Step 1: Begin by dicing your tomatoes. Aim for a consistent, small dice, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Place them into your large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Next, finely dice the red onion. The finer the dice, the more evenly the onion flavor will distribute without overpowering the other ingredients. Add to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Step 3: Prepare your jalapeño. For moderate heat, remove the stem, slice in half lengthwise, and carefully scrape out the seeds and white membrane. Finely mince the jalapeño. For a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in. Add to the bowl.
Step 4: Mince the fresh garlic cloves. You can use a garlic press for convenience, but finely mincing will yield a great texture. Add to the bowl.
Step 5: Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Don't be shy; cilantro adds incredible freshness! Add to the bowl.
Step 6: Squeeze the juice from your fresh limes directly into the bowl. Start with the juice of one lime, and you can add more later to taste.
Step 7: Add the ground cumin and a generous pinch of salt. Cumin adds a wonderful earthy depth, and salt is vital for bringing out all the flavors.
Step 8: Gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste the salsa. Adjust seasonings to your liking, adding more salt, lime juice, or even a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Step 9: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate your salsa for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. An hour or two is even better!
Step 10: Serve chilled with your favorite tortilla chips, or use as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.