This Homemade Salsa Recipe is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with the sweet flavor of juicy cherry tomatoes, zesty lime, and cilantro. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s the perfect dip for tortilla chips or a flavorful topping for tacos, grilled meats, and more.

bowl of Homemade Salsa Recipe

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Homemade Salsa Recipe

  • Flavor: Fresh, zesty, and lightly spicy, this salsa is packed with juicy tomato flavor, bright lime, and savory herbs in every bite.
  • Why Make It: A fresh salsa comes together in just 15 minutes and delivers brighter, fresher flavor than jarred salsa with simple ingredients you can feel good about.
  • Serving Suggestions:  I love serving this salsa with tortilla chips or spooning it over baked tacos, chicken enchiladas, eggs, or chicken burrito bowls for a fresh burst of flavor.

Total Time: 15 Minutes Servings: 8

Ingredient Notes

tomatoes , jalapenos , cilantro , pepper , garlic , oil , oregano , salt , lime , green onions ingredients in bowls with labels to make tomatoes , jalapenos , cilantro , pepper , garlic , oil , oregano , salt , lime , green onions with labels to make Best Homemade Salsa Recipe
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and easy to chop, cherry tomatoes make a fresh and flavorful salsa. Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes work well as substitutes. If the salsa releases extra liquid, simply drain off a little tomato juice before serving.
  • Green Onions: Add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the tomatoes without overpowering them. For a stronger, sharper bite, substitute finely diced red onion or white onion.
  • Jalapeños: Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder salsa, or leave some in to add extra heat. For a spicier version, swap in serrano peppers.
  • Lime Zest and Juice: Lime juice adds a bright, fresh acidity, while the zest boosts the citrus flavor without adding extra liquid to the salsa.
  • Dried Oregano: Adds a warm, savory flavor that complements the fresh ingredients. Mexican oregano is especially flavorful if available.

Variations

  • Mild Salsa: Use 1 jalapeño or replace the jalapeños with diced green bell pepper.
  • Extra Chunky Salsa: Chop everything by hand and avoid overmixing.
  • Restaurant-Style Salsa: Pulse the ingredients briefly in a food processor for a finer texture.
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How to Make this Homemade Salsa Recipe

  1. Chop the tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeños.
  2. Add veggies to a bowl with lime zest, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cilantro, and olive oil.
  3. Stir, then season with salt and pepper to taste (full recipe below).

Salsa Success Tips

  • Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife keeps cherry tomatoes from getting crushed and watery.
  • Drain the Excess: Fresh tomatoes release liquid quickly once cut. Before adding to the salsa, let them sit for a few minutes to drain the excess liquid off.
  • Rest for Flavor: Rest for even 10 minutes helps the lime, garlic, and salt blend into the tomatoes and produce the best flavor.
  • Make It Ahead Carefully: Prep it a few hours ahead for best texture, but serve it the same day when possible.
Best Homemade Salsa Recipe on a tortilla

Storing Fresh Salsa

  • Store salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Do not freeze. It is best served fresh because the tomatoes soften and release more juice as they sit.
  • Do not leave fresh salsa at room temperature for extended periods. After 2 hours, it should be stored back in the refrigerator. To leave out longer, place the bowl of salsa in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled.

Easy Dips and Party Snacks

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Homemade Salsa Recipe

This homemade salsa recipe is fresh, chunky, and full of juicy tomato, lime, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro flavor. It is ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required.
Pin Review Print
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Author Catalina

Equipment

Large Bowl

Ingredients  

  • 5 cups cherry tomatoes finely chopped
  • 2 green onions finely diced
  • 2 jalapeños seeds removed, deveined and finely diced
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Add tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, lime juice and zest, oregano, garlic, cilantro, and olive oil to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with corn chips.

Notes

Homemade salsa should be stored in the refrigerator immediately after preparing and kept for up to 3 days.
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 571IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Mexican

©The Shortcut Kitchen. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

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About the author

Catalina thinks that time in the kitchen should be fun, and we should spend less time cooking and more time eating! As a successful business woman, with a busy career on Wall Street, she develops easy weeknight meals that you can make in 30 minutes or less!. Catalina lives in the NYC metro area with her husband, who is also a great cook, and their 4 year old boy, who gladly helps in the kitchen. Catalina will inspire you to experiment with flavors, try new ingredients and create easy meals with less effort. You can visit her blog Sweet & Savory Meals for more inspiration.
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