This Easy Mexican Salsa recipe brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant right to your kitchen in just 15 minutes! It’s perfectly balanced – tangy, salty, and incredibly fresh, with just the right amount of spice. Once you taste this homemade salsa, you’ll never reach for a jarred version again.
A close up picture of the finished Mexican Salsa in a white serving bowl garnished with cilantro.
Craving more delicious dips? Explore recipes like Pico de Gallo, Chipotle Chimichurri Sauce, and Simple Guacamole Recipe to complete your snack or appetizer spread!
Fresh Mexican Salsa has always been my go-to order when dining out. The amazing thing is, creating that authentic taste at home is incredibly simple. With this easy homemade Mexican Salsa Recipe, there’s no need to leave the house to satisfy your salsa cravings!
I find this mexican salsa recipe to be incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a quick afternoon snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or potlucks, or a zesty side dish to complement any Mexican-inspired meal, such as Instant Pot Mexican Beef.
What makes this mexican salsa recipe truly stand out is its simplicity and the use of fresh, real ingredients. Just toss everything into a food processor, and in moments, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful salsa ready for any occasion.
What Goes into Authentic Mexican Salsa?
Roma Tomatoes: For this mexican salsa recipe, Roma tomatoes are my top pick because of their natural sweetness, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the salsa. If you happen to have beefsteak tomatoes on hand, those will also work beautifully.
Red Onion: Red onion is key to delivering that signature bite and zesty spiciness in mexican salsa. It provides a strong flavor without adding heat, creating a foundational savory note.
Jalapeno: Whether you prefer a mild kick or crave some serious heat, jalapeno (or Serrano pepper) is a must-have ingredient in any authentic mexican salsa recipe. For a milder salsa, simply remove the seeds and ribs from the pepper. Personally, I prefer to include the whole pepper for a bolder flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential for adding brightness and a distinctive herbaceousness to this mexican salsa recipe. Avoid substituting cilantro with parsley – it will drastically change the flavor profile and is not recommended!
Lime: Lime juice provides the crucial tangy element that elevates mexican salsa. While lemons could be used in a pinch, limes are the traditional and best choice for authentic flavor.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder enhances the overall savory flavor of the salsa. Since we’re already using red onion, garlic powder provides a balanced garlic note without being overpowering.
Salt: Kosher salt is recommended for this mexican salsa recipe. Iodized salt is more concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Always adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preference.
Estimated Ingredient Cost:
Recipe Cost: $3.23
Per Serving Cost: $0.27
- 4 Roma tomatoes – $1.04
- ¼ cup tomato sauce – $0.54
- 2 jalapenos – $0.40
- 1 cup cilantro – $0.96
- 2 limes, juiced – $0.20
- 1 small red onion, diced – $0.07
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.01
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – $0.01
NOTE: These ingredient prices are estimates based on current grocery store websites and are intended as a guide. The actual cost may vary depending on your location, store, and any ingredients you already have in your pantry.
How to Prepare Fresh Mexican Salsa
Making this mexican salsa recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for salsa perfection:
- Begin by thoroughly washing and patting dry all of your fresh ingredients. This ensures the cleanest and freshest tasting salsa.
- Next, place all of the prepared ingredients into your food processor.
- Finally, pulse the ingredients until you reach your desired consistency. For a chunkier salsa, pulse less; for a smoother salsa, pulse a bit longer. Transfer the freshly made salsa to a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
A picture collage show how to make Mexican Salsa.
Tips for Storing Your Homemade Salsa
Serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate your mexican salsa for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and blend together.
Storing: Store any leftover mexican salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The salsa is often even more flavorful the next day!
Freezing: For longer storage, mexican salsa can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen salsa, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir after thawing, as some separation may occur, which is perfectly normal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salsa
What exactly defines salsa? Salsa, in its essence, is a flavorful Mexican sauce. It’s traditionally served as an appetizer, perfect for dipping tortilla chips, and as a vibrant accompaniment to various Mexican dishes. The flavor profile of salsa can range from mild and refreshing to intensely hot, depending on the types and amounts of spices and peppers used. This mexican salsa recipe leans towards a balanced, medium heat.
Are salsa and pico de gallo the same thing? While both salsa and pico de gallo share many similar fresh ingredients, the key difference lies in their texture. Pico de gallo is known for its chunky texture, achieved by dicing all the ingredients and tossing them together. In contrast, salsa typically has a more pureed, liquid-like base, which is exactly what this mexican salsa recipe delivers when processed in a food processor.
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Easy Mexican Salsa Recipe
Recipe Cost 3.23
Serving Cost 0.27
Course: mexican sides
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
Servings: 12 people
Recipe Cost: $3.23
Serving Cost: $0.27
Author: Jillian
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Fresh Mexican Salsa made in 15 minutes or less! It’s fresh and spicy and has the perfect amount of heat. You will never want to buy jarred salsa again.
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Ingredients
- 4 roma tomatoes (about 1 lb)
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 2 jalapenos (seeds removed is optional)
- 1 cup roughly chopped cilantro
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 small red onion (or half a medium red onion)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into the food processor and pulse until a thick ‘n chunky consistency.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- This recipe makes 3 cups of salsa.
- If you find that the salsa is too thick, try adding a couple of tbsp(s) of cold water to help thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Liquid measuring cup
- Food processor
Nutrition
Serving: 0.25cup
Calories: 13kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 75mg
Potassium: 102mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 315IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Calcium: 10mg
Iron: 1mg
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