There’s nothing like the bright, zesty flavor of Homemade Salsa Fresca – fresh, raw ingredients chopped and tossed together in the perfect bite of summer. This simple and vibrant salsa, sometimes called pico de gallo, is a classic blend of juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, spicy jalapeños, fragrant cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime.

Homemade Salsa Fresca Recipe

If you’re looking for other recipes featuring tomatoes as the star ingredient, Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette or my Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe will make your taste buds happy.

Homemade Salsa Fresca is a recipe you can throw together in minutes, yet it tastes like something straight from a sunny garden or a roadside taco stand. Serve it with chips, spoon it over grilled meats, or tuck it into tacos. Once you make it fresh, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

What makes salsa fresca truly special is its balance – sweetness from ripe tomatoes, heat from jalapeños, sharpness from onions, and that unmistakable citrusy pop from fresh lime juice. Every ingredient shines, yet they all come together into something greater than the sum of their parts.

Salsa fresca is the kind of recipe that doesn’t need much tweaking, but you can always adjust it to your taste – more heat, less onion, or a splash more vinegar.

This recipe is best when made just before serving, allowing the flavors to mingle while retaining their fresh crunch. It’s a must-have at any summer gathering, from backyard barbecues to casual taco nights.

Keep a bowl of salsa chilled in the fridge for a quick snack or to brighten up eggs, grilled fish, or even a simple bowl of rice and beans. Fresh, fast, and endlessly versatile – this salsa belongs in your regular rotation.

I found the original recipe in the New York Times and tweaked it to add a little more flavor.

Ingredients to Gather

• Red onion – Adds a vibrant color and slightly milder, sweeter crunch than white onions, giving the salsa a crisp bite without overpowering it.
• Red wine vinegar – A splash of red wine vinegar adds a subtle tang and depth that enhances the brightness of the tomatoes and lime.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes form the juicy, flavorful base of the salsa, offering sweetness, acidity, and a refreshing texture.
• Jalapeños – Bring the essential heat and spice, giving the salsa its signature kick and balancing the coolness of the tomatoes.
• Garlic cloves – Grated garlic cloves add a bold, savory undertone that deepens the flavor and gives the salsa a more complex finish.
• Cilantro – Provides a burst of fresh, citrusy, herbal flavor that lifts the whole salsa and ties the ingredients together.
• Limes – Fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty acidity that enhances every other flavor and keeps the salsa tasting fresh.
• Olive oil – A drizzle of olive oil lends a smooth richness and helps meld the ingredients for a more cohesive texture.
• Cumin – Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy note that gives the sals a subtle smoky depth and a hint of Mexican flair.
• Salt – Brings out the natural juices and flavors in the ingredients, making each bite more vibrant and well-balanced.

Creating a Cozy Life Group

Since you found this recipe for Homemade Salsa Fresca, I’m guessing you love all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 215,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, photos of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.

Ingredients

1/4 small red onion, minced

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1 pound finely chopped ripe tomatoes

1-2 fresh jalapeños, minced and seeded

1-2 grated garlic cloves

3-4 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

2-3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt to taste

Directions

1. Place minced onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water and vinegar. Let stand for 5 minutes and then drain.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and drained onions.
3. Let the recipe stand for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to blend. Depending on how watery your tomatoes are, you might have to drain some of the juice from the salsa fresca before serving.

Tips

• Use ripe tomatoes – Choose firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma or heirloom for the best flavor and texture. Remove excess seeds and juice for a less watery salsa.
• Fresh lime juice is key – It adds brightness and balances the flavors – don’t skip it or use bottled juice.
• Chop everything evenly – Uniform dice on tomatoes and onions to ensure each bite is balanced and appealing.
• You can substitute a white onion for a red onion.
• Balance the heat – Use jalapeño for mild to medium heat or Serrano for a kick. Remove the seeds and ribs for a milder salsa.
• You can substitute parsley or tarragon for cilantro.
• Let it sit – Letting the salsa rest for 15-30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld.
• Add extras (if desired) – For variation, you can also mix in avocado, diced mango, or a splash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store salsa fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, enjoy within 24 hours. Stir before serving.

Ideas on How to Use

• Add fresh salsa to your scrambled eggs or egg burritos.
• Rice and beans could always use some salsa to add zip to your side dish.
• Finish off your baked potatoes with butter, sour cream, and salsa.
• Topping your favorite taco recipe is the perfect way to use this salsa.
• Spread some cream cheese on your favorite cracker and top with Salsa Fresca.
• Top your grilled fish with Salsa Fresca for a Mediterranean taste.
• Adding fresh salsa to your soups, stews, and chili can give them the flavor you crave.
• Salsa pairs well with wraps, nachos, and quesadillas.

Salsa Toolbox

• Clear Glass Salsa Jars on Amazon – Case of 12
• Serrated Tomato Slicer Knife
• Wooden Salsa and Chips Bowl
• Covered Salsa Dish

We’ve reached the end of the homemade salsa recipe. I hope you enjoyed it!

Be sure you join our Creating a Cozy Life Facebook group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

Let me know if you tried the recipe and what you thought.

More Tomato Recipes You’ll Love!

• Best Refrigerator Tomato Jam Recipe
• How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Rustic Bread Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes
• How to Make Sun Dried Tomatoes

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