This Homemade Salsa is a vibrant, flavor-packed delight that’s ready in just 5 minutes. Fresh tomatoes, zesty lime, and a hint of cilantro come together in a symphony of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. Its chunky texture is perfect for scooping with crispy tortilla chips or spooning over grilled chicken. Bursting with vitamins and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free way to elevate any snack or meal.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a quick treat, this salsa is your go-to. The bright, refreshing flavors and effortless prep make it a kitchen staple you’ll return to again and again. Dive into a bowl of this quick & easy salsa and let its bold, fresh taste awaken your senses!
Fresh & Flavorful Ingredients
- 2 (14.5 oz / 822 g) cans diced tomatoes (drain one can; see Notes for fresh tomato alternative)
- 1 (4 oz / 113 g) can diced green chilis (drained)
- 1-2 jalapenos (stem removed, seeds/membranes removed for less heat)
- ½ medium-sized white onion
- ⅓ cup coarsely chopped cilantro (use leaves and stems)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice (fresh-squeezed preferred)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Add all ingredients (except tortilla chips) to a food processor.
- Pulse to combine: Process in short spurts until ingredients are well-mixed and reach your desired consistency.
- Transfer and chill: Pour the salsa into a resealable container. For best flavor, refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight, but it can be enjoyed immediately.
- Serve: Pair with tortilla chips and enjoy your quick & easy homemade salsa!
Spice It Up: Customizing Your Salsa
Want to tweak the heat or flavor? Adjust the number of jalapeños for a milder or spicier kick. For a smoky twist, swap fresh jalapeños with roasted poblano peppers. You can also add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili powder for extra zing!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This salsa isn’t just for chips! Try it as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos. It’s also fantastic mixed into scrambled eggs or spooned over a baked potato. For a party-perfect appetizer, serve alongside guacamole and queso dip.
Make-Ahead Magic: Storage Tips
Store your salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, so it’s even better the next day! If you’re prepping for a crowd, double the batch—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Fresh Twist: Using Garden Tomatoes
If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, use 4-5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes instead of canned. Simply dice them and drain any excess liquid before blending. This swap gives your salsa a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor.
Equipment Hack: No Food Processor? No Problem!
Don’t have a food processor? Use a blender for a smoother texture or a hand chopper for a chunkier salsa. If all else fails, grab a knife and cutting board—just finely chop everything and mix in a bowl for a rustic homemade feel.
Homemade Salsa (Quick & Easy!)
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes drain one can, see Notes for fresh tomato alternative
- 1 4 oz can diced green chilis drained
- 1-2 jalapenos stem cut off and seeds/membranes removed
- ½ medium-sized white onion
- ⅓ cup coarsely chopped cilantro use leaves and stems
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice fresh-squeezed preferred
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except tortilla chips!) in your food processor.
- Pulse in short spurts until ingredients are well-combined and desired consistency is reached.
- Transfer to a resealable container. For best results, refrigerate one hour or overnight before serving, but this salsa can be enjoyed right away.
- Serve with tortilla chips.