Sometimes, the most delicious recipes are the simplest ones. This fresh tomato salsa is proof. Forget complicated cooking processes; this recipe is all about celebrating the vibrant, juicy flavor of peak-season tomatoes in their purest form. Often called “pico de gallo” or “salsa fresca,” this is a simple chop-and-mix recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes with only four main ingredients. It’s a chunky, refreshing, and zesty condiment that will instantly elevate your tacos, salads, grilled chicken, or a simple bowl of tortilla chips.
Why Simple is Best: What You’ll Love
In a world of complex recipes, the beauty of this salsa lies in its simplicity.
- Just 4 Main Ingredients: All you need are fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime to create something truly delicious.
- Ready in 10 Minutes: This is the perfect last-minute appetizer or topping because it requires no cooking and minimal prep time.
- The Freshest Possible Taste: Because nothing is cooked, you get the pure, unadulterated flavor of summer’s best produce. It’s bright, crisp, and incredibly refreshing.
- A Perfect Base Recipe: Think of this as your foundational salsa. It’s perfect as is, but also incredibly easy to customize with more heat, a different texture, or extra ingredients.
The 4-Ingredient Foundation
The quality of your salsa depends entirely on the quality of your ingredients. Choose the best you can find!
The Core Four:
- Fresh Tomatoes: 2-3 large, ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are perfect. They have the best flavor and a meaty texture.
- Red Onion: 1/2 of a medium red onion, for a crisp, pungent bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped.
- Lime: Juice of 1 whole fresh lime.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.
The Easiest Instructions Ever
Ready? This will be quick!
Part 1: Chop and Dice
- Prep the Ingredients: Finely dice your fresh tomatoes and red onion. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. The goal is to have relatively uniform, small pieces.
Part 2: Mix and Season
- Combine Everything: In a medium serving bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Add Lime and Season: Squeeze the fresh lime juice all over the mixture. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- Stir Gently: Gently stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Part 3: Rest and Serve
- Let it Mingle: For the best flavor, let the salsa sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and Adjust: Give it one last taste and add more salt or lime juice if you think it needs it. Serve fresh!
From Pico to Restaurant-Style: Easy Variations
This simple recipe is the perfect starting point. Here’s how to easily transform it.
For a Smoother, Restaurant-Style Texture:
- Don’t feel like chopping? You can place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and use the “pulse” function until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to over-blend!
To Add Some Heat:
- Finely dice 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper and add it to the mix. For mild heat, remove the seeds and membranes first. For more intense spice, leave some or all of them in.
For a Deep, Smoky Flavor:
- Before dicing, roast your tomatoes! Cut them in half and broil them in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the skins are blistered. Let them cool, then dice and proceed with the recipe. This adds a fantastic smoky depth.
Other Fun Add-ins:
- Make it a heartier dip by folding in a can of drained black beans, some fresh or frozen corn, or a diced avocado just before serving.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Note that the tomatoes will release more liquid over time, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Easy 10-Minute Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico de Gallo Style)
A vibrant, fresh salsa made with only four core ingredients—tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime. This chunky pico de gallo-style salsa comes together in 10 minutes and is perfect for tacos, chips, salads, and more.
Ingredients
The Core Four
- 2-3 large ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes finely diced
- 1/2 medium red onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 whole lime juiced
- to taste salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Finely dice the tomatoes and red onion. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir gently until well combined.
- Let the salsa rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime or salt if needed. Serve fresh.
Notes
For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper. For a smoother restaurant-style salsa, pulse ingredients in a food processor. Salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.