HOMEMADE SALSA EVER
Fresh, zesty, and bursting with flavor — this homemade salsa is better than anything you’ll find in a jar.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking!)
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Difficulty: Super Easy
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Servings: About 3 cups
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Category: Appetizer / Dip / Sauce
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Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
This simple salsa recipe is made with fresh, easy-to-find ingredients. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie.
Base Ingredients:
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5–6 ripe Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
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1 small white onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, peeled
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1–2 jalapeños, chopped (seeded for mild, keep seeds for heat)
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½ cup fresh cilantro (packed)
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Juice of 1 lime
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Salt, to taste (start with ½ tsp)
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¼ tsp ground cumin (optional, for extra depth)
Optional Add-ins:
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1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity, especially if tomatoes are underripe)
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1 small chipotle pepper in adobo (for smoky heat)
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1 avocado, diced and added after blending
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1 small green bell pepper, for sweetness and crunch
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Roughly chop your tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. You don’t need to be precise, since it’s all going in a food processor or blender.
Step 2: Blend It Up
Add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and cumin (if using) to a food processor or high-speed blender.
Step 3: Pulse Until Just Right
Pulse 8–12 times, or until you reach your desired texture. Some prefer a smoother salsa, while others like it chunky. For restaurant-style salsa, aim for a slightly thinner blend. For chunkier salsa, pulse fewer times.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the salsa and adjust with salt, more lime juice, or a bit of sugar if needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or more tomato juice.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, nachos, burritos, or grilled meats.
How to Serve Salsa
Homemade salsa is the ultimate versatile condiment. Use it with:
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Tortilla chips for dipping
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Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp
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Tacos, burritos, and enchiladas
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Eggs — especially scrambled or huevos rancheros
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Rice bowls and salads
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Sandwiches or wraps — use it like a zesty spread
Storage & Shelf Life
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and stir before using. Note: texture may change slightly.
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Mason jar tip: Store in a mason jar for grab-and-go freshness and easy fridge stacking.
Nutrition Info (Per ¼ Cup Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 18 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Vitamin C | 12% DV |
| Potassium | 180mg |
Note: Based on a standard recipe without sugar or avocado. Nutrition may vary based on add-ins.