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Fresh Tomato Salsa (Salsa Mexicana)

Fresh Tomato Salsa (Salsa Mexicana)

15 min — Easy — Mexican

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Fresh Tomato Salsa (Salsa Mexicana)
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Fresh Tomato Salsa (Salsa Mexicana)

Sweet Roma tomatoes, still firm from the vine, meet sharp white onions and spicy serrano chiles in this classic salsa Mexicana. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice add a refreshing citrus kick, while a touch of olive oil helps carry the bold flavors. It's a vibrant, chunky dip that instantly elevates your favorite tacos or a simple bowl of tortilla chips. Mixing the ingredients ahead of time lets the flavors meld, but holding back the salt until serving keeps the tomatoes perfectly crisp and juicy.

Prep
15 min
Total
15 min
Servings
8
Course
Appetizer
Cuisine
Mexican
🧑‍🍳
Difficulty
Easy
💰
Cost
Budget
🌶️
Spice
Medium

Ingredients

  • 2 serrano chiles, seeded and finely diced
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • ¾ cup (114 g) diced white onion
  • 1 cup (40 g) cilantro leaves, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
  • ½ tbsp (7 ml) olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1Place the diced serrano chiles, Roma tomatoes, white onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil into a medium bowl. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
  2. 2Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator. Stir in the salt right before eating, then top with a little extra cilantro. Adding salt at the very end prevents the tomatoes from releasing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

Notes

  • Trivia: Salsa Mexicana is often called pico de gallo, which translates to rooster's beak. The name likely comes from the small, diced vegetables that resemble chicken feed.
  • Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container, though the tomatoes will soften over time.
  • Prep tip: Wear gloves when seeding and dicing the serrano chiles to protect your hands from the spicy oils.

Recipe Details

Diet
Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Fat Low Lactose Vegan Vegetarian Dairy Free Egg Free Low Carb Nut Free Shellfish Free Soy Free

About the Author

Nora Visser, Editor at OneTapRecipes
Nora Visser
Editor, OneTapRecipes
Home cook writing recipes you can see, not read.