Start by rinsing your tomatoes well under cold water, then dice them into small, even pieces with your chef's knife. Place them in a mixing bowl, where their vibrant red color and juicy texture will be ready to shine.
Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes, allowing its sharp aroma and crunch to mingle with the juicy fruit.
Chop the fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle them over the mixture, giving it a fresh, aromatic boost and adding vibrant green flecks.
Slice both limes in half, then juice them directly over the bowl until you have about two tablespoons of fresh lime juice, which brightens and refreshes the salsa.
Add a teaspoon of salt to enhance all the flavors, then stir everything together gently to evenly coat the ingredients with the tangy lime juice and salt.
If you want a milder, rounder garlic flavor, mince the garlic clove and add it to the salsa, stirring again to incorporate.
If desired, drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the mixture; this helps mellow the garlic and adds a subtle richness to the salsa.
Let the salsa sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and the juicy ingredients to release their aroma.
Give the salsa one final gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed to reach your preferred flavor.
Serve the fresh salsa in a bowl, garnished with extra cilantro if desired, alongside chips, tacos, or simply as a lively topping for your favorite dishes.
