Fresh Tomato Salsa Recipe – Serrano, Cilantro & Lemon Juice

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Fresh Tomato Salsa Recipe – Serrano, Cilantro & Lemon Juice

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good, fresh salsa. It’s the perfect dip for tortilla chips, a vibrant topping for tacos, or honestly, just something I enjoy with a spoon (don’t judge!). This recipe is my go-to – it’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. I first made this when I was craving something bright and zesty, and it’s been a staple ever since. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average jarred salsa. We’re talking about a vibrant, homemade salsa that tastes like sunshine in a bowl. It’s incredibly fresh, thanks to the juicy tomatoes and fragrant cilantro. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes – perfect for a last-minute snack or a party appetizer. Honestly, once you taste how good fresh salsa is, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• ?? cup onion
• 1 cup tomato
• 1-1.5 tsp serrano pepper
• 3 tbsp cilantro
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ?? tsp garlic (optional)
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few things can really make or break this salsa!

• Serrano Pepper Heat Level: Serrano peppers pack a punch! 1-1.5 teaspoons will give you a nice kick, but feel free to adjust to your spice preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go.
• Freshness of Tomatoes & Cilantro: Seriously, this is key. Ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh, vibrant cilantro are what make this salsa sing. Look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to pressure. The cilantro should be bright green and perky, not wilted.
• Garlic (Optional): I love a little garlic in my salsa, but it’s totally optional. If you’re a garlic lover like my grandma, definitely add it! If you’re not, feel free to skip it – the salsa will still be amazing.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some salsa! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First things first, let’s get everything chopped. Rinse all your produce. Then, finely chop the onion, garlic (if using), and serrano pepper.
2. Pop those chopped goodies into a mixing bowl.
3. Next, finely chop the tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform – a little rustic charm is totally fine!
4. Chop the cilantro and toss it in with everything else.
5. Now for the finishing touches! Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Give everything a good mix, making sure all the flavors are combined.
6. And that’s it! Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos.

Expert Tips

Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Taste as you go: Seriously, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning. Everyone’s palate is different!
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make the salsa mushy. You want to maintain some texture.
• Let it sit (briefly): Allowing the salsa to sit for about 10-15 minutes after mixing allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the serrano pepper. For extra heat, leave them in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. My friend, Priya, loves to add a habanero for a serious kick!
• Tomato Variety Adaptations: Roma tomatoes are great for salsa because they have less water content. But you can also use vine-ripened tomatoes, cherry tomatoes (halved), or even a mix!
• Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your salt to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal products.
• Festival/Party Adaptations: Make a big batch! This salsa is always a hit at parties. You can even set up a salsa bar with different toppings like black beans, corn, and avocado.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa is incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• With tortilla chips (obviously!)
• As a topping for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
• On top of grilled chicken or fish
• Mixed into scrambled eggs
• As a topping for nachos

Storage Instructions

Leftover salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh! The tomatoes will release more liquid as it sits, so the texture might change slightly.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• How long will this salsa stay fresh? Up to 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best within the first day.
• Can I make this salsa ahead of time? Yes, but the texture will change as the tomatoes release liquid. I recommend making it a few hours before serving for the best results.
• What’s the best type of tomato to use for salsa? Roma tomatoes are a great choice, but vine-ripened or cherry tomatoes work well too.
• Can I use a different chili pepper? Absolutely! Jalapeños are a good substitute for serrano peppers, but they’re milder.
• How can I reduce the heat in this salsa? Remove the seeds and membranes from the chili pepper, or use a milder pepper like a poblano. You can also add a little bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat.