Homemade Salsa Recipe
Introduction
This homemade salsa is fresh, zesty, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Perfect for dipping or as a topping, it brings bold flavors and a touch of spice to any snack or meal.
Ingredients
- 28 oz. whole plum tomatoes, with the juice
- 1 small white onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, diced with seeds removed
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4-5 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Add all ingredients to a food processor, blender, or large pot or bowl if using an immersion blender.
- Step 2: Pulse or blend until you reach your desired consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
- Step 3: Refrigerate the salsa for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with homemade tortilla chips or loaded nachos.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level to your preference.
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a small amount of chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a smoother salsa, blend longer until silky.
- Roast the tomatoes and peppers before blending for a richer, deeper taste.
Storage
Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator and stir before use. Reheat gently if desired, though salsa is often best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes work well in this recipe and can simplify prep. Just ensure they are whole and drain some juice if too watery.
How spicy is the salsa?
The heat depends on the amount and type of jalapeños you use. Removing the seeds reduces heat, and you can always adjust by adding fewer peppers or substituting milder ones.
Print
Homemade Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade salsa recipe combines fresh plum tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, garlic, and aromatic spices blended to a perfect consistency. It’s a vibrant, zesty condiment that pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, nachos, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes. Made with simple ingredients and no cooking required, this salsa is fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 28 oz. whole plum tomatoes, with the juice
- 1 small white onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, diced with seeds removed
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4–5 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the fresh ingredients including tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro. Peel and roughly chop the onion and garlic, and dice the jalapeños, removing the seeds to control the heat level.
- Blend the Salsa: Combine all ingredients, including the plum tomatoes with their juice, into a food processor, blender, or a large bowl if using an immersion blender. Pulse the mixture until you reach your desired consistency—whether a chunky or smoother salsa.
- Chill the Salsa: Transfer the blended salsa into a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though letting it rest overnight will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, transfer the salsa to a serving dish and enjoy it with homemade tortilla chips, loaded nachos, or your favorite Mexican dishes as a fresh and flavorful condiment.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder salsa or keep them for extra heat.
- The salsa can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes or adding a dash of smoked paprika.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best brightness; bottled lime juice can alter the flavor slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Homemade salsa, fresh salsa recipe, Mexican salsa, easy salsa, no cook salsa, fresh tomato salsa
