This homemade salsa recipe is a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something fresh and delicious. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought salsa again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Vibrant: Using ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs gives this salsa an unbeatable flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the heat and texture to suit your preferences.
- Quick and Easy: Just throw everything in a food processor, and you’re done in minutes!
- Versatile: Great for dipping, topping tacos, or adding zest to any Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tomatoes: The star of the show! Use ripe Roma or small tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Canned Tomatoes: Adds depth and ensures a consistent texture.
- Red Onion: Provides a sharp, tangy bite.
- Jalapeño Peppers: For that essential kick of heat.
- Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal note.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor.
- Lime Juice: For brightness and to balance the flavors.
- Sugar: Optional, but helps balance acidity if needed.
- Spices: Cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for that authentic salsa taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Roasted Salsa: Roast the tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a smoky flavor.
- Fruit Salsa: Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Extra Spicy: Throw in some habanero peppers for serious heat.
- Chunky Style: Dice ingredients by hand instead of using a food processor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Roughly chop tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños. No need for precision – the food processor will do the work!
Step 2: Combine and Pulse
Toss all ingredients into the food processor. Pulse until you reach your desired consistency. Like it chunky? Pulse less. Prefer it smooth? Keep pulsing!
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste. Need more heat? Add more jalapeño. Too acidic? A pinch more sugar might help.
Step 4: Chill
Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate. The flavors will meld and intensify as it chills.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor.
- Don’t overprocess – you want some texture in your salsa.
- Adjust seasonings gradually. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
How to Serve
This salsa is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:
- As a dip with tortilla chips
- Topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos
- Spooned over grilled chicken or fish
- Mixed into scrambled eggs for a zesty breakfast
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze salsa for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Just give it a good stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this salsa without cilantro?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or replace it with fresh parsley for a different herbal note.
How can I make my salsa less spicy?
Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before adding them, or reduce the amount used. You can always add more if needed.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes give the best flavor, you can use all canned tomatoes in a pinch. Just drain them well before using.
How long does homemade salsa last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salsa will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two!
This homemade salsa recipe is a game-changer! It’s fresh, zingy, and so much better than anything you’ll find in a jar. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a healthy snack, this salsa has got you covered. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Zesty Homemade Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Sauces-condiments
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This vibrant homemade salsa combines fresh tomatoes, zesty lime, and aromatic cilantro for a perfect balance of flavors. Quick to prepare and customizable to your taste, it’s an ideal accompaniment for chips, tacos, or as a flavorful topping for various dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes (Roma or small tomatoes)
- 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can whole or diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 red onion, quartered
- 1–2 jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded (optional)
- 1/3 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 3 large cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Add all ingredients to a food processor.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno peppers (if using), cilantro, garlic, lime juice, sugar (if using), cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Process to desired consistency: Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped or reach your preferred texture.
- Use the pulse function on your food processor to chop the ingredients. For a chunkier salsa, pulse fewer times. For a smoother consistency, pulse more. Taste the salsa and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Chill and serve: Transfer to a bowl or jar and refrigerate.
- Pour the salsa into a serving bowl or storage container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. The salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. Ripe tomatoes are deep red and heavy for their size.
- For extra spicy salsa, add a 4-ounce can of green chiles or ½-1 teaspoon of spicy chili powder.
- Adjust the texture by pulsing more for smoother salsa or less for chunkier salsa.
- Chilling the salsa for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
