Fresh Restaurant-Style Tomato Salsa

Bright, zesty, and addictive — this is the salsa they bring to your table at the best Mexican restaurants. Ripe tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime come together in 15 minutes with no cooking required.

Fresh Restaurant-Style Tomato Salsa

By Chef B. Boukim

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 0 min · Total: 15 min · Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 6 Ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 1-2 Jalapeño pepper, seeded if desired
  • 1/2 White onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Core the tomatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch dice. For the best texture, use Roma tomatoes, which have fewer seeds and less water.
  2. Finely dice the jalapeño. For a mild salsa, remove the seeds and membranes. For medium heat, leave some seeds in. For spicy, use 2 jalapeños with seeds.
  3. Finely dice the white onion. The pieces should be about the same size as the tomato dice for even distribution.
  4. Mince the garlic clove until it is almost a paste. Add to the bowl.
  5. Roughly chop the cilantro. Add to the bowl along with the lime juice, salt, and cumin. Stir everything together thoroughly.
  6. Let the salsa sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial — it allows the salt to draw out the tomato juices and the flavors to meld.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning. You may need more salt, more lime juice, or more jalapeño for heat.
  8. Serve with tortilla chips, spoon over tacos or grilled meats, or use as a topping for eggs.