Description
This easy homemade salsa recipe offers a fresh, vibrant blend of tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice, perfectly balanced with garlic, onion, and spices. Prepared quickly using a blender, this salsa is a versatile condiment ideal for dipping, topping tacos, or adding zest to any dish. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, it’s a classic, crowd-pleasing sauce that improves in flavor after a brief refrigeration.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 56 ounces (2 cans) whole, peeled tomatoes, drained (San Marzano preferred, fresh tomatoes can be used, no need to peel)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (rough chopped, substitute with parsley if desired)
- ½ medium white onion (rough chopped, substitute red onion for a slight kick)
- 2 jalapeño peppers (seeds, stem & membranes removed, adjust quantity to taste)
- 1 clove garlic (skin removed, adjust to preference)
- Juice from 2½ limes (freshly squeezed preferred)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt or coarse sea salt (½ teaspoon if using table salt)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients—drained tomatoes, cilantro, onion, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, salt, cumin, and sugar—into a blender or food processor.
- Blend to Desired Consistency: Pulse the mixture 12-18 times until it reaches your preferred texture, whether chunky or smooth, being careful not to over-blend.
- Season to Taste: Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, lime juice, or jalapeños based on your preference.
- Chill the Salsa: Transfer the salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate. Allow the flavors to meld for at least one hour for the best taste; flavor continues to deepen up to 24 hours.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, reduce the number of jalapeños or remove all seeds and membranes.
- If you prefer fresh tomatoes over canned, be sure they are ripe and flavorful; no need to peel them.
- This salsa keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Adjust lime juice and salt after blending to balance acidity and saltiness to your liking.
- Serve with tortilla chips, grilled meats, tacos, or as a fresh condiment for any Mexican-inspired dish.
