Name: Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh tomatoes (or 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes); 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; ½ onion, roughly chopped; 1 jalapeno, deseeded and membranes removed; ½ cup cilantro leaves; Juice from ½ lime; ½ tablespoon honey; ¼ teaspoon salt

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Introduction

This easy homemade salsa recipe is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect as a dip or topping, it combines tomatoes, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro for a zesty burst of taste. Whether you use canned or fresh tomatoes, this salsa is sure to brighten up any meal.

A close-up top view of a small glass bowl filled with chunky red salsa that contains visible pieces of green herbs and white onion, giving it a fresh, textured look. A triangular, light beige tortilla chip with a rough texture and some brown spots is dipped into the salsa, resting on the rim of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with round, flat, pale beige tortilla chips scattered around. Blurred in the background is a lemon wedge with bright yellow skin and green herbs. All is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (14.5 oz can) diced tomatoes (or 1 pound fresh tomatoes)
1 (10 oz can) diced tomatoes with green chiles
3 cloves garlic (crushed)
½ onion (roughly chopped)
1 jalapeno (deseeded and membranes removed)
½ tbsp honey
½ cup cilantro
¼ tsp salt
Juice from ½ lime

Instructions

Step 1: Add the onion, jalapeno, and crushed garlic to a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
Step 2: Add both cans of tomatoes to the processor and pulse until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
Step 3: Add the honey, salt, cilantro leaves, and juice from half a lime. Start with a small amount of lime juice to avoid overpowering the salsa.
Step 4: Pulse the mixture in the food processor until you reach your preferred consistency—chunky or smooth.
Step 5: Taste the salsa and adjust the salt, honey, or lime juice as needed for a balanced flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier salsa, leave the jalapeno seeds in or add more jalapeno.
If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Fresh tomatoes work best in season, but canned tomatoes are a great convenient alternative any time of year.
Use fresh lime juice for the best brightness, and add gradually to control acidity.

Storage

Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld over time, becoming even better. Reheat gently if desired or enjoy chilled as a fresh dip.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a glass filled with chunky red salsa showing layers of diced tomatoes with green herbs and bits of onion throughout, topped with a salty white tortilla chip dipped into the salsa. The glass sits on a wooden board with more white tortilla chips scattered around and a lime wedge in the background, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salsa without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop all the ingredients by hand, but it will take more time and effort. Using a blender or food processor ensures a quicker, more consistent texture.

How can I make this salsa less spicy?

Remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeno before blending, and consider using a milder pepper or reducing the amount of jalapeno used.