Best Homemade Salsa Ever

Ingredients

1 small onion, diced finely

1 medium serrano or jalapeno pepper, ribs and stem, seeds removed

4 large tomatoes, chopped small

¼ cup lime juice

¾ tsp fine sea salt

½ cup finely chopped cilantro

Instructions

Wash all vegetables.

Remove the stems, seeds and ribs, as needed

Chop the vegetables into a small dice

Stir in the cilantro, salt and lime juice

Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill and marinate together.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Pepper Heat Level: Serrano peppers are hotter than jalapeños. Adjust the amount or type of pepper based on your heat preference. Removing the seeds and ribs from the peppers can also reduce their spiciness.

Tomato Choices: Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Roma or plum tomatoes are good options because they have fewer seeds and a denser flesh.

Cilantro Freshness: Fresh cilantro is key to vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with finely chopped fresh parsley, but the flavor will be different.

Salt and Lime Adjustments: Taste the salsa before serving and adjust the salt and lime juice if necessary. Depending on your taste preferences and the size of your tomatoes, you might need a bit more or less of either.

Chilling Time: Allowing the salsa to chill for at least 15 minutes helps the flavors meld together, but it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Consistency: For a chunkier salsa, dice the ingredients into larger pieces. For a smoother salsa, you can blend some or all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender.

Acidity Balance: If the salsa tastes too acidic, you can balance it with a pinch of sugar or a splash of water. This can help mellow out the lime juice’s tartness.

Storage: Store salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Serving Ideas: This salsa is great with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or mixed into dishes for added flavor.

Additional Flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like minced garlic, diced bell peppers, or a splash of hot sauce to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/4 cup (approximately)

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the salsa?

The spiciness of the salsa depends on the type and amount of pepper used. For a milder salsa, you can use a jalapeno pepper instead of a serrano pepper, or you can reduce the amount of pepper used.

If you prefer a spicier salsa, you can keep the seeds and ribs in the pepper or even add an extra pepper.

How long can I store the homemade salsa in the refrigerator?

The salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well before chopping and using in the recipe.

Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?

Yes, if you don’t have lime juice on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice. It will give the salsa a slightly different flavor but will still work well.

Can I add other ingredients to customize the salsa?

Absolutely! Salsa is a versatile dish, and you can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, or even fruits like mango or pineapple to customize the flavor and texture according to your preference.

Can I use a different type of pepper?

Yes, you can use different types of peppers based on your preference and availability. Serrano and jalapeno peppers are commonly used, but you can experiment with other varieties like habanero or poblano peppers to create different flavor profiles.

Can I add additional vegetables or ingredients to the salsa?

Absolutely! Salsa is a versatile dish, and you can customize it by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, garlic, corn, or black beans. You can also incorporate fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.

How long can I store the homemade salsa?

The homemade salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. However, it’s best to consume it within a couple of days for the freshest flavor and texture.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salsa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing the salsa to sit and marinate for a few hours or overnight can enhance the flavors. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.