How To Make A Quick & Simple Tomato Salsa Dip

February 21, 2025
fresh salsa in a bowl with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime & spices, surrounded by fresh ingredients on a slate board

Discover how to make a quick and simple tomato salsa, perfect for nachos or as a vibrant home snack!

Whether it's Taco Tuesday, a cosy movie night with tortilla chips, or a gathering over nachos, salsa is more than just a dip—it’s an experience! That’s why we’ve written this guide on how to make a quick and simple tomato salsa dip to take you through the steps. Along the way, we’ll delve into salsa’s origins, explore classic ingredients, and ways to make it your own!

Where Does Salsa Originate From

Salsa originates from Cuba with the word meaning sauce in Spanish. However, its history also runs deep in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally it’s made with chopping fresh vegetables like tomatoes, chillies, onions and herbs. Bold, bright and versatile, it’s excellent as a side or as part of the main meal.

How To Make A Tomato Salsa

Let’s dive into how you can make a quick and simple salsa dip with ease at home.

hands of a person washing tomatoes under tap water

1. Wash Your Ingredients

Thoroughly wash your tomatoes, chillies, onion, coriander, lime, and any other fruits or vegetables you plan to add to your salsa.
hands cutting onions with knife on cutting board, surrounded by assorted cut salsa ingredients on a rustic background

2. Prepare Your Veg

Finely dice the tomatoes and onion, chop the coriander, and, if desired, mince jalapeño carefully. For sensitive hands, use gloves when handling chillies to avoid skin or eye irritation.
tomato salsa topped with lime wedge served in a white bowl

3. Mix It Up

In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, and coriander. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. For extra heat, add the jalapeño. Adjust the lime, salt, or chilli to suit your taste buds.
tomato salsa served in a bowl with chips on a brown plate

4. Serve Fresh

For a fun touch, serve your salsa in Old El Paso’s Tortilla Bowls—a crowd-pleasing way to pair it with nachos or tacos.


Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, consuming within 24 hours for peak freshness.

Ingredients For A Quick & Fresh Tomato Salsa

The best salsa is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s an easy recipe that you can follow at home!

Tortilla Bowls with homemade salsa

Tortilla Bowls with homemade salsa

Looking for something a little different from traditional nacho recipes? Then, our tortilla bowl recipe is just the thing for you! Smothered in delicious homemade salsa, this vegetarian Mexican recipe takes minutes to make and you decide how spicy you want it to be. Get the party started with Old El Paso!

Recipe Name

Tortilla Bowls with homemade salsa

Total Time

10 minutes

Spice Level

Mild

Servings

4

Ingredients

  • 1 bag of Old El Paso™ Tortilla Bowls
  • 1 jar of Thick and Chunky Old El Paso™ Salsa Mild
  • 1 tomato
  • 1 onion
  • 1 green lime
  • coriander

Preparation

  1. Slice the tomato into dices, sizzle the coriander and cut the onion.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add the salsa, tomato cubes, onion, coriander and lime juice. Mix.
  3. It's ready! Serve the salsa in a bowl for everyone to dip or fill them.
Flexible Add-Ons

Want to get creative? Try these extras:

  • A clove of grated garlic for added depth
  • A touch of smoked paprika for a smoky hint
  • A drizzle of olive oil for richness
  • Fresh mango or pineapple chunks for sweetness

Made With...

Different Types Of Salsas

While the recipe above highlights a classic tomato salsa, there’s endless possibilities for salsa lovers. Here are some variations worth trying:

A chunkier raw salsa featuring tomatoes, onions, coriander, and lime juice served in a white bowl with a golden spoon

Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca):

A chunkier raw salsa featuring tomatoes, onions, coriander, and lime juice. It’s perfect for tacos or adding freshness to fajitas.
green salsa served in a black stone bowl with spoon surrounded by garlic, coriander, halved onion & a green tomato

Salsa Verde:

Made from tangy tomatillos, this green salsa adds a zesty kick to enchiladas and grilled meats.
roasted tomato salsa serve in black bowl with tortillas on wooden board

Roasted Salsa:

Roast the tomatoes, chillies, and onions for deeper, smoky flavours before blending. Ideal for those who love bold, charred notes.
pineapple fruit salsa served in a brown bowl on a wooden table

Fruit-Based Salsa:

Incorporate diced mango, pineapple, or even watermelon for a refreshing, summery twist.

Creative Ways To Use Leftover Salsa

If you find yourself with leftover salsa, don’t let it go to waste! Its versatility means there are countless ways to enjoy it:

  • Eggs & Breakfast: Spoon salsa over scrambled eggs, omelettes, or avocado toast.
  • Southwestern Pasta Salad: Mix salsa with cooked pasta, avocado, and black beans for an easy lunch.
  • Taco or Grain Bowl Addition: Add it to tacos, burritos, or grain bowls for an extra burst of flavour.

Pro Tip: Pair salsa with other Old El Paso staples to liven up leftovers, by spreading it on proteins and wrapping them in tortilla pockets for easy, no-mess eating.

Bringing "Good Noise" To Your Home

Whether you're sharing family memories over a taco feast or enjoying a quiet meal with loved ones, our salsa recipe and tips are sure to bring Good Noise to your home. Now that you’ve explored our guide on how to make a salsa dip, how will you enjoy yours? Tag us on Instagram and TikTok at @OldElPasoUK to share your creation!

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