Fresh Tomato Salsa
A vibrant, classic pico de gallo made with fresh diced tomatoes, crisp onion, spicy jalapeño, and cilantro, all brought together with a squeeze of lime. Perfect for dipping or as a topping, and ready in just 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vegetables
- Wash all the vegetables thoroughly.
- Dice the Roma tomatoes into small, even pieces and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Finely dice the red onion and the jalapeño peppers. For less heat, make sure to remove all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños.
- Chop the fresh cilantro, including the tender stems for more flavor.
Combine and season the salsa
- Add the diced onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Squeeze the fresh lime juice directly over the vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle the salt over everything.
Mix and let it rest
- Gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salsa rest for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lime juice to your preference.
Serve
- Serve the fresh tomato salsa immediately with tortilla chips, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use firm, ripe Roma tomatoes as they have less water content and more flesh, which prevents the salsa from becoming too watery.
- 2For a milder salsa, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For more heat, leave some in.
- 3Always use fresh lime juice, not the bottled kind. It makes a huge difference in flavor.
- 4Letting the salsa rest is key! It allows the salt to draw out juices from the tomatoes and onion, creating a more flavorful salsa.
- 5Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor will continue to develop.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Add 1 cup of diced cucumber or bell pepper for extra crunch, fiber, and nutrients without significantly changing the flavor profile.
quickQuick
For a faster version, you can briefly pulse the onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a food processor. Add this to hand-diced tomatoes to maintain a good texture.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the jalapeño pepper entirely for a mild, flavorful salsa that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice are excellent sources of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
Low in Calories
This salsa is naturally low in calories and fat-free, making it a perfect choice for healthy eating and weight management.
Hydrating
With a high water content from fresh tomatoes, this salsa can contribute to your daily hydration needs.
Full of Antioxidants
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's made entirely from fresh vegetables, is low in calories, fat-free, and packed with vitamins like Vitamin C from the tomatoes and lime juice. It's a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your meals.