Quick and Easy Salsa

Quick and Easy Salsa

1 approximately 3 cups
Skip the store-bought jar and make this salsa from scratch instead. This takes less than 15 minutes to make, is adaptable to your desired spice level, and lasts a week in the fridge. For recipe variations, see our article above. Fresh and canned tomatoes work in this recipe. When using canned tomatoes, we love using fire-roasted tomatoes, which add a bit of smokiness to the salsa.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans fire roasted tomatoes or use 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes

    15-ounce

  • 1/3 cup chopped white or sweet onion

    half medium onion

  • 2 medium cloves garlic

    2 teaspoons minced

  • 1 to 2 medium jalapeño or serrano peppers

    with stems, membrane and seeds removed

  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 to 2 medium limes
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
    plus more to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Place tomatoes into a colander set over a large bowl and allow to drain. Save drained juice to add back to salsa if it is too thick or save to add to soups or other dishes.

  2. 2

    Add chopped onion to a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Set aside for 10 minutes, drain, and then rinse.

  3. 3

    Add garlic to a blender or bowl of a food processor and pulse until chopped small. Scrape the sides, and then add the drained tomatoes, drained and rinsed onions, peppers, cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and the juice of half a lime. Pulse until your desired texture. Taste, and then season with additional salt or lime juice. (We typically add 3/4 teaspoon of salt).

  4. 4

    This salsa improves with time so if you have the option, set it aside in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more before serving. Store in the refrigerator up to a week.

Quick and Easy Salsa

Quick and Easy Salsa

15 min1 approximately 3 cups

Similar Recipes

Easiest 2-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Easiest 2-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken

This 2-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken comes together SO easily - you can use it to make tacos, burritos bowls, salads and more.

6.1 hours
Quick and Easy Nacho Cheese Recipe

Quick and Easy Nacho Cheese Recipe

This nacho cheese sauce is sharp and creamy, and everything you ever dreamed of smothering over nachos, veggies, or a giant pretzel.

10 minutes8 servings203 kcal
Quick Easy Fish Stew

Quick Easy Fish Stew

Our simple fish stew recipe pairs fresh fish with aromatics, white wine and tomato for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious fish stew.

34 minutes4 servings
Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad is flexible based on the ingredients you have in your kitchen or the season. Start with a hearty pasta shape that has nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing like rotini or penne. Then toss with our simple dressing and lots of colorful vegetables. We also love adding parmesan cheese, which melts into the dressing as well as a handful of fresh mozzarella balls. For more suggestions for what to add, read through our recommendations in the article above.

20 minutes0 about 10
Easy Salsa Meatloaf

Easy Salsa Meatloaf

A crowd pleasing meatloaf, may be made with ground beef or ground turkey. Both are yummy.

60 minutes6 servings
Quick 10 Minute Pickled jalapeno

Quick 10 Minute Pickled jalapeno

5 minutes1 servings
BEST Quick and Easy Chicken Marinade

BEST Quick and Easy Chicken Marinade

Most definitely the Best Quick and Easy Chicken Marinade ever! Great for any kind of chicken, and made from just a few pantry staples! A little tart, a little sweet, a little savory, and of course a lot amazing!

35 minutes4 servings
The Very Best Salsa Recipe for Canning

The Very Best Salsa Recipe for Canning

This salsa canning recipe is a great way for to preserve not only tomatoes, but peppers and onions from the garden, too. Use this printable step-by-step guide to get started.

85 minutes9 servings

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving vibrant, restaurant-quality salsa without the store-bought price or blandness? This Quick and Easy Salsa is your answer, ready in less than 15 minutes with fresh, simple ingredients you likely already have.

Why This Salsa Works So Well

The magic of this recipe lies in its speed and adaptability. It transforms humble ingredients into a flavor powerhouse, easily adjusted to your desired spice level. Whether you opt for fresh garden tomatoes or the smoky depth of fire-roasted canned tomatoes, this salsa delivers authentic taste that truly outshines anything from a jar.

What to Expect

Prepare for a burst of fresh, zesty flavor that brightens any meal. You'll experience the sharp bite of onion and garlic, balanced by bright lime and fragrant cilantro. The heat is entirely up to you, from a mild tingle to a fiery kick, making it perfect for everyone at your table. This recipe consistently yields approximately 3 cups, making it ideal for a gathering or to enjoy throughout the week.

Customization & Variations

One of the best features of this homemade salsa is how easily you can make it your own. Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of jalapeño or serrano peppers, or by removing more of their stems, membranes, and seeds for a milder result. For the tomatoes, feel free to use 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes or lean into the convenience and flavor of 2 (15-ounce) cans of fire-roasted tomatoes for an added layer of smokiness. You can also choose between white or sweet onion depending on your preference for a sharper or milder base flavor. Don't forget to adjust the fine sea salt to taste, as ripe tomatoes can vary in sweetness and acidity.

Serving & Context

This fresh salsa is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for dipping tortilla chips, topping tacos, enhancing burritos, or serving alongside any Mexican-inspired dish. It's a fantastic addition to casual weeknight dinners or a festive party spread.

Frequently Asked Questions