Salsa Recipe

This Homemade Salsa Recipe is healthy, fresh, and ready in just a few minutes. Just like you’d find at your favorite Mexican restaurant (but so much better!), learn how easy it is to make fresh and delicious salsa right at home and enjoy it with tortilla chips, tacos, and all your other favorite Mexican recipes.

The Best Salsa Recipe

Did you know that salsa is actually the Spanish word for “sauce”? There are hundreds of different varieties of salsa, from mild to spicy, fresh to cooked, chunky to smooth, each made with a number of different ingredients. The salsa we’re making today is a version of salsa known as salsa cruda, or “raw sauce”, as it is made with uncooked ingredients – tomatoes, onions, jalapeño chilies, and cilantro.

You’ll often find this type of salsa at salsa bars at your favorite taqueria, in the deli aisle at your local grocery store, and always with fresh chips at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

It’s easy to make your own homemade salsa. All you need is 10 minutes, a handful of fresh and canned ingredients, and a food processor (or blender) to get your own restaurant-quality salsa perfect for snacking. It also tastes amazing the next day, so don’t worry if you have any leftovers.

What’s the Difference Between Salsa and Pico de Gallo?

Pico de gallo is a type of salsa.

In fact, the two are nearly identical, but what makes pico de gallo so unique is its texture and overall freshness. In general, salsa typically contains more liquid and may be cooked or uncooked. Whereas pico de gallo is made with raw, uncooked chunky ingredients that are easily distinguished. 

Here is a recipe for how to make pico de gallo.

^{For the full list and amounts of ingredients, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.}

Salsa Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes – Chopped into large chunks, no peeling necessary. For a less watery salsa, be sure to remove the seeds (de-seed) from the tomatoes.
• Canned diced tomatoes – The addition of canned tomatoes helps deepen the flavor. Using only fresh ingredients, while delicious, tastes flat. Canned tomatoes add some dimension.
• Onions – I use both green and red onions in this recipe. 
• Jalapeños – If you’re sensitive to spicy food, you may want to omit the jalapenos and substitute them with 1 (4.5 ounce) can of mild diced green chiles.
• Fresh cilantro – unless your taste buds identify this leafy herb as soap, then you get a pass.
• Fresh garlic
• Lime juice – You could substitute the lime juice with vinegar (such as plain white vinegar or red wine vinegar), but fresh lemon juice will taste the best.
• Salt
• Cumin
• Sugar – Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. I always taste my salsa before adding any, as it isn’t always needed.

How to Make Salsa

1. Process (no cooking required) – Add all ingredients to a large food processor and pulse in quick 1-second bursts until all of the ingredients are finely chopped. For a chunkier salsa, process fewer times, while for a smoother salsa, continue pulsing until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt to taste.
2. Let it marinate – If you have the time, prepare your salsa at least one hour before you plan on serving. This allows the flavors to mix, mingle, and deepen.

Homemade Salsa Recipe Uses

We all love salty tortilla chips with fresh salsa, but what are some other ways to enjoy it?

• Try it with cheesy scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns.
• Add it to your favorite tacos like birria tacos, carne asada tacos, or ground turkey tacos.
• Add it to this hot black bean dip or cheesy Rotel dip.
• Serve with your favorite meats, including pollo asado, flank steak, and skirt steak.
• Use in this Sante Fe chicken recipe – so good!
• And then the more obvious – fajitas, burritos, and quesadillas.

How Long Will Leftover Salsa Last?

Store leftover homemade salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. I do not recommend freezing.

More Delicious Dip and Sauce Recipes:

• Chimichurri Recipe (How to Make Chimichurri Sauce)
• Enchilada Sauce Recipe (How to Make Enchilada Sauce)
• Homemade Mole Sauce
• Garlic Butter Sauce
• Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (How to Make Tzatziki)
• Easy Mango Salsa Recipe (5-Ingredients)

If you try making this Homemade Salsa Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.