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A bowl of tomato salsa surrounded by tortilla chips placed on a wooden plate.

Fast and Flavorful Homemade Salsa Recipe

Author: Jessica Haggard
Fresh tomatoes, jalapeno, and garlic blended into homemade salsa that tastes nothing like the jarred stuff sitting next to the chips. Chunky or smooth, mild or fiery, entirely down to how you handle it.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 16 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound roma tomatoes
  • 2 pieces jalapenos
  • 1 small white onion
  • 3 cloves garlic in the skin
  • ¼ cup cilantro minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven broiler. Slice the tomatoes, jalapeños, and red onion in half lengthwise and arrange them in a baking dish, skin side up. Add the garlic cloves to the dish as well.
  • Place the dish in the center of the oven and broil for about 20 minutes until the tomato and pepper skins blister. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid burning. Once done, let everything cool a bit and peel the garlic skin.
  • Move the roasted ingredients to a blender or food processor. Toss in the fresh cilantro and a pinch of salt. Pulse it a few times and then blend to your preferred texture, whether smooth or a bit chunky for dipping.
  • Transfer the salsa to a bowl for serving or a container if storing. Give it a stir and serve it up with chips, tacos, or any of your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • Got tomatoes that are soft and on their way out? They’re perfect for roasting or broiling in this recipe. It’s a great way to cut down on food waste and pack in flavor.
  • For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. Use half a pepper or skip it altogether if you’re not a fan of heat.
  • Blend it smooth for a sauce or leave it chunky by pulsing lightly. Choose the texture based on how you’re planning to serve it.
  • Add 1 cup of water to thin the salsa into a sauce. It’s perfect for cooking chicken or rice for an easy, flavorful meal.
  • Taste as you go and adjust with salt, a pinch of sugar, or a splash of lime juice to get the perfect balance of heat, acidity, and sweetness.
  • Add seasonings like black pepper, cumin, dried oregano, or thyme for even more depth and complexity in your salsa.
Serve: This homemade salsa recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dip, a sauce, or a flavorful topping. Serve it with your favorite chips or veggies for a quick snack, or pair it with grilled meats to create a hearty, satisfying meal.
Store: Store your salsa in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you're ready to use it, let refrigerated salsa warm up to room temperature, or thaw frozen salsa overnight in the fridge. If there’s any extra liquid after thawing, just drain it before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 16kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 149mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 509IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
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