Pin It This classic snack brings together crunchy tortilla chips with a fresh tomato salsa made from ripe tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. The salsa is bright, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it ideal for game day or casual gatherings. Spices are balanced to enhance the natural flavors, and you can customize the heat by adjusting jalapeño amounts. Chips can be store-bought or homemade for added crispiness. A simple, vibrant treat that suits vegan and gluten-free diets when chosen accordingly.
Last Super Bowl, my friend Sarah brought store-bought salsa and honestly, nobody touched it. The next year, I showed up with this homemade version, and the bowl was scraped clean before halftime even started.
I learned this trick from my neighbor who grew up in Mexico. She told me the secret is letting everything sit together for those 10 minutes in the fridge, and she was absolutely right.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes: Look for ones that give slightly when you press them, they will release more juice and blend better with the other flavors
- 1 small red onion: Red onion is milder than white and adds a beautiful color contrast without being too sharp
- 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers: Start with one and taste before adding the second, because heat levels vary dramatically between peppers
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro: Fresh herbs cannot be replaced here, dried cilantro will not give you that bright, fresh taste
- 2 cloves garlic: Mince this finely so you do not bite into large raw garlic pieces while eating
- Juice of 1 lime: Roll the lime on your counter before cutting to get the most juice out of it
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: This enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth
- 1 large bag tortilla chips: Choose sturdy chips that will not break under the weight of chunky salsa
Instructions
- Prep your fresh ingredients:
- Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces so every chip gets a good mix of flavors. Finely chop the red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. Mince the garlic as small as possible.
- Combine everything in a large bowl:
- Add the tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and garlic to a mixing bowl. Pour the lime juice over the top, then add the salt and pepper.
- Mix and taste:
- Gently stir everything together. Taste a small amount and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more jalapeño if you want more heat.
- Let the flavors develop:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the flavors to meld together.
- Prep for serving:
- Transfer the salsa to your serving bowl. Arrange tortilla chips on a large platter or in a basket right before serving.
- Serve immediately:
- Put the chips and salsa out where everyone can reach them. Watch how quickly it disappears.
Pin It My brother now requests this for every family gathering. It has become one of those things people just expect me to bring, which is honestly the best compliment.
Making It Your Own
Once you have the basic recipe down, do not be afraid to play around with it. Adding roasted corn or black beans turns it into something entirely different while still keeping that fresh flavor profile.
Getting The Heat Right
Some jalapeños are mild and some are surprisingly hot. The only way to know is to taste a tiny piece while you are chopping. Start with less because you can always add more.
Homemade Chip Option
If you have extra time, making your own chips is worth the effort. Cut corn tortillas into wedges, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 180C for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp.
- Watch them closely at the end, they go from perfect to burned fast
- Sprinkle salt immediately while they are hot so it sticks
- Let them cool completely before serving for maximum crunch
Pin It This is the kind of recipe that makes people think you are a better cook than you actually are. Let them think what they want.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I adjust the heat level of the salsa?
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Yes, you can reduce or increase the jalapeño peppers used to make the salsa milder or spicier according to your preference.
- → Is it possible to make the chips at home?
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Absolutely. Cut corn tortillas into wedges, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 to 12 minutes until crispy.
- → What ingredients enhance the salsa’s flavor?
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Fresh lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt and black pepper bring brightness and balance to the salsa.
- → Can I add smoky flavor to the salsa?
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Yes, adding smoked paprika or substituting half the tomatoes with fire-roasted ones adds a delicious smoky note.
- → Are these chips suitable for gluten-free diets?
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When using certified gluten-free tortilla chips, this snack becomes suitable for gluten-free diets.
