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    Home » Sauces

    June 17, 2025

    Salsa Fresca

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Whether you enjoy this delicious Salsa Fresca made with garden tomatoes or canned you are going to love how easy it is to have restaurant style salsa at your own table! It's perfect for taco salads, burrito bowls, carnitas or with your favorite grain free tortilla chips! You control the heat by adding more or less jalapeños. If using canned tomatoes try fire roasted as it lends a wonderful smoky flavor to the salsa! You may also enjoy this Fruit Salsa or this delicious Pineapple Salsa.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Salsa Fresca brings a refreshing flavor that enhances any dish without overpowering it. Salsa lovers of all ages will enjoy this deliciousness over everything!

    Ingredients You Will Need

    Fire roasted diced tomatoes: are charred over an open flame and add a smoky flavor to the dish. They can be purchased canned and are ready to use making it super easy and quick. I like Muir Glenn.

    Red onion: adds a crunchy texture and bold flavor, elevating salads with its zesty kick.

    Jalapeño pepper: are a type of chili pepper. They are the most popular hot pepper in the United States and are a key ingredient in Mexican cooking. They can range from mild to very hot. I like them because you can control the level of heat to your desired taste but using less or more of them.

    Cilantro: has a flavor that is often described as bright, herbaceous, and citrusy.

    Garlic: adds a savory note that enhances the dish with its bold and aromatic flavor, adding richness to Salsa Fresca.

    Lime: are a small, green citrus fruit known for its sour taste and high vitamin C content; they bring zest to Salsa Fresca.

    Cumin: is known for its warm and earthy flavor that is derived from the dried seeds of the Cuminum Cyminum plant.

    Salt: elevates the overall flavor of any dish. Always salt in moderation in accordance with your dietary preferences.

    Instructions

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    Don’t skip the fresh cilantro: as it adds the perfect herby goodness to this salsa Fresca.

    If you use fresh tomatoes: and want your salsa less watery, add the diced tomatoes to a colander and salt them. Allow to sit a while so the salt can draw out some of the moisture from the tomatoes, especially when making Salsa Fresca.

    Dice and mince: your ingredients finely and evenly for consistent texture.

    Recipe Variations

    Fresh tomatoes: are perfect for this recipe too! Especially if you have a garden and have an abundance of tomatoes, make this salsa Fresca.

    Sweet onion: makes a nice alternative to red onion and adds a touch of sweetness to the salsa Fresca.

    Storage Tips

    You can store this salsa Fresca in the refrigerator for 5-7 days when placed in an airtight glass container.

    FAQs About Salsa Fresca

    How is salsa Fresca different from other salsas?

    Salsa Fresca is made with fresh ingredients and is not cooked.

    Should you peel tomatoes for salsa?

    Whether or not to peel tomatoes is a matter of preference. If you like a smoother salsa Fresca, peel them. Leaving the skin on adds texture and flavor.

    Is parsley good in salsa?

    Parsley can be a good addition to the salsa, especially as a substitute for cilantro, enhancing your salsa Fresca.

    salsa fresca in round white bowl with limes

    Salsa Fresca

    Penny Kovacs
    Whether you enjoy this delicious Salsa Fresca made with garden tomatoes or canned you are going to love how easy it is to have restaurant style salsa at your own table! It's perfect for taco salads, burrito bowls, carnitas or with your favorite tortilla chips! You control the heat by adding more or less jalapeños. If using canned tomatoes try fire roasted as it lends a wonderful smoky flavor to the salsa!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 29 oz Diced Tomatoes Fire-Roasted - Muir Glen, 2 - 14 ½ oz cans or 6 large fresh tomatoes diced
    • ½ Red Onion diced
    • 1 Jalapeño Pepper stem removed & minced
    • ⅓ cup Cilantro chopped
    • 2 cloves Garlic minced
    • 1 Lime juiced
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin Ground
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Dice your tomatoes if using fresh or if using canned, place in a bowl.
    • Dice the red onion.
    • Seed and mince the jalapeño, leave seeds in for extra heat.
    • Peel and mince the garlic.
    • Chop the cilantro.
    • Juice the lime.
    • Combine all ingredients in the bowl with the tomatoes.
    • Stir well.
    • Enjoy!
    Keyword Appetizer, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Mexican, Paleo, Sauce, Whole30
    Tried this recipe?Mention @pennypsprimal or tag #pennysprimal

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    Hi, I'm Penny!

    An Adirondack transplant, founder, recipe developer and food photographer behind Penny's Primal. Nothing makes me happier than being in my kitchen cooking easy and healthy meals for my family and friends! The recipes I create are Whole30, Paleo, Plant based, Gluten and Dairy Free and I know your family will enjoy them as much as mine!

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