Name: Homemade Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh tomatoes (diced); 15 ounce can diced tomatoes (with their juices – or use more fresh tomatoes, if desired); 1 small onion (chopped (use white or red)); 1 jalapeno pepper (chopped (use 2 for spicier, or serrano pepper)); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro; Juice from 1 lime (2-3 tablespoons); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon sugar (optional – or to taste)

This classic salsa is made restaurant style, just like your favorite brand, with juicy tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, lime and more, and a special ingredient that makes it extra awesome! Also try my pico de gallo recipe!

Homemade Salsa in a serving bowl with tortilla chips

Homemade Salsa Recipe (Restaurant Style Salsa)

It's Chips and Salsa time, my friends? Would you care for some? It's so hard to pass up a delicious salsa. Every time they bring it over at my favorite Mexican restaurant, I can't stop eating it!

If you want to enjoy your salsa at home that tastes just like your favorite restaurant, this is the best way to make it.

This is very much a salsa fresca, made with lots of fresh ingredients, but also a special ingredient that gives it that restaurant quality, similar to your favorite store bought jarred brand, but without so many preservatives.

What's the special ingredient? Canned Tomatoes! Canned tomatoes add both texture and juiciness that you crave. You won't believe what a difference it makes.

Homemade salsa is a MUST for awesome recipes like Chilaquiles, Carne Asada, Birria Tacos, Carnitas, or Huevos Rancheros!

Let's talk about how to make salsa, shall we?

Homemade Salsa Ingredients

The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Fresh Tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are great, though I love using any and all of my fresh tomatoes from our garden.
Canned Tomatoes. I love diced tomatoes with their juices, though you use others. Or, use more fresh tomatoes if you prefer for fresh tomato salsa.
Onion. White or red onion works, though I prefer white. Yellow onion is good, too.
Jalapeno Pepper. Used serrano pepper for spicier! Remove the seeds and innards for milder heat.
Fresh Garlic.
Fresh Cilantro.
Fresh Lime Juice.
Seasonings. Cumin, salt, optional sugar.

How to Make Salsa - Step by Step

Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender.
Pulse several times to combine until you reach a consistency you prefer. I like it best when it is still a bit chunky.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour to let the flavors mingle, and serve.

Boom! Done! So easy to make, isn't it? Is this the best salsa recipe out there? It just might be! Just like your favorite restaurant. I'd be very happy if you made this for me.

Recipe Tips & Notes

The amount of liquid in the tomatoes can affect your final consistency. You can strain it if needed to thicken it up, or add the juices from the canned tomatoes later to achieve a consistency you prefer.
Feel free to change up the type of canned tomatoes. You’ll find different results with canned whole tomatoes or delicious fire roasted tomatoes.

Serving Salsa

Serve with tortilla chips, though it's such a versatile dish, you'll want it for adding flavor and texture to your tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, omelets, and more.

It's great served chilled or at room temperature. It's an absolute MUST alongside Classic Guacamole!

It really is better when served the next day. Letting the dish mingle in the refrigerator in a sealed containers allows the overall flavors to develop that much more.

Storage & Leftovers

Homemade salsa will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. You can easily make it 1-2 days ahead and bring it to your party or gathering.

It tends to break down and get soggier after 5 days or so. You can freeze it, though this also affects the texture of the dish.

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this fresh salsa recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!

Cookbook Recommendation

If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.

The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)

The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook - Fiery, No-Fuss Meals, by Michael Hultquist

Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

Homemade Salsa Recipe

This classic salsa is made restaurant style with juicy tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, lime and a special ingredient that makes it extra awesome, easy to make!

Save Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Salsa

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: jalapenos, tomatoes

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Calories: 38kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings:

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5 from 5 votes

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Ingredients

1 pound fresh tomatoes diced
15 ounce can diced tomatoes with their juices – or use more fresh tomatoes, if desired
1 small onion chopped (use white or red)
1 jalapeno pepper chopped (use 2 for spicier, or serrano pepper)
3 cloves garlic minced
1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro
Juice from 1 lime 2-3 tablespoons
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon sugar optional – or to taste

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender. Pulse several times to combine until you reach a consistency you prefer. I like it best when it is still a bit chunky.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour to let the flavors mingle, and serve.

Video

Notes

Nutritional information does not include tortilla chips.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 38kcal Carbohydrates: 9g Protein: 2g Fat: 0.3g Saturated Fat: 0.1g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g Sodium: 495mg Potassium: 360mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 5g Vitamin A: 797IU Vitamin C: 22mg Calcium: 39mg Iron: 1mg

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.