🌿 Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Salsa
A Fresh, Spicy & Zesty Salsa You’ll Make Again and Again
If you’re looking for a bright and bold salsa that brings heat, freshness, and versatility to the table, this Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Salsa is your new go-to recipe. It’s everything you want in a homemade salsa: crisp veggies, zippy lime juice, a touch of heat, and that unmistakable freshness of cilantro.
Whether you’re spooning it over tacos, scooping it up with tortilla chips, or drizzling it over grilled chicken or fish, this vibrant salsa is as versatile as it is delicious. Add a touch of diced avocado for a creamy, smooth twist!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salsa
- ✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes, no cooking required.
- 🌶️ Customizable Spice – Make it as mild or spicy as you like.
- 🥑 Optional Creaminess – Add avocado for a smooth, rich texture.
- 🧄 Flavor-Packed – Garlic, lime, and cilantro create a zesty, crave-worthy combo.
- 🥗 Healthy & Fresh – Made with wholesome, fresh ingredients.
đź›’ Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful salsa:
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime, freshly squeezed
- ½ avocado (optional), diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩‍🍳 How to Make Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Salsa
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together:
- Diced tomatoes
- Red onion
- Jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
These fresh ingredients lay the foundation for a bright, crunchy, and flavorful salsa.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Lime
Add the minced garlic and lime juice to the bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
🍋 Tip: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes all the difference in flavor—don’t skip it!
Step 3: Optional – Add Avocado
For a creamy, slightly richer salsa, gently fold in diced avocado. This step is optional but highly recommended if you’re serving with grilled meats or tacos.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Let the salsa sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Salsa with:
- Warm tortilla chips
- Tacos or tostadas
- Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
- Rice bowls or burrito bowls
- Eggs or breakfast burritos
đź’ˇ Expert Tips & Variations
🔥 Adjust the Heat
- For mild salsa, use just 1 jalapeño and remove the seeds.
- For extra spicy salsa, leave in the seeds or add a chopped serrano pepper.
🥠Sweet Variation
Add a small amount of diced mango or pineapple for a sweet-spicy tropical twist.
🧅 Swap the Onion
Prefer a milder onion? Use green onions or white onion instead of red.
🥫 Want it smoother?
Pulse the mixture in a food processor 2–3 times for a chunkier blended salsa.
⚠️ Important Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes – They give the salsa its juiciness and full flavor.
- Chop everything evenly – This gives better texture and even flavor distribution.
- Serve fresh – Best enjoyed the same day, especially if avocado is added.
- Storage – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
đź“Š Nutritional Information (Approx. per 2 Tbsp serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~15 kcal |
| Fat | ~1 g (with avocado) |
| Carbs | ~2 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Protein | ~0.5 g |
| Sodium | ~40 mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient size and optional avocado.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the avocado until right before serving to prevent browning.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are best for texture and flavor, but in a pinch, drained canned diced tomatoes can work. Just pat them dry to avoid a watery salsa.
How spicy is this salsa?
With 2 jalapeños and seeds removed, it has mild to moderate heat. You can easily make it hotter or milder to suit your taste.
Can I freeze this salsa?
No, this salsa is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can alter the texture of the tomatoes and cilantro.
🌮 A Must-Have Salsa for Every Occasion
This Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Salsa is a flavor-packed sidekick that enhances everything from tacos to grilled meats to chips. Fresh, simple, and bursting with bold taste, it’s the kind of salsa you’ll keep coming back to—especially when you want something quick and homemade that delivers big flavor.