Last Updated on July 28, 2025 by Casia Valdés

This Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Salsa is a vibrant, versatile condiment that adds a bright kick to tacos, grilled meats, chips, and more. Refreshing lime juice, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, and juicy tomatoes come together for a perfectly balanced, herbaceous salsa that’s equally welcome in summer and winter kitchens.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Salsa

Bright and herb-packed with cilantro and lime
Customizable spice level with jalapeños

Gluten- and dairy-free—easy for most diets
Quick assembly: ready in about 15 minutes
Youthful freshness that complements a wide variety of dishes

Ingredients (Serves 2)

2 ripe tomatoes, diced

½ red onion, diced
2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeded for milder heat)
1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
½ avocado, diced (optional for creaminess)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine the fresh ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Season the salsa
Add minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper, and gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Add creamy twist (optional)
If you’d like a richer texture, gently fold in diced avocado until evenly distributed.
Let the flavors meld
Let the salsa rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to come together more fully.
Serve and enjoy
Perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping on rice bowls or salads.

Variations

Extra zest: add lime zest for a punch of citrus
Creamier salsa: increase avocado or stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Tropical touch: mix in diced mango or pineapple for sweet contrast

Warm undertones: stir in a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika

What to Serve With It

As a fresh dip with tortilla chips
Topping for tacos, burritos, grilled fish, or chicken

Spoonfuls over nachos, quesadillas, or rice bowls
Stirred into salads or grain bowls for brightness
Drizzled on roasted vegetables or baked potatoes for a flavor boost

Make‑Ahead & Storage

Prep ahead: chop ingredients separately and mix right before serving
Store: refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days—cilantro may darken over time
Revive it: add a fresh squeeze of lime before serving to brighten the flavor

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Salsa delivers fresh, spicy, and bold flavors with minimal effort. Bright and vibrant with a satisfying kick, it’s a wonderfully versatile accompaniment that complements everything from casual meals to festive gatherings. Adjust the spice and add avocado for creaminess—tailor it to your taste and enjoy a burst of Mexican-inspired freshness any day of the year.

Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Salsa

Fresh, zesty salsa with cilantro, lime and jalapeño—perfect for chips & tacos!

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Prep Time 10

Resting Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 2

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 ripe tomatoes diced
½ red onion diced

2 jalapeños finely chopped (seeded for milder heat)
1 small bunch fresh cilantro chopped
1 clove garlic minced

Juice of 1 lime about 2 tablespoons
½ avocado diced (optional for creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Combine the fresh ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Season the salsa

Add minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper, and gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Add creamy twist (optional)

If you’d like a richer texture, gently fold in diced avocado until evenly distributed.

Let the flavors meld

Let the salsa rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to come together more fully.

Serve and enjoy

Perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping on rice bowls or salads.

Ken