Simple Homemade Mild Salsa Recipe

After preparing this fresh, homemade salsa (also known as pico de gallo), you'll likely never return to store-bought varieties. Begin with ripe plum tomatoes, known for their crisp texture, then add onion, cilantro, lime, garlic, and jalapeño. Feel free to adjust each ingredient to suit your preferences. Enjoy this simple salsa with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, or to add a fresh twist to your morning scrambled eggs.

What Is Pico de Gallo?

Pico de gallo is a type of fresh salsa that is not cooked, and it has roots in Mexican cuisine. The primary ingredients include tomatoes, onions, chiles, and cilantro. Traditionally, pico de gallo is prepared by hand with a knife, not using a food processor or blender. However, in this recipe, there is an option to blend half of the salsa for a different texture. It's also known as salsa fresca (fresh salsa) or salsa cruda (raw salsa).

The Key to Homemade Salsa Success

Like many dishes, the secret to a truly delicious salsa is achieving a perfect balance of flavors. The onion provides a sharp bite, cilantro offers freshness, jalapeño adds heat, lime juice brings acidity, and salt, of course, gives it that salty touch. After mixing, taste your salsa and adjust accordingly—if it's too mild, increase the onion or jalapeño; if it lacks vibrancy, squeeze in more lime or sprinkle more salt. Feel free to taste and tweak as much as needed until you have a salsa that's just right.

Essential Ingredients

• 4 large plum tomatoes (roughly 1 pound), diced (which yields about 2 cups)

• ¼ cup chopped white onion

• 3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro

• 2 teaspoons minced jalapeño pepper

• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lime juice

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust according to taste)

• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced

Instructions for preparing the salsa

In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients.

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. For a smoother consistency, similar to store-bought salsa, pulse half of the mixture in a food processor and then mix it with the chunky part.

Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator.

Seal the container and refrigerate the salsa for up to 5 days.

Homemade Salsa Ingredient Substitutions

• Plum tomatoes - Feel free to use any type of tomato, such as beefsteak or even quartered cherry or grape tomatoes. If you're in tomato season, pick up some vibrant varieties from your local farmer’s market or garden.
• White onion - Onions bring a delightful sharpness to salsa. While white onion is the go-to choice, red onions or scallions can also be used for a different flavor.
• Cilantro - If you don’t have cilantro or simply dislike its taste, feel free to leave it out.
• Jalapeño pepper - You control the heat! If you prefer a milder salsa, skip the jalapeño, or for an extra kick, try adding a serrano chile instead.
• Lime juice - The citrusy acid in lime juice brightens the salsa. While lime is traditional, you can substitute with white or apple cider vinegar in a pinch.

Homemade Salsa Variations

This basic salsa recipe is a versatile foundation for experimenting with various fruit salsas. Consider swapping tomatoes for an equal amount of one of the following fruits:

• Apple
• Avocado
• Blueberry
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Melon
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Peach or nectarine

Frequently Asked Questions about Salsa

• What ingredients make up mild salsa?

  Mild salsa is typically made with tomatoes, onion, jalapeños (without seeds), cilantro, and a splash of lime juice.

• What peppers are best for a mild salsa?

  For mild salsa, jalapeños with the seeds and ribs removed are ideal, as they reduce the heat. Smaller jalapeños generally offer a less spicy flavor, so they are a good choice for a milder salsa.

• How can I make my salsa spicier?

  If you’re craving more heat, try adding more jalapeños or use hotter varieties such as serrano or habanero peppers for an extra fiery kick.

5 Delicious Recipes to Pair with Your Homemade Salsa

• Sweet Potato and Black Bean Breakfast Tacos
• Refried Bean and Cheese Melts
• Grilled Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas
• Summer Nachos
• Green Chile Enchiladas

Nutritional Information (per portion)