Hey y'all! If you're searching for a quick, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing dip, look no further than this HOMEMADE SALSA recipe. Packed with garden-fresh tomatoes, zesty onions, and just the right amount of spice, this salsa is perfect for game nights, BBQs, or any time you crave a flavorful snack. It's so easy and customizable, you'll never go back to store-bought again. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This HOMEMADE SALSA
- Incredibly fresh and bright flavors with every bite.
- Quick to make—ready in just 10 minutes, no cooking required!
- Completely customizable to your preferred spice level.
- Perfect for dipping, topping tacos, or adding to salads.
- Made with wholesome, real-food ingredients you can trust.
HOMEMADE SALSA Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step HOMEMADE SALSA Directions
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Wash and dice the tomatoes, chop the onion, seed and finely chop the jalapeños, and mince the garlic. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro.
Step 2: Combine Everything
In a medium mixing bowl, add the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro. Pour in the lime juice, then sprinkle in salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Mix and Chill
Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. For the best flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your salsa and add more salt, lime, or jalapeño to suit your preferences.
HOMEMADE SALSA Cooking Notes
- For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- Use Roma or plum tomatoes for a thicker, less watery salsa.
- Check out this salsa tutorial for more inspiration!
HOMEMADE SALSA Variations
- Roasted Salsa: Roast the tomatoes, jalapeños, and onion under the broiler for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Fruit Salsa: Swap half the tomatoes for diced mango, pineapple, or peach for a sweet twist.
- Chunky Salsa: Dice all ingredients larger and skip the food processor for a rustic texture.
Equipment for HOMEMADE SALSA
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon for mixing
- Optional: Food processor for smoother salsa
Storing HOMEMADE SALSA
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as some liquid may separate. For longer storage tips and food safety, visit Foodsafety.gov.
Serving Suggestions for HOMEMADE SALSA
- Serve with crispy tortilla chips for a classic appetizer.
- Spoon over grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp tacos.
- Top your favorite nachos, scrambled eggs, or burrito bowls.
Pro Tips for Perfect HOMEMADE SALSA
- Let the salsa chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the absolute best taste and juiciness.
- For extra smooth salsa, pulse the ingredients a few times in a food processor. Here's a guide to food processors.
HOMEMADE SALSA FAQ
- Can I freeze homemade salsa?
- While you can freeze salsa, the texture may change and become watery when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh.
- How do I make my salsa less spicy?
- Remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use a milder pepper like Anaheim or bell pepper.
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
- Yes! Drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid watery salsa, and adjust salt and lime to taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling, optional)
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic.
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2Add the lime juice, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
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3Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
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4Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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5Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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6Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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