Description
Fresh Basil Tomato Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful salsa made with ripe Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. This easy-to-make salsa can be served immediately or allowed to meld for richer flavors, perfect as a dip for chips or a topping for bread with cheese.
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 10 Roma tomatoes (about 3.5 ounces each; after seeding and chopping yields approximately 4 cups)
Herbs
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (washed, dried, stems removed)
Other Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Slice the 10 Roma tomatoes in half lengthwise. Remove and discard the seeds and pulp carefully to retain only the tomato flesh. Chop the seeded tomatoes into small pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the basil: Stack 3 to 4 fresh basil leaves, roll them up tightly from one long side, then slice horizontally to create thin ribbons. Run the knife once or twice more through the ribbons if desired to create finer strips, then add them to the bowl with the tomatoes. Repeat with the remaining basil leaves.
- Add the rest of the ingredients: Finely mince the 3 peeled garlic cloves by hand or with a food processor and add to the bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
- Serve: The salsa can be served immediately for a fresh taste or let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Serve with tortilla or pita chips for dipping. Optionally, spoon the salsa on small pieces of artisan sourdough or white bread, sprinkle with mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese, broil for about a minute until cheese melts, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using Roma tomatoes is ideal because they have fewer seeds and less watery pulp, resulting in a thicker salsa.
- Removing seeds helps prevent watery salsa and enhances texture.
- Allowing the salsa to rest for an hour brings out richer flavors as the ingredients meld.
- For a cheesy twist, top bread slices with salsa and cheese, then broil briefly before serving.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on preference.