Inspired by Chipotle’s famous salsa, this easy 5-minute chunky tomato salsa recipe uses fresh tomatoes, onion, and lime juice for a salsa that’s perfect for dipping + topping tacos or burrito bowls. It comes together easily in 1-bowl and tastes so darn good you won’t believe how easy it is to make!

A white bowl filled with fresh tomato salsa chipotle copycat with lime wedges and corn chips on the side.

5 star review

“So good! Not sure I got the measurements exactly the same but the flavor was delightful! This is going into our weekly rotation. ”

– Jewel
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Say Hello to the Best Chunky Salsa with Fresh Tomatoes

Aside from ordering extra guacamole, my must-have topping at Chipotle is definitely their chunky salsa fresca – it’s so bright, flavorful and you just can’t beat the punch of color from all those veggies & herbs! In order to get my fix at home, I knew I needed to create an easy version to make anytime a salsa craving hit. I hit up the Chipotle website for the ingredients for their fresh tomato salsa recipe and found it includes cilantro, jalapeno, lemon juice, lime juice, salt, and tomato. 

And then I went to work. In order to get closer to the Chipotle version, I tested this recipe in order to nail down exact measurements for the fresh tomato salsa of your dreams. However, you can also feel free to make this your own based on your personal taste preferences. Don’t like cilantro? Leave it out. Want it spicier? Add more jalapeno! Once you have this base recipe to use as a guide, you can customize it any way you like to make your ultimate fresh tomato salsa at home!

Tomatoes, onions, limes, cilantro and jalapeno peppers on a white marbled background.

Process & Tips

I don’t know about you, but I’m always surprised at how simple it can be to make an easy sauce at home! For this salsa, everything comes together in just one bowl with no cooking required. Simply chop up your fresh ingredients and toss them together.  It’s already tasty when enjoyed immediately, but if you’ve got the patience (and the time) the flavors are extra good after they sit and marinate for 1-2 hours! This tiny bit of extra time gives the citrus a chance to really infuse into all the fresh cut veggies & herbs, without any extra hands-on effort required.

Close up of a bowl of salsa with lime wedges on top and a striped blue napkin on the side.

Ingredients & Modifications

  • Tomatoes: In testing I found that Roma or Campari tomatoes work best for this recipe. You’ll see in the recipe card below that I noted that the seeds are removed – this is the secret to getting a chunky style salsa that isn’t too watered down. 
  • Red onion: I like the color and flavor of red onions best in this recipe, but you could also use white onion or even shallots or green onion in its place.
  • Cilantro: To me, fresh cilantro is that ingredient that takes a salsa over the top! There’s nothing else quite like it and the fresh herby flavor is so delicious. But if you don’t like the taste of cilantro, feel free to leave it out.
  • Jalapeno: I appreciate a little heat in a salsa recipe, but if you’re sensitive to heat you could either remove the seeds from the pepper (I find a sharp spoon works great for this) to keep the jalapeno flavor and tone down the spice level. Or simply omit it altogether. Conversely, if you like things a little hotter, you can add even more jalapeno to yours!
  • Lime and Lemon juice: Together with the lemon juice, the lime juice adds that bright, fresh and tangy flavor that we all know and love in a good salsa. Chipotle uses both lemon and lime, but I’ve tested it with just lime and it works well, too.

This Recipe Is…

A white bowl filled with fresh tomato salsa chipotle copycat with lime wedges and corn chips on the side.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Chunky Fresh Tomato Salsa (Chipotle Style!)

by Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 6
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Inspired by Chipotle's famous salsa, this easy 5-minute chunky tomato salsa recipe uses fresh tomatoes, onion, and lime juice for a salsa that's perfect for dipping + topping tacos or burrito bowls. It comes together easily in 1-bowl and tastes so darn good you won't believe how easy it is to make!
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound Roma or Campari tomatoes, seeds removed and diced into ½ inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons ½ inch-diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced jalapeno
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring until well combined. Serve immediately or allow to marinate at room temperature for 1-2 hours for the flavors to combine.

Notes

  • Makes about 3 cups.
  • If you’re sensitive to spicy things, you can remove some (or all) of the seeds from the jalapeno or omit it altogether.
  • If you like a spicier salsa, be sure to leave the seeds in or even add more jalapeno.
  • If you don’t like the taste of cilantro, feel free to leave it out.
  • For more ingredients and modifications, see blog post above.
Course: Appetizer, Dressings & Sauces
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 18kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.2g, Saturated Fat: 0.03g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 101mg, Potassium: 200mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 659IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.2mg
Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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