This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This fresh salsa recipe is made in minutes and perfectly customizable to your preferred texture and spice level.
A favorite dip at parties, this fresh salsa recipe, and our Homemade Tortilla Chips were a match made in heaven! Try our Sweet Salsa Verde for a fresh green option.
Garden Fresh!
Salsa is one of the easiest dishes to make, not only because the process is easy, but the ingredients can be easily adjusted to get your perfect salsa taste and texture.
This fresh salsa recipe is a deliciously chunky restaurant-style salsa that pairs perfectly with Homemade Tortilla Chips or with any of your favorite Mexican dishes.
It’s a perfect dip for parties and the best part is it whips up in minutes!
How to Make Fresh Salsa
The best type of homemade salsa recipe is one that’s literally ready in minutes. Just blend!
BLEND. Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until blended to the consistency you desire.
Add more salt or lime juice to taste, if needed.
Ingredient Tips
Roma tomatoes contain less moisture than other types, which will keep the salsa from being runny. You will need 6 Roma tomatoes – no need to peel. For a more tomato-y flavor, add a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (drained).
When using fresh tomatoes you may remove the seeds, but this is not necessary. To deseed a tomato simply cut it into quarters and slice out the center portion where the seeds are.
Jalapeño. I used one fresh green jalapeno, but more may be used for additional heat. For more heat, leave in the seeds. For a mild salsa, remove the seeds.
- Be cautious when cutting jalapenos because the oils carry some heat. People with sensitive skin like to wear gloves. Always avoid touching your face and eyes until you have washed your hands.
- First, cut the stem off the top of the jalapeno then slice it lengthwise down the middle. You will see a membrane that holds the seeds. Use a pairing knife to scrape out the desired amount of membrane and seeds. From there, chop the jalapeno and use it in the salsa.
- For more heat use serrano peppers or cayenne peppers.
Lime juice. Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled juice also works. One medium lime will yield 2 tablespoons of juice. If needed, lemon juice can be substituted for lime juice.
Cilantro, onion, cumin, and sugar can all be adjusted by adding more or less depending on your flavor preference.
Recipe Tips
Texture. The ingredients only need to be roughly chopped before adding them to the blender or food processor. For a chunky salsa, pulse the blender a few times. For a more smooth salsa, blend it a little longer.
Serving suggestions. Fresh tomato salsa is classically served alongside Tortilla Chips, but can also be used to add extra flavor to your favorite Mexican dishes:
Watery salsa. Fresh tomatoes contain a lot of water and are the main culprit for watery salsa. Using a firmer tomato, like Roma, helps reduce the moisture content.
To further reduce the amount of liquid allow the chopped tomatoes to drain a bit before blending them or replace the fresh tomatoes with an equal amount of canned tomatoes (drained).
Once the salsa has been made and it is still too watery you can try a few things:
- Let the salsa sit for a while and then pour out the extra liquid.
- Increase some of the other ingredients to offset the liquid or add some tomato paste.
Storing Info
How long does fresh salsa last?
STORE. Pour your homemade salsa recipe into an airtight container or jar. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Note that even when salsa is stored in a glass jar, it must be kept in the refrigerator and not in the pantry.
Recipe FAQ
Fresh tomatoes contain a lot of water and are the main culprit for watery salsa. Use roma tomatoes (the least watery type of tomato), and allow the chopped tomatoes to drain a bit before blending them.
Smooth salsa freezes better than chunky salsa because freezing it causes it to be mushier and runnier. When the salsa is in freezer safe container it can be frozen for about 3 months. It will most likely separate as it thaws so reblend it to reincorporate the ingredients.
Leave the seeds in the jalapenos for hot salsa, and remove them for mild salsa. You can also add heat by including red pepper flakes, chili powder, and hot sauce.
For More Salsa and Dips, try:
Fresh Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Roma tomatoes seeded if desired
- ¼ red onion peeled
- 1 medium handful fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeno stemmed, seeded and chopped
- 1 large garlic clove chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt with parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until blended to the consistency you desire.
- Add more salt or lime juice to taste, if needed.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
