4 Ways to Make Fresh Salsa

Fresh homemade salsa beats anything from a jar. From classic tomato to sweet and spicy mango habanero, these four recipes are perfect for chips, tacos, or topping grilled meats!

Classic Tomato

The essential salsa — ripe tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and a kick of jalapeno. Simple, fresh, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Toppings

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedge

Steps

1. Dice the tomatoes and drain excess liquid.
2. Combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and garlic in a bowl.
3. Add lime juice and salt, then toss to combine.
4. Let rest 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Mango Habanero

Sweet meets heat — juicy mango balanced with fiery habanero for a salsa that’s addictively good on fish tacos.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe mangos, diced
• 1/2 habanero, seeded and minced
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• Pinch of salt

Toppings

• Cilantro sprig
• Lime zest

Steps

1. Dice the mangos into small cubes.
2. Very carefully mince the habanero (use gloves!).
3. Combine mango, habanero, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
4. Toss gently and refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.

Pineapple Jalapeno

Tropical and tangy with just enough heat — this pineapple salsa is amazing on grilled chicken or straight from the bowl with chips.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1/4 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 Tbsp lime juice

Toppings

• Cilantro leaves
• Red pepper flakes

Steps

1. Dice the pineapple into small, even pieces.
2. Combine pineapple, jalapeno, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
3. Squeeze lime juice over everything and toss.
4. Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes.

Corn & Black Bean

Hearty and colorful — roasted corn and black beans make this salsa substantial enough to be a side dish on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup roasted corn kernels
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp cumin

Toppings

• Avocado slices
• Cotija cheese crumbles

Steps

1. Roast corn in a dry skillet until lightly charred, about 5 minutes.
2. Combine corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
3. Add lime juice, cumin, and salt to taste.
4. Toss and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco topping.

Meal prep tip: Fresh salsa keeps in the fridge for 3-5 days. The flavors actually get better after a few hours as everything marinates together.