This vibrant roasted cherry tomato salsa is bursting with flavor! You just need cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a touch of lime to brighten it up. It’s fresh and lively!
Trust me, your chips will thank you for this treat! It’s super easy to whip up and perfect for picnics or cozy nights at home with friends. Can’t resist that juicy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes are best for their sweet flavor. If you can’t find them, grape tomatoes work well too. Just make sure they are ripe for the best taste!
Red Onion: I love using red onion for its mild flavor and lovely color. You can substitute with yellow or white onion if that’s what you have, but use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the salsa.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lot of depth. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/8 teaspoon. But remember, fresh is best!
Jalapeño: This adds heat! If you prefer milder salsa, simply leave it out or replace it with a small amount of diced bell pepper. For extra heat, try a serrano pepper.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the salsa. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute. You could also try a bit of fresh basil for a twist!
How Do I Roast Tomatoes for Maximum Flavor?
Roasting is key to enhancing the flavor of tomatoes! Here’s how to do it right:
- Spread tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet, ensuring they have space to roast evenly.
- Use a good amount of olive oil to help them caramelize. This adds wonderful flavor!
- Roast until the tomatoes burst and the onions soften, usually about 15-20 minutes.
- Let them cool slightly before blending. This keeps the flavors vibrant without over-processing!
Taking these extra steps ensures you get a rich, flavorful salsa that everyone will love!
Easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 jalapeño pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salsa can be made in about 30 minutes! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 15-20 minutes for roasting in the oven. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for roasting the tomatoes and veggies.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
On a baking sheet, place the cherry tomatoes, quartered red onion, peeled garlic cloves, and jalapeño pepper (if using). Make sure to spread them out evenly so they can roast well.
3. Add Olive Oil:
Drizzle the veggies with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Gently toss everything together so the vegetables are well-coated in the oil. This will help them caramelize beautifully in the oven!
4. Roast the Vegetables:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the tomatoes to be soft and a little caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness.
5. Cool Down:
After roasting, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven and allow the vegetables to cool for a few minutes. This makes handling them easier.
6. Blend It All Together:
Transfer the roasted veggies to a food processor or blender. Add the juice of 1 lime, the chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. This will enhance the flavors of your salsa!
7. Adjust the Consistency:
Pulse the mixture a few times until you achieve your desired consistency—whether you like it chunky or smooth is up to you!
8. Taste and Season:
Give your salsa a taste. If it needs more seasoning, feel free to add a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your taste buds!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your salsa with tortilla chips, or use it as a fresh topping for grilled meats, tacos, or even salads!
10. Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together!
FAQ for Easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa
Can I Use Other Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are the best for sweetness, you can use grape tomatoes or even larger tomatoes. Just chop them into smaller pieces for even roasting!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want a milder salsa, simply leave out the jalapeño pepper. For extra spice, try adding more jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes. You can always add heat gradually until it’s just right for you!
Can I Make This Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the vegetables and prepare the salsa a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It allows the flavors to develop even more!
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Salsa?
This salsa is fantastic with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a fresh topping for grilled chicken, fish tacos, or mixed into salads. Get creative!
