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Roasted Cherry-Tomato Salsa Fresca

This Roasted Cherry-Tomato Salsa Fresca is bursting with smoky, fresh flavors! Perfect as a dip or topping to brighten your meals with a zesty kick.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Easy, Gluten-Free, Quick, Roasted, Salsa, Vegan
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime juiced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is perfect for roasting the cherry tomatoes quickly, allowing them to blister and caramelize without drying out.
  • Rinse the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
  • Roast the halved cherry tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be soft, slightly charred on the edges, and bursting with flavor. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
  • While the tomatoes roast, finely chop the onion, dice the seeded jalapeño, and mince the garlic. Place these ingredients into a medium mixing bowl along with the chopped cilantro.
  • Once the cherry tomatoes have cooled slightly, add them to the bowl with the fresh ingredients. Pour in the lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir everything together, being careful not to mash the tomatoes too much – you want to keep some nice chunks for texture.
  • For the best flavor, let your Roasted Cherry-Tomato Salsa Fresca rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, it’s still delicious right away.
  • Serve your salsa fresca with tortilla chips for dipping, spoon it over grilled fish or chicken, or use it as a topping for tacos or quesadillas. It’s also fantastic as a fresh side condiment alongside other dishes.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl

Notes

  • Let the salsa rest for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
  • Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat or leave them in for a spicier salsa.
  • Add roasted corn or diced avocado for interesting texture and flavor variations.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; avoid freezing.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten and balance the roasted sweetness.