This copycat Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa comes together in about 15 minutes with a handful of fresh ingredients. It’s chunky, colorful, and packed with bright flavor that’s perfect for tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, and more.
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This easy homemade salsa joins my growing collection of Chipotle copycat recipes, including Chipotle Burrito Bowls, Cilantro Lime Rice, and Chipotle Corn Salsa and more! Although it is essentially pico de gallo, Chipotle has always called it Fresh Tomato Salsa, and it’s the perfect name for this uncooked, unblended fresh salsa.
Whether you enjoy it as a dip or a condiment, It’s a simple way to add flavor to your Mexican-inspired meals. I took a peek at Chipotle’s published ingredient list to create this simple but delicious salsa.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
- Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are my first choice because they’re meaty and contain less juice, creating the consistency that’s perfect for a pico de gallo-style salsa. If you can’t find good Roma tomatoes, ripe tomatoes on the vine are an excellent alternative. Avoid watery varieties like beefsteak tomatoes.
- Jalapeños: Use fresh, firm jalapeños for the best flavor and texture. Finely dice them so they’re evenly distributed throughout the salsa.
- Red onion: Finely chop the onion so it blends evenly with the other ingredients without overpowering the salsa.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds the signature flavor to this salsa.
- Lemon and lime juice: Chipotle’s published ingredient list includes both fresh lemon and lime juice. Using both creates the bright, balanced citrus flavor that makes this salsa so delicious.
- Salt: Start with a light sprinkle, then taste and add more as needed. The natural sweetness and acidity of fresh tomatoes will determine how much salt the salsa needs.
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How to Make Fresh Tomato Salsa
- Combine the ingredients. Add the diced tomatoes, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, salt, lemon juice, and lime juice to a mixing bowl.
- Mix well. Stir until all of the ingredients are evenly combined. For the best flavor, cover and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Valerie’s Tips
- Dice everything evenly. Cutting the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños into small, uniform pieces creates the classic chunky salsa texture and ensures every bite is full of flavor.
- Don’t skip the chill time. Although it’s delicious right away, refrigerating the salsa for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld.
- Stir before serving. The tomatoes will naturally release some liquid as the salsa sits. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the juices.
- Adjust the heat. Leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños for a spicier salsa, or remove them for a milder flavor.
- Store it properly. Transfer any leftover salsa to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Fresh Tomato Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 to 1½ pounds tomatoes, 2 to 3 medium ripe, meaty tomatoes, like Roma or tomatoes on the vine, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 to 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded if desired and finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste and gently toss to combine. For the best flavor, refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
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