
One of the reasons I adore the Tomato Salsa recipe so much is because it’s a nod to my food philosophy, an ideology instilled in me during my formative years in Boston: always prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients. Like the New England seafood dishes my family adored, the freshness and quality of the ingredients are what make this tomato salsa recipe a winner. The ripe tomatoes, fresh cilantro, sharp onions, and bold jalapenos all intertwine to create a dance of flavors that’s hard to resist.
This salsa is akin to Pico de Gallo, a staple in Mexican cuisine known for its fresh and bright flavors. You might also find it similar to the Italian bruschetta topping, minus the balsamic vinegar, and focusing more on the tomato and onion ratio. And while I absolutely adore this salsa with plain and salty tortilla chips, it amps up grilled fish, chicken, or even a baked potato.
Health Benefits and A Personal Touch
Not only is the Tomato Salsa a delectably fresh and invigorating treat, but it also packs numerous health benefits. It’s loaded with vitamins, especially vitamin C, from the tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, garlic, and lime juice, which help boost the immune system. Plus, the dietary fiber supports good gut health.
What I truly love about this recipe is its flexibility. Much like my Grandma’s Irish stew recipe, which I’ve tinkered with over the years to make it my own, the Tomato Salsa is a canvas for your culinary creativity. Swap the tomatoes for a mix of ripe mangoes and peaches for a sweeter variant, roast the tomatoes for a heartier kick, or throw in some diced avocados for a creamier spin. The possibilities are almost endless, and that’s what makes this recipe not just a favorite, but a cherished kitchen staple in my house.
On a more personal note, I remember preparing this salsa for family picnics and gatherings, and it became a favorite when I first made it for Laura, my fiancée. She has an unreserved love for tomatoes and salsa was the first dish I made for her using tomatoes from her father’s garden. Now, it’s something we enjoy as a family, and our little boy has started to playfully dip his tiny fingers in it too.
All said, the health benefits, versatility, and lingering sweet memories make the Tomato Salsa recipe not just a joy to create, but also a pleasure to consume.
What You’ll Need
- 5 medium tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 3 jalapeno peppers
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro
- 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
Method
Step One
Begin by prepping your produce. For the tomatoes, remove the cores and chop them into small pieces. For the onion, peel and finely dice. For the jalapeno peppers, remove the stems and seeds if you prefer a milder salsa, then finely dice. Finally, peel and mince the garlic cloves, and finely chop the cilantro leaves.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, diced onion, diced jalapeno peppers, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine.
Step Three
Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice from both halves into the bowl with the other ingredients. Add the salt, black pepper, and cumin. Stir well again, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed and well coated with the lime juice and seasonings.
Step Four
Cover the bowl with a piece of plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. After this resting time, taste the salsa and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Step Five
Your tomato salsa is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed with tortilla chips, used as a topping for tacos or burritos, or added to any dish as a fresh, flavorful garnish. Store any leftover salsa in the fridge, covered, for up to a week.
