How to Cook Fresh Salsa with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro

Fresh salsa, also known as pico de gallo, is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that's perfect for adding a zesty kick to your meals. Made with ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, and fragrant cilantro, this salsa is easy to prepare and can elevate a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to grilled meats and salads. Follow this simple recipe to make your own fresh salsa at home.

**Ingredients:**

- 4 ripe tomatoes, finely diced

- 1 small red onion, finely diced

 1-2 jalapeño peppers- 

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

- Juice of 1 lime

- Salt to taste

- Optional: 1 teaspoon olive oil for added richness

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Tomatoes:**

   - Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. For a smoother texture, you can remove the seeds, but it's optional.

   - Finely dice the tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. **Dice the Onion:**

   - Peel the red onion and dice it finely. Red onion adds a nice color and a slightly milder flavor compared to white or yellow onions.

3. **Chop the Jalapeños:**

   - Carefully cut the jalapeño peppers in half and remove the seeds if you prefer a milder salsa. 

   - Finely chop the jalapeños and add them to the mixing bowl.

4. **Add the Cilantro:**

   - Rinse the cilantro leaves and chop them roughly. The fresh, aromatic flavor of cilantro is a key component of salsa.

   - Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl.

5. **Optional Garlic:**

   - If you like the taste of garlic, mince 1-2 cloves and add them to the mixture. Garlic adds depth to the salsa, but it's entirely optional.

6. **Lime Juice and Seasoning:**

   - Squeeze the juice of one lime over the ingredients in the bowl. The lime juice adds a refreshing tang and helps to meld the flavors together.

   - Season with salt to taste. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed.

7. **Mix and Taste:**

   - Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

   -  You can add more lime juice, salt, or jalapeños depending on your preference.

8. **Optional Olive Oil:**

   - For a slightly richer salsa, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil and mix it in. This step is optional and based on personal preference.

9. **Let It Rest:**

   - Allow the salsa to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. 

10. **Serve and Enjoy:**

    - Serve your fresh salsa with tortilla chips, over grilled chicken or fish, in tacos, or as a topping for your favorite salads.

   

**Tips for the Best Fresh Salsa:**

- **Choose Ripe Tomatoes:** The quality of your tomatoes makes a big difference. 

- **Adjust Heat Levels:** If you like your salsa extra spicy, add more jalapeños or try including a serrano pepper. For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños and remove all the seeds.

- **Experiment with Add-ins:** Fresh salsa is versatile. You can add diced avocado, corn kernels, or black beans to give it a unique twist.

Making fresh salsa at home is quick, easy, and infinitely rewarding. Whether you're preparing it for a party or simply to enjoy with your meals, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking from FitFlavor!