Sweet, juicy tomatoes, red onion for a little bite, cilantro, lime juice, and a little diced jalapeño pepper, plus a dash of salt are all you need for a deliciously homemade fresh tomato salsa… SO simple and packed with flavor!
This easy, healthy homemade tomato salsa happens to be my favorite summertime recipe. Skip the store-bought seasoning packets and make this with fresh ingredients straight from your garden or farmer’s market. Our friends and family ask for it whenever they come over!
Pico de gallo, salsa fresca, or fresh salsa, whatever you want to call it, the BEST part about this recipe is it doesn’t require a lot of dishes or utensils. That’s especially important to me during the summer, because when it’s beautiful outside, the last thing I feel like doing is slaving over the sink. Actually, I could make a case for this ANY time of the year — but most especially on gorgeous summer days.
Easy Fresh Tomato Salsa Recipe
To be honest, I don’t really have a fresh tomato salsa recipe, per se. It’s more about chopping and dicing and mixing, then a little tasting and adjusting until it’s just right. But I did write down how much of each ingredient I used the last time I made it to give you a starting point of reference.
My number one rule for making fresh tomato salsa? Wear rubber gloves when dicing those jalapeño peppers! I made the mistake of not wearing them… and then I accidentally touched my lips. Ouch! And not only that, but then I rubbed my nose… Oh man, LESSON LEARNED!
At the very least, wash your hands well after chopping them. I keep a bottle of Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap on my kitchen sink just for this purpose. It’s my favorite!

Fresh Tomato Salsa
Ingredients
- 6 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup diced medium red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced*
- juice and zest of 1 small limes
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to incorporate.
- Taste with tortilla chips when adjusting the salt to account for the saltiness of the chips. I typically start with 1/2 teaspoon and go from there.
- Serve this fresh tomato salsa with chips (try these homemade tortilla chips!), on top of tacos, or spooned over scrambled eggs.
Notes
*Add more jalapeño and/or toss in a few seeds if you want a hot salsa, or add less for more milder tasting salsa. The heat factor intensifies the longer the salsa sits.
More tasty fresh salsa recipes:
- Watermelon Salsa Recipe — Light and fresh, with a touch of sweetness, this watermelon salsa is amazing on your favorite tortilla chips. Turn up the heat with diced jalapeño chile peppers or make it milder with Anaheim chile peppers. Either way, it’s a winner!
- Pineapple Salsa Recipe — Serve your guests up a heaping bowl of this easy pineapple salsa recipe at your next cookout! The sweet and spicy flavor is delicious with your favorite tortilla chips or pairs perfectly as a refreshing topper for grilled chicken, pork, and fish…
veefx
Wednesday 23rd of May 2018
I love fresh salsa and that looks like a mighty fine knife!
webdesignvalley
Friday 12th of January 2018
Gorgeous photos!
Yumvilla
Wednesday 4th of October 2017
So much better than store bought!
MEAL5
Wednesday 31st of May 2017
I love this recipes! SO simple and packed with flavor!
Marilyn Arnold
Wednesday 24th of October 2012
We call this Pico De Gallo
Tara @ Unsophisticook
Wednesday 24th of October 2012
Yep, it's also known as pico de gallo, salsa fresco (fresh salsa), and salsa mexicana. It's delicious whatever you want to call it!