If you love Traditional homemade salsa but have never tried making it at home, you're in for a treat. Homemade salsa is not only delicious but also super easy to make and allows you to customize the recipe to your liking. There are endless variations, whether you like mild or spicy salsa, smooth or chunky. In this Spicy salsa recipe, we'll show you how to make the best homemade salsa that can be enjoyed with chips, on top of grilled chicken or fish, or as a topping for tacos or burritos. 🌮🌯🍻
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What is Salsa?
Salsa is made from diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It is typically used as a condiment and can be served with various dishes, such as chips, tacos, burritos, and grilled meats. Salsa is usually made with fresh ingredients and is characterized by its spicy, tangy flavor. There are many variations of salsa, including mild, medium, and hot, as well as smooth or chunky styles. Salsa is a popular condiment worldwide and is often used as a topping for Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Onion: Any onion can be used in this recipe. The onions add flavor and a bit of crunch to the salsa, so feel free to use your favorite variety.
- Canned jalapeno pepper & Picked liquid: Pickled jalapeno peppers give this red salsa a nice kick. If you prefer mild heat, use fewer pickled jalapenos or omit them entirely. I recommend using La Costeña Brand for the best flavor. You can also add about ½ cup of the liquid from the canned jalapenos, along with a few diced pickled carrots and onions from the can, to enhance the flavor of the homemade salsa.
The liquid from the canned jalapenos imparts enough flavor that you may not need to add much (or any) additional salt. Alternatively, you can skip the canned jalapeno liquid and increase the amount of lime juice and kosher salt in the recipe, giving the salsa a fresh, tangy flavor. - Canned whole tomato: Using canned whole tomatoes in this Mexican salsa recipe gives a more consistent texture. It also saves time and effort in the kitchen.
- Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro is a key flavor ingredient in salsa and should not be omitted. This fresh, fragrant herb adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the salsa that helps to balance out the spiciness and acidity of the other ingredients. Cilantro is also rich in antioxidants and nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any dish. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can try using parsley or basil instead. These herbs will add a different flavor profile to the salsa but will still help enhance the dish's overall taste and nutrition.
- Freshly Squeezed lime Juice: It helps to bring the flavors together. The lime juice's acidity helps balance the tomatoes' sweetness and the peppers' spiciness, creating a well-rounded and harmonious flavor profile.
- Granulated Garlic: Granulated garlic is a great ingredient in salsa as it enhances the flavor without adding any unwanted texture. Garlic adds a savory taste to the salsa, helping to deepen and round out the overall flavor profile. Granulated garlic is especially convenient for salsa as it is easy to measure and mix into the other ingredients. It also has a longer shelf life than fresh garlic, so you can keep it on hand whenever you want to make salsa. If you prefer the taste of fresh garlic, you can certainly use that instead. Simply mince or crush a few garlic cloves and add them to the salsa mixture and other ingredients. Experiment with both granulated and fresh garlic to see which you prefer.
- Kosher salt: It is an important ingredient in salsa as it helps to bring the flavors together and enhances the dish's overall taste. Be sure to taste the salsa and adjust the amount of kosher salt to your preference. You may need more or less depending on the sweetness and acidity of the other ingredients and your taste.
- Red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes are a great way to add a little extra kick to red salsa, but they are optional and can be left out if you prefer a milder flavor. Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and adjust to taste. You can always add more if you want a spicier salsa, but it's difficult to remove heat once it has been added. You can omit the red pepper flakes if you're not a heat fan.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Homemade Salsa
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Place all the ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender, except 2 canned tomatoes, and blitz to desired consistency - we like ours pretty chunky.
Transfer to a big bowl and set aside. Now go ahead and blitz the remaining canned tomatoes. Once finished, pour into the big bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust salt and lime, if necessary.
Refrigerate 1 hour before serving, or enjoy with corn chips or other dippers.
Substitutions
- Onion Substitution: If you're not a fan of onions or have an allergy, you can substitute green onions (scallions) or shallots for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can omit the onion entirely for a different flavor profile.
- Jalapeno Pepper Substitution: If you want a milder salsa, you can use a milder pepper like Anaheim or poblano instead of jalapeno. If you prefer a hotter salsa, you can use serrano peppers or even habaneros for an extra kick.
- Canned Whole Tomato Substitution: While canned whole tomatoes are convenient, you can also use fresh tomatoes if they are in season. Simply peel and chop fresh tomatoes to use in the recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Cilantro Substitution: If you're not a fan of cilantro or have a cilantro allergy, you can substitute parsley, basil, or even fresh oregano for a different herb flavor.
- Lime Juice Substitution: You can use bottled lime juice if you don't have fresh limes on hand. However, fresh lime juice will provide the best flavor. In a pinch, you can also use lemon juice.
- Granulated Garlic Substitution: Fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute for granulated garlic. Use about 1-2 cloves of minced garlic for this recipe. The flavor will be stronger with fresh garlic, so adjust to your taste.
- Kosher Salt Substitution: You can substitute table salt for kosher salt, but be cautious about the quantity. Table salt is finer, so you'll need less of it. Start with less and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Red Pepper Flakes Substitution: If you want to add heat without red pepper flakes, use a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
Variations
- Mango salsa: This tropical twist on traditional salsa is made with diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, and cilantro. It's sweet, spicy, and refreshing, making it a perfect summertime condiment.
- Pineapple salsa: This sweet and spicy salsa is made with diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, and cilantro. It's a great way to use leftover pineapple and adds a tropical twist to any dish.
- Black bean and corn salsa: This hearty salsa is made with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, and cilantro. It's a great vegetarian option, perfect for topping tacos or serving with chips.
- Roasted tomato salsa: This smoky and slightly sweet salsa is made with roasted Roma tomatoes, garlic, red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, and cilantro. It has a deeper, more complex flavor than traditional salsa and is perfect for serving with grilled meats.
How to serve
This Salsa doesn't just make a great dip with Tortilla Chips. It can also be used as a side dish for Sausage and Grilled Meat, Fried Eggs, fried eggs, poached eggs, egg burritos, potato hash, and Corn Pancakes.
How to Store
Homemade salsa should be stored in an airtight container or a sealed jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the container is clean and dry before transferring the salsa into it. Then place the sealed container of salsa in the refrigerator. Salsa can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. The exact shelf life may vary depending on the ingredients' freshness and the storage container's cleanliness. Before using leftover salsa, check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold growth, or an unusual color or texture.
If you notice any of these signs, discard the salsa immediately. After each use, seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering, which can lead to quicker spoilage. If you dip chips or other food items directly into the salsa, avoid introducing contaminants into the salsa container. Instead, use a clean utensil to scoop out the salsa each time you serve it.
Make-Ahead
You can chop and prep ingredients like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro a day or two in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When it's time to serve, simply mix the ingredients, add lime juice, seasonings, and optional spices, and adjust the flavor to your liking.
Tips for making The Best Homemade Salsa
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro will give your salsa the best flavor.
- Adjust the heat to your preference: Salsa can range from mild to spicy, depending on the type of peppers you use and the amount you add. Start with a small amount of peppers and adjust to taste.
- Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender can help to create a smooth and uniform consistency for your salsa. You can pulse the ingredients a few times to achieve the desired texture, whether you prefer a smooth or chunky salsa.
- Add acidity: Lime juice or vinegar can help balance the tomatoes' sweetness and add a bright, tangy flavor to the salsa. Be sure to taste and adjust the amount of acidity to your preference.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salsa to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight can help the flavors to meld and intensify. This is especially important if you use fresh ingredients, as the flavors may be more subtle.
FAQ
Can I omit cilantro if I don't like it?
You can omit cilantro if you don't like it. Some people have a strong aversion to cilantro, and the salsa will still taste great without it.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
You can use fresh tomatoes, but canned tomatoes are recommended for their consistent flavor and texture. If you choose fresh tomatoes, remove the seeds and skins before adding them to the recipe.
What can I add to my salsa to make it taste better?
You can add flavor to your salsa in many ways to make it taste better. Here are a few ideas: Adjust the heat to your preference: Salsa can range from mild to spicy, depending on the type of peppers you use and the amount you add. Start with a small amount of peppers and adjust to taste.
Add acidity: Lime juice or vinegar can help balance the tomatoes' sweetness and add a bright, tangy flavor to the salsa. Be sure to taste and adjust the amount of acidity to your preference. Use a variety of herbs: Cilantro is a common herb in salsa, but you can also try using other herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, to add different flavors.
Add sweetness: If your salsa is too spicy or acidic, add sweetness to balance the flavors. Add sugar, honey, agave nectar, or diced mango to the salsa mixture. Experiment with spices: You can add spices to your salsa to give it a unique flavor. Try using ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, or coriander to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Watch How to Make It
Related Recipes:
- Easy Chicken Quesadilla
- Homemade Cheese Dip
- Mexican Hot Cocoa
- Mexican Cafe de Olla
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
- Lime Crema
Recipe
Easy Homemade Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion , roughly chopped
- 3 pickled jalapeño pepper
- ½ cup of the canned jalapeno pepper liquid
- 3 (28 oz) canned whole tomato, drained
- 1 bunch cilantro leaves , roughly chopped
- Juice from 1 lime
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt , adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to taste, this is optional
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender, except 2 canned tomatoes, and blitz to desired consistency - we like ours pretty chunky.
- Transfer to a big bowl and set aside. Now go ahead and blitz the remaining canned tomatoes.
- Once finished, pour into the big bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust salt and lime juice, if necessary.
- Refrigerate 1 hour before serving or enjoy right away with corn chips or other dippers.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.