Prep the tomatoes: If you prefer a less watery salsa, deseed the tomatoes. Chop them into small, even pieces for a balanced texture.
Handle the heat: Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes for mild heat. Leave some seeds or use serrano peppers if you like it spicy.
Chop the aromatics: Finely dice the red onion and mince the garlic.
Smaller pieces blend better and won’t overpower the salsa.
Combine in a bowl: Add tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro to a large mixing bowl.
Season and brighten: Stir in lime juice, apple cider vinegar (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust salt or acid as needed.
Add healthy fats: Drizzle in olive oil and stir. This adds body, rounds out the flavors, and boosts satiety while keeping carbs low.
Choose your texture: For restaurant-style salsa, pulse the mixture in a food processor 3–6 times.
For chunky salsa, leave it as is.
Rest and chill: Let the salsa rest for 15–30 minutes in the fridge so the flavors meld. It gets even better after a few hours.
Serve: Taste again before serving and adjust lime, salt, or heat to your preference.