🌿 Fresh Homemade Salsa
📝 Description
Fresh Homemade Salsa is a vibrant, zesty, and flavorful dip made from ripe tomatoes, onions, peppers, herbs, and lime juice. It’s the perfect addition to Mexican dishes, tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled meats. Unlike store-bought versions, this salsa bursts with freshness and can be customized to your preferred level of spice.
🍅 Ingredients for Fresh Homemade Salsa
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4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
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1 small red onion, finely chopped
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2 fresh jalapeños (or 1 for mild, 3 for extra spicy), minced
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1 clove garlic, finely minced
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1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional for sweetness)
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1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp cumin (optional, for depth of flavor)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Prepare vegetables – Dice tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and bell pepper.
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Combine – In a medium mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables.
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Season – Add lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic, and cumin. Mix well.
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Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend.
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Serve – Enjoy with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for salads.
🗒️ Notes
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Roma or plum tomatoes work best because they are less watery.
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If salsa is too runny, drain excess liquid before serving.
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For a smoother texture, blend half the salsa in a food processor and mix back in.
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Adjust heat by removing or keeping jalapeño seeds.
💡 Tips
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Roast tomatoes, onions, and peppers for a smoky salsa flavor.
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Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet & spicy twist.
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Make ahead of time—flavors intensify after chilling.
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Use a splash of apple cider vinegar if you want longer shelf life.
🍽️ Servings
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Makes about 4 cups (serves 6–8 people as a dip).
📊 Nutritional Info (per 1/2 cup serving, approx.)
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Calories: 25
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Protein: 1 g
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Carbohydrates: 6 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Fat: 0 g
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Sodium: 150 mg
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Vitamin C: 30% DV
🌟 Benefits
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Low-calorie & nutrient-rich: Great for weight management.
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Rich in antioxidants: Tomatoes, garlic, and peppers support heart health.
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Boosts immunity: High vitamin C content.
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Digestive aid: Fiber-rich vegetables promote gut health.
❓ Q&A
Q1: Can I make salsa without cilantro?
Yes, you can substitute parsley or leave it out. The flavor will be milder but still delicious.
Q2: How long does homemade salsa last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts 4–5 days.
Q3: Can I freeze salsa?
Yes, but the texture may become watery after thawing. Best used in cooked dishes if frozen.
Q4: What’s the difference between pico de gallo and salsa?
Pico de gallo is chunkier and made fresh, while salsa can be smooth, cooked, or blended.
Q5: How can I make salsa less spicy?
Remove seeds and membranes from peppers, or use mild peppers like bell or poblano.