There’s nothing quite like a batch of fresh homemade salsa. It’s one of those staple recipes that you can make in minutes and rely on for any gathering, snack, or meal. This particular salsa recipe has been my go-to for years, and I can confidently say—it never disappoints! Whether you’re hosting a game night, having a casual family dinner, or just whipping up a snack to enjoy solo, this salsa is the perfect, vibrant addition to your table.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it. It’s incredibly easy, super fresh, and bursting with flavor! Plus, you can tweak the recipe to your own liking—spicy, mild, chunky, smooth—you name it! So let’s dive into this must-have recipe that’ll have you saying goodbye to store-bought salsa for good.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs ripe Roma tomatoes (about 5-6)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 green onions, ends trimmed, chopped into thirds
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion (about 1/4 of a medium)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (about a handful)
- 1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Homemade Salsa
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping your fresh ingredients. Chop the tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and cilantro. If you’re a fan of spicy salsa, leave the seeds in the jalapeño, but if you prefer a milder kick, remove them before chopping.
Step 2: Pulse Everything Together
Using a food processor, combine all the ingredients—fresh and canned tomatoes, green and red onions, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pulse in short 1-second bursts until everything is finely chopped and well blended. You can adjust the texture to your liking—whether you prefer it chunky or smooth.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salsa for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!
Pro tip: This salsa is not just for chips! It’s amazing with tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or as a topping for scrambled eggs.
Details and Nutritional Information
Details:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4.5 cups (approx. 14 servings)
Nutrition:
- Serving Size: About 1/3 cup
- Calories: 15 per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Helpful Tips for the Best Salsa
- Use ripe tomatoes: The freshness of your tomatoes makes a huge difference in the flavor. Opt for ripe Roma tomatoes or any other flavorful variety you have available.
- Adjust the heat: If you like your salsa spicier, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or swap it for a serrano pepper. For a smoky kick, add a few canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Don’t rush the marinating: While this salsa is delicious right after making it, letting it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours enhances the flavor.
Substitutions & Variations
- Switch up the tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with green chilis or fire-roasted tomatoes can give your salsa a different twist.
- Add more veggies: For added texture and flavor, try mixing in 1/2 a bell pepper, a poblano pepper, or an Anaheim pepper.
- Make it thinner: If you prefer a thinner salsa, you can add in a bit of tomato juice or tomato sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salsa spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the heat by leaving the seeds in the jalapeño or by using serrano peppers instead. Another spicy option is adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
How long does homemade salsa last in the fridge?
This fresh salsa will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this salsa?
Yes, you can freeze salsa! However, the texture might change slightly after thawing. If you plan on freezing, it’s best to puree the salsa a little smoother, as it holds up better when defrosted.
Is it okay to use canned tomatoes only?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can absolutely make this salsa with just canned tomatoes. Fire-roasted or diced tomatoes with green chilis work great for added flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store your homemade salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week—if it lasts that long! The flavors will get better over time, so don’t be afraid to make it a day or two ahead of your event. If you have leftovers and want to freeze them, just make sure to puree the salsa a bit smoother before freezing for the best texture.
This fresh homemade salsa is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, it’s versatile, and it’s delicious every time. So grab those chips, and let’s dig in!
Print
Fresh Homemade Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4.5 cups (approx. 14 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh homemade salsa recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Made with ripe tomatoes, jalapeño, onions, and cilantro, this 5-minute salsa is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled meats, this salsa is sure to be a hit! The perfect mix of fresh ingredients and just the right amount of spice—your go-to salsa recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs ripe Roma tomatoes (about 5-6)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 green onions, ends trimmed, chopped into thirds
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion (about 1/4 of a medium)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (about a handful)
- 1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients by chopping the tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- In a food processor, combine all ingredients: fresh and canned tomatoes, green and red onions, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse in 1-second bursts until the ingredients are finely chopped to your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Refrigerate the salsa for a few hours to let the flavors meld. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Notes
- For a spicier salsa, keep the jalapeño seeds or swap for serrano peppers.
- If you like smoky flavors, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of jalapeño.
- Want a thinner salsa? Mix in a bit of tomato juice or tomato sauce.
- The salsa will taste even better if refrigerated for a few hours to let the flavors marinate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/3 cup
- Calories: 15 per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg