If you are craving fresh homemade salsa to pair with Mexican cuisine, this delicious salsa recipe is the one to try! This great recipe will have you never buying store-bought salsas again!

Homemade salsa is a fresh and flavorful addition to any meal or snack.

This versatile condiment can be made with a variety of simple ingredients and customized to suit individual taste preferences.

Whether you like mild or spicy salsa, smooth or chunky salsa, this easy salsa recipe can be adjusted to your desired consistency and tastes.

For the best flavor when you make your own salsa, it’s important to use fresh ingredients, especially fresh juicy tomatoes that you can find in your own garden, at the grocery store or at your local farmers market.

Once you taste this flavorful salsa recipe, you won’t want to go back to using jarred salsa.

Served as a dip, topping, or ingredient in dishes, homemade salsa is a healthy and delicious way to add some zing to your culinary creations.

Why Making Homemade Salsa is a Great Idea:

When you make salsa at home, you have complete control over the ingredients and flavors. You can adjust the heat level to your preference, experiment with different types of peppers or spices, and add more or less of any ingredient to create a salsa that’s perfectly tailored to your taste buds.
Homemade salsa is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, which means it will taste better and be more nutritious than store-bought salsa. You can use vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh herbs, and just-picked peppers to make a salsa that’s bursting with flavor.
Salsa is a healthy condiment that’s low in calories and packed with nutrients. When you make it at home, you can control the amount of salt and sugar that goes into it, making it an even healthier option.
Making salsa at home can be a cost-effective option, especially if you have access to fresh ingredients from your garden or local farmers’ market. You can make a large batch of salsa for a fraction of the cost of buying a small jar at the store.

What are the best spices for salsa?

There are many different spices and seasonings that can be used to make delicious salsa. Some of the most popular ones include:

Cumin: This warm, earthy spice is a staple in many salsa recipes and adds a depth of flavor that compliments the tomatoes and peppers.
Chili powder: Made from a blend of spices such as chili peppers, cumin, and oregano, chili powder adds a bit of heat and a complex flavor to salsa.
Garlic: Fresh or powdered garlic can add a savory, slightly pungent flavor to salsa.
Oregano: This herb has a slightly bitter and pungent taste that pairs well with the sweet and acidic flavors of tomatoes.
Salt: A little bit of salt can help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the salsa.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper can add a subtle heat and depth of flavor to salsa.
Paprika: This mild, sweet spice adds a smoky flavor to salsa and can help balance out the heat from other spices.
Lime juice: While not a spice, lime juice can add a bright, acidic flavor to salsa and help bring all the other flavors together.

The specific combination of spices and seasonings used in a salsa recipe can vary depending on personal preference. Experimenting with different combinations of spices can be a fun way to create your own signature salsa recipe.

How to Make Salsa

Ingredient List:

1 lb ripe Roma tomatoes* (about 3-4 ripe tomatoes)
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced canned tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped red onion (about 1/4 of a medium onion)
1 whole jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped (You can use a variety of peppers in your salsa, such as bell pepper, serrano or poblano, depending on your preference for heat and flavor.

1/3 cup fresh cilantro
1 large clove garlic
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, about one lime
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste*

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor, starting with garlic and onion and then throw tomatoes in.

Using the pulse function of your blender, blend until all ingredients are finely chopped and to the right consistency and the perfect texture to your liking.

If you like a spicy kick to your salsa, take this extra step:

Place whole tomatoes, sliced in half, raw onions, garlic clove and jalapeño on foil covered baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and fresh cracked sea salt. Roast for 20 min, flipping over half way in a 450 degree oven, long enough for the tomatoes to blister and even char slightly

Make sure you do a taste test on the salsa before adding additional salt after roasting.

Wait until your ingredients come to room temperature and then follow the instructions above.

How to Store a Fresh Tomato Salsa Recipe

For best results, salsa should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. As soon as you finish making your salsa, transfer it to an airtight container, like a mason jar and store it in the fridge. This will keep your leftover salsa fresh for up to 5-7 days.

Best Salsa Substitutions & Variations

There are many options depending on your taste preferences and what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Tomatillos: If you want a tangy, slightly sour flavor in your salsa, consider using tomatillos instead of or in addition to tomatoes.
Make mango salsa by adding diced mango to your salsa can give it a sweet, tropical flavor and a burst of bright color.
Similarly, make pineapple salsa by adding diced pineapple to add a sweet and slightly tart flavor to your salsa.
Avocado: Adding diced avocado to your salsa can give it a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
Corn: Roasted corn kernels can add a slightly smoky flavor and a crunchy texture to your salsa.

Ideas for How to Serve Salsa

Salsa is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways to add flavor and freshness to a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to serve salsa:

A favorite way to enjoy salsa is with your favorite tortilla chips, just like at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Serve your homemade fresh salsa recipe as a dip at a party on game day or snack time for a delicious and healthy snack.
Spoon some salsa over your favorite tacos for a burst of flavor and freshness. The fresh flavor of salsa goes particularly well with tacos made with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.
Salsa is a great choice to use as a topping for grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork, or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant.
Create a flavorful burrito bowl or taco salad by combining rice, black beans, grilled meat or vegetables, and a generous spoonful of salsa. Top with some chopped cilantro, sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime juice for a delicious and healthy meal.
Add some salsa to your favorite breakfast sandwich for a zesty and flavorful twist. Salsa goes particularly well with eggs and avocado.
Use salsa as a marinade for chicken or fish to infuse it with flavor and moisture. Simply marinate the protein in the salsa for several hours or overnight, then grill or bake as desired.

What’s the difference between Restaurant-Style Salsa and Pico de Gallo?

The only difference between the this easy homemade salsa recipe and pico de gallo (or salsa fresca) is that salsa requires the use of a blender, but both have the same basic ingredients.

What is the difference between mild vs medium salsa?

The main difference between mild and medium salsa is the level of spiciness. Mild salsa has a milder, less spicy flavor than medium salsa, which has a bit more heat.
Mild salsa typically contains a blend of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, but with less chili peppers or hot sauce than medium salsa. The heat level of mild salsa is usually quite low, making it a good option for people who prefer a more mild flavor or who are sensitive to spicy foods.
Medium salsa, on the other hand, typically contains more chili peppers or hot sauce than mild salsa, giving it a bit more heat and a more complex flavor profile. Some people find medium salsa to be just spicy enough to add some flavor and heat to their dishes without being overwhelming, while others may find it too spicy.
It’s worth noting that the level of spiciness can vary depending on the brand and recipe of salsa, so it’s always a good idea to check the label or taste a small amount before using it in a recipe. If you’re not sure which one to choose, you can always start with mild salsa and add more spice to taste.

What are the best tomatoes to use for homemade salsa?

When making homemade salsa, it’s important to use the right type of tomato to achieve the desired flavor and texture. The best tomatoes for salsa are those that are meaty, flavorful, and have a lower water content. Some good tomato options for salsa include fresh roma tomatoes, Beefsteak tomatoes or Cherry tomatoes.

Can you freeze salsa?

Yes, you can freeze salsa, but the texture and flavor may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

To freeze salsa, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving a bit of space at the top to allow for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents, and place it in the freezer. Salsa can be frozen for up to 6 months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen salsa, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir to help re-incorporate any separated liquids. It’s important to note that previously frozen salsa should not be refrozen.

Can you freeze tomatoes to make salsa later?

Yes, you can freeze tomatoes to make salsa later. Freezing tomatoes is a great way to preserve their flavor and nutrients for later use, and they can be used to make salsa or other dishes once they have been thawed.
To freeze tomatoes for salsa, start by washing and drying them thoroughly. Remove any stems or blemishes, and cut them into quarters or smaller pieces. Then, place the tomato pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them for a few hours until they are solid. Once they are frozen, transfer the tomato pieces to a freezer-safe container or bag, and label them with the date and contents.
When you’re ready to make salsa, remove the frozen tomatoes from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once they are thawed, they will be softer and have a different texture than fresh tomatoes, but they will still work well for making salsa. Simply chop them up and use them in your favorite salsa recipe.
It’s worth noting that freezing and thawing can cause the tomatoes to release some excess liquid, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in your salsa recipe to compensate for this, because no one wants watery salsa. Also, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the salsa may be slightly different than if you had used fresh tomatoes.

How to Make the Perfect Salsa Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

This is truly the perfect salsa recipe! Grab your favorite bag of tortilla chips because this salsa will be gone in a flash! You'll never buy store bought again!

Ingredients

1 lb ripe Roma tomatoes* (about 3-4)
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped red onion (about 1/4 of a medium onion)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
1/3 cup fresh cilantro
1 large clove garlic
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, about one lime
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste*

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, starting with garlic and onion and pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped.

For best results:
Store in fridge for a few hours before serving so that flavors have time to marinate.

Notes

For EXTRA flavor:
Place tomatoes, sliced in half, onions, garlic clove and jalapeño on foil covered baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and fresh cracked sea salt.
Roast for 20 min, flipping over half way) in a 450 degree oven, long enough for the tomatoes to blister and even char slightly.
Make sure you taste the salsa before adding additional salt after roasting. Continue as above.