The best homemade salsa always reminds me of my favorite Mexican restaurant. It’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, perfect for any Mexican-inspired recipe!
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Best Homemade Salsa Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the zesty burst of flavor you get from fresh, restaurant style salsa. It’s a staple in my kitchen, perfect for bringing a touch of Mexican zest to any dish.
This easy salsa recipe makes a great dip for homemade tortilla chips, and a great addition to all sorts of Mexican inspired recipes!
Why This Recipe Works
- Restaurant-style quality: Using fresh ingredients and a simple process, this recipe captures that beloved restaurant-style salsa taste right in your own kitchen.
- Versatility in use: Salsa isn’t just for dipping! Spoon it over grilled chicken or use it as a vibrant topping for tacos, this recipe is a go-to condiment for so many dishes!
Fresh Salsa Recipe Ingredients
Fresh ingredients are the key to this Mexican salsa recipe. Here’s what you’ll need from your garden, the grocery store, or your local farmers market:
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Ripe Roma tomatoes: Use the best quality fresh tomatoes that are nice and ripe (homegrown are best in the summertime).
- Rotel (canned tomatoes and green chiles): Mixing this is with the fresh tomatoes adds the best flavor.
- Onion, cilantro, Jalapeño & garlic: Adds lots of flavor
- Fresh lime juice: You’ll need about 2-3 tablespoons which is about 2 limes
- Seasoning: Ground cumin and salt. You’ll also need a small amount of sugar to balance out the acidity of tomatoes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Tomatoes: While Roma tomatoes are great, experiment with different types.
- Heat level: Adjust the jalapeño and chili powder for a spicier kick.
- Sweetness: Balance the acidity with a bit of sugar, especially if your tomatoes are particularly tart.
- Pico de gallo inspiration: For a chunkier texture, like pico de gallo, simply pulse the ingredients less in the food processor or chop them by hand.
How to Make Homemade Salsa
A food processor makes quick work of this homemade salsa, but if you don’t have one, you can also easily chop all of the ingredients by hand.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped, but don’t overdo it if you prefer a chunkier salsa.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve with your homemade tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Salsa
- Freshness is key: Use the freshest ingredients for a salsa that truly pops.
- Taste and adjust: Don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients to get that perfect restaurant-style salsa balance.
- Marinating time: Letting the salsa rest in the fridge allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Yield: You’ll end up with about 5 cups of salsa.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can finely chop the ingredients by hand for a more rustic texture.
The heat level is moderate, but you can adjust it by adding or removing jalapeño seeds.
Absolutely! Feel free to add corn, black beans, bell pepper, or even mango for a twist.
Keep your salsa refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. This salsa is a perfect make-ahead option for gatherings – it only gets better as the flavors meld together!
Salsa goes great with guacamole, nacho cheese dip or homemade queso blanco dip.
More Salsa Recipes
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Homemade Salsa Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 5 ripe roma tomatoes , cored and quartered
- 10 ounces Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles , 1 can
- ½ small onion , I used yellow but red works too
- ½ cup fresh cilantro , more or less to taste
- 1 jalapeno , stemmed and seeded
- 2-3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice , about 2 limes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar , optional
For serving: Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Pulse in 1 second bursts until the ingredients are finely chopped. Taste, and add more spice or seasonings as desired.
- Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving to help marinate the flavors. Serve with tortilla chips or on top of your favorite Mexican dish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 4th of July, Appetizers, Birthdays, Cinco De Mayo, Condiments, Dairy-Free, Dips, Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Meal Prep, Nut-Free, Reader Favorites, Sauces, Snacks, Super Bowl, Vegan
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
This salsa really hit the spot! It was so easy to throw together and was a hit at our family party!