Inspired by Chipotle, this fresh tomato salsa recipe combines just a few simple ingredients for a quick appetizer or sauce that’s perfect for dipping or topping nachos, tacos, burrito bowls and more. It comes together in a matter of minutes in just one bowl, so it’s easy enough for a weeknight!

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

About this Fresh Tomato Salsa Chipotle Recipe

Is there anything better than digging into a delicious burrito bowl decked out with all your favorite toppings?

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!

This copycat chipotle honey vinaigrette was such a hit that I knew I knew I had to find a way to make my own version of their salsa too to share with you.

According to the Chipotle website, the ingredients for their fresh tomato salsa recipe include cilantro, jalapeno, lemon juice, lime juice, salt and tomato. 

In order to get closer to the Chipotle version, I recommend following the exact measurements recipe below. 

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 easy healthy sauces & dressings and appetizers 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.

Two small white bowls with salsa on a white marbled background.

What to Serve with this Fresh Tomato Salsa

I love that this salsa is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight for topping tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or to just enjoy as a dip with corn chips.

To get you inspired, here’s a few more of my favorite recipes that pair well with this salsa!

Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

Easiest 4-Ingredient Guacamole

Turkey Taco Skillet

Crockpot Taco Meat

Mexican-Inspired Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette

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

Ingredients & Modifications

Tomatoes: I find 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 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.

Lemon juice: You could use all lime juice or all lemon juice, but I find the combination of the two is particularly delicious.

Kosher salt: Look for kosher salt with the regular iodized salt at the grocery store (it has a subtler flavor). Use less iodized salt if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Store Leftover Fresh Salsa

Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered. 

For the best flavor, allow to come to room temperature before serving.

While many of my recipes do freeze well, this is more of a salsa fresca inspired, chunky type of salsa that’s best served fresh – so I do not recommend freezing this recipe.

This Recipe Is…

A white bowl filled with fresh tomato salsa chipotle copycat with lime wedges and corn chips on the side.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Fresh Tomato Salsa (Chipotle Copycat)

Servings: 8.25 cups
Prep: 15 mins
Total: 15 mins
Inspired by Chipotle, this fresh tomato salsa recipe combines just a few simple ingredients for a quick appetizer or sauce that’s perfect for dipping or topping tacos or burrito bowls. It comes together in a matter of minutes in just one bowl, so it’s easy enough for a weeknight!
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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 8 ¼ cup servings.
Nutrition information calculated using Roma tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos.
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.
Author: Robyn Downs
Course: Appetizer, Dressings & Sauces
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 13kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 74mg, Potassium: 146mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 479IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 7mg, Iron: 1mg
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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