Fresh No-Sugar-Added Homemade Salsa (5-Minute Recipe)

Fresh No-Sugar-Added Homemade Salsa (5-Minute Recipe)

A quick, zesty, and naturally sugar-free salsa that’s keto-friendly and bursting with fresh flavors.

Key Info:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes (+ 1 hour resting recommended)
• Servings: 8-12 (yields 4 cups)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-free, Keto, Low-carb

Equipment Needed:

• Sharp knife
• Large cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor (optional)
• Alternative: Blender if no food processor available

Ingredients:

• 4 large ripe tomatoes (800g/28oz) or 2 (14oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion (150g/5oz), finely diced
• 1 large bunch fresh cilantro (30g/1oz), roughly chopped
• 1-2 jalapeños (adjust to taste), finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime (30ml/2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)

Optional:

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced

Method:

1. Dice tomatoes into small, uniform pieces (roughly 1/4 inch cubes).
2. Finely chop onion, jalapeños, and garlic.
3. Roughly chop cilantro, including tender stems.
4. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
5. Add lime juice, cumin, and salt.
6. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
7. Let rest for 1 hour in refrigerator (recommended but not required).

Crucial Tips:

• Remove jalapeño seeds for milder salsa.
• Use ripe but firm tomatoes to prevent watery salsa.
• Don’t over-process if using a food processor – pulse briefly.
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Storage & Scaling:

• Keeps 4-5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
• Double recipe easily using the same proportions.
• Not recommended for freezing.

Common Mistakes:

• Over-salting (salt draws moisture from tomatoes).
• Using unripe tomatoes.
• Skipping resting time.
• Over-processing ingredients.

Variations:

• Smoky: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika.
• Extra Spicy: Double jalapeños or add habanero.
• Roasted: Char vegetables under broiler before chopping.
• Chunky: Hand-chop all ingredients.
• Smooth: Pulse in food processor.

Remember: The key to great salsa is using fresh, ripe ingredients and allowing time for flavors to meld. Adjust heat and seasoning to your preference – this recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable.