Easy Homemade Salsa (Restaurant Style!)

 

There's nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant taste of homemade salsa. This easy blender recipe rivals your favorite Mexican restaurant's version, and you can customize the heat to your liking. It's perfect for a quick snack, a party, or topping your favorite dishes.

Yields: About 2-3 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, cored and quartered

• 1/2 medium white onion, roughly chopped

• 1-2 jalapeños, stems removed (seeds removed for milder heat)

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (for a smoky note)

• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (for sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and roughly chop the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños. No need for fine dicing—the blender will do the work.

2. Combine in Blender: Place the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño(s), cilantro, and garlic into the blender.

3. Season and Blend: Add the lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse the blender 5-7 times for a chunky salsa, or blend on low for 10-15 seconds for a smoother consistency.

4. Taste and Adjust: Taste your salsa and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, lime juice, or even another jalapeño if you want more heat.

5. Rest and Serve: For the best flavor, transfer the salsa to a bowl, cover, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for the Best Salsa

• Control the Heat: The heat of a jalapeño is in its seeds and membranes. For a mild salsa, remove all seeds. For a spicy kick, leave them in.

• Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your salsa depends on them! ripe, in-season Roma or vine tomatoes work best.

• Don't Over-blend: Pulse the blender to maintain some texture. You can always blend more, but you can't un-blend it!

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Smoky Roasted Salsa: Place the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños on a baking sheet. Broil for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred, then blend as directed.

• Tropical Twist: Add 1/2 cup of diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy salsa.

• Creamy Avocado Salsa: Blend in one ripe avocado for an incredibly creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• The classic dip with tortilla chips.

• A flavorful topping for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or grilled meats.

• Spooned over scrambled eggs or an omelet.

• Used as a fresh relish for fish tacos.