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Home » Recipes » Dips Dressings & Sauces » Homemade Salsa for Any Season

By The Kitchen Girl

Homemade Salsa for Any Season

22.5Kshares
Jump To Recipe Video

This homemade salsa recipe has ALL of the restaurant salsa goodness in only 5 minutes! You can use canned tomatoes during any season (or fresh tomatoes when in season), fresh cilantro, Serrano, and lime. This style of homemade salsa needs NO cooking and can be eaten immediately.

white bowl of salsa on platter with tortilla chips on blue background
Blogpost Contents hide
1) Homemade Salsa Recipe
2) How to make salsa when it's not tomato season
3) What I love about this homemade salsa recipe
4) Homemade Salsa Recipe FAQ and Tips
4.1) How long does homemade salsa last?
4.2) How to make salsa spicier
4.3) How to make salsa less spicy
4.4) Can you freeze homemade salsa?
5) Homemade Salsa Ingredients
6) Easy Mexican recipes
7) Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe (Blender Salsa)
7.1) Ingredients
7.2) RECIPE VIDEO
7.3) Recipe Instructions
7.4) TOOLS NEEDED
7.5) Nutrition

Homemade Salsa Recipe

My favorite thing about any Mexican restaurant is the salsa and ALL the fresh-made tortilla chips to scoop it up! That is exactly why I created this super easy recipe.

I wanted a restaurant-style salsa that involved NO cooking and used only a blender. Before I started making homemade salsa, I thought it would be complicated and time-consuming.

Au contraire! It's SO easy, simply delicious, and crazy affordable!

I do love a fresh pico de gallo with garden tomatoes, but when it's not tomato season, canned tomatoes are a brilliant solution for a salsa recipe!

Just be sure to grab the no-salt-added tomatoes, then YOU control the salt in the recipe.

How to make salsa when it's not tomato season

Visit recipe card below 👇🏼 for printable amounts and instructions

Step 1: Open a can of diced tomatoes and pour into a food processor or blender (with juice).

* Note: If you want to make this salsa recipe with fresh tomatoes, simply substitute 2-3 fresh Roma tomatoes, cored and diced, for the canned tomatoes in this recipe.

Step 2: Loosely chop the red onion, garlic, cilantro, and Serrano pepper and add to blender. The chopping isn't required, but it helps the blender create a uniform salsa in a shorter time span.

This means you’ll get less friction from the blades and you won’t “cook” your salsa.

Step 3: Pulse the food processor or blender until ingredients are well-combined. Season with Kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Refrigerate 3-5 days in an airtight container; serve chilled.

homemade salsa ingredients in bowl of a food processor

What I love about this homemade salsa recipe

It doesn't have to be tomato season to enjoy homemade salsa. You can use canned tomatoes to enjoy this salsa all year!

Homemade salsa is healthier and cheaper than restaurant salsa.

This salsa recipe takes 5 minutes to make. A couple of easy steps gets everything into a blender, pulse, and you're done!

Homemade salsa be eaten immediately. I dare you to NOT eat it straight from the blender. Good luck with that!

This quick and easy salsa fulfills the deepest salsa cravings on the spot!

YOU control the salt and sugar when you make homemade. Packaged salsa is usually too salty and too sweet for my taste.

This salsa recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo! For the win!

Homemade Salsa Recipe FAQ and Tips

How long does homemade salsa last?

Anywhere from 3-5 days. It really depends on how airtight your storage container is and how often it's opened and closed. That means less air exposure is better to keep the salsa fresh.

How to make salsa spicier

You can make it spicier by adding more fresh Serrano pepper to the recipe at the beginning.

Keep in mind that no two peppers have identical heat, so you'll have to experiment...carefully.

If you have already blended your salsa and want it spicier, you can add more Serrano pepper in small amounts.

Just chop into smaller pieces before adding it to the food processor to make sure it blends more uniformly.

homemade salsa in bowl of a food processor

How to make salsa less spicy

You can make it less spicy by using jalapeno pepper in place of Serrano for the entire recipe. Fresh jalapenos are typically not as hot, yet delivers a nice pepper flavor.

If you want Serrano, but not so much heat, reduce the amount of Serrano at the start of the recipe and experiment from there.

But again, no two peppers have identical heat, so you'll have to find what works for your taste buds.

Can you freeze homemade salsa?

I would have no problem freezing salsa made with canned tomatoes.

If it's made with fresh tomatoes, I'd say no, unless you plan to cook them before using them in salsa.

3 up image of homemade salsa before, during, and after being blended a food processor

Homemade Salsa Ingredients

  • no salt added diced tomatoes (canned)
  • fresh cilantro
  • red onion
  • fresh lime
  • Serrano pepper
  • fresh garlic
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • ground cumin

Tools I use for this recipe:

  • chef knife and cutting board
  • rubber gloves (for seeding peppers)
  • garlic press
  • 7 cup food processor (fitted with the chopping/mixing dough blade)
  • airtight container

Easy Mexican recipes

  • Instant Pot Taco Pasta
  • Chicken Tacos
  • Totchos Tater Tot Nachos
  • Fresh Peach Salsa Recipe
  • Black Bean and Corn Salsa
  • Cilantro Lime Rice
(top image) homemade salsa ingredients in bowl of a food processor (bottom image) white bowl of salsa on platter with tortilla chips with title text in center

Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe (Blender Salsa)

A homemade salsa with ALL the restaurant salsa goodness right at home...in 5 minutes! Use canned tomatoes (or fresh) with fresh cilantro, Serrano, and lime. This no-cook blender salsa recipe can be enjoyed immediately.
5 from 19 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Author: Traci - TheKitchenGirl.com

Ingredients

  • 1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes (keep juice) or 2 Roma Tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 small Red Onion about 1/3 cup coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro
  • 1 Lime zested and juiced
  • 1 Jalapeno or Serrano Pepper seeded and coarsely chopped
  • 2 Garlic Cloves peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper

RECIPE VIDEO

Recipe Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender. *You can also use a stick blender for this salsa recipe.
  • Blend on high speed until well-combined.
  • Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

TOOLS NEEDED

  • Food Processor

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

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Comments

  1. AvatarBecci says

    September 03, 2020 at 5:10 pm

    5 stars
    Just made this and it tastes delicious! I used fresh tomatoes instead of canned and the taste was great!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      September 04, 2020 at 6:03 am

      Awesome, Becci! Yep, fresh tomato salsa is always a winner 🙂 Thanks for the review and I'm glad you enjoyed 🤩

  2. AvatarNoel Lizotte says

    August 19, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    5 stars
    Salsa and chips at the restaurant ... isn't that why we go out for Mexican? I mean, the entree is good, but there's nothing like the salsa!

    Now I can make it at home!!
    All my recipes are super chunky, this looks like it's right off the table at El Campesino!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 19, 2019 at 7:05 pm

      Ahhhh, thanks Noel! I'll take that as the best compliment 🙂

  3. AvatarKrissy Allori says

    August 16, 2019 at 4:39 pm

    5 stars
    Homemade salsa is so much better than store bought! This looks great!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 16, 2019 at 9:10 pm

      Thanks, Krissy! I concur wholeheartedly 🙂

  4. AvatarDanielle says

    August 16, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    5 stars
    I wish I had this salsa in front of me right at this second. I have a few delicious appetizers but I still need to whip a quick sauce for them. I wish it was this salsa....

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 16, 2019 at 4:12 pm

      Haha thanks, Danielle! In only 5 minutes...you can! And now you have me craving it LOL. Enjoy!

  5. AvatarIrina says

    August 16, 2019 at 3:32 pm

    5 stars
    Made it! What a wonderful one bowl recipe! Just mix and serve. DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 16, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      Awesome, Irina! So glad to hear! This really is my favorite homemade salsa 🙂

  6. AvatarLauren Vavala says

    August 16, 2019 at 3:31 pm

    5 stars
    I haven't made homemade salsa in so long! This is a great recipe! In addition to being able to control how salty or sweet it is, I also like that I can puree it a bit to make it less chunky - so good!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 16, 2019 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks, Lauren! Yes, such a good point about controlling the texture 🙂

  7. AvatarJane says

    June 27, 2019 at 11:09 am

    5 stars
    Such a great video and recipe! Fun and FAST!!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      June 27, 2019 at 12:02 pm

      Yay thanks, Jane!! Love hearing that! You're right, this homemade salsa really IS fun and fast 🙂

  8. AvatarSharon says

    September 21, 2018 at 10:48 am

    Love homemade salsa! Right now I have tons of garden tomatoes to use and would like to make a huge batch and freeze it. Do you know if this freezes ok?

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      September 21, 2018 at 3:10 pm

      Awesome Sharon! I've never frozen this salsa before. Let me know if you give it a try. Thanks!

  9. AvatarDG says

    June 05, 2018 at 9:47 am

    Thanks, Traci--I love all your recipes! Do you have one for homemade tortilla chips? Buying them in putting me in the poorhouse. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      June 07, 2018 at 5:47 am

      Hey thanks DG...love hearing it! I haven't published a recipe for tortilla chips yet. I do like to bake mine instead of frying though. How do you prefer yours?

  10. AvatarWalt Socha says

    April 07, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    For fresh tomatoes, just add equivalent volume?

    thanks!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      April 07, 2018 at 10:29 pm

      Hi Walt, to be honest, I haven't tried blending this salsa using fresh tomatoes...only canned. If I were to use fresh tomatoes for it, I would use the same amount of tomatoes, but I would probably skip the blending part and just chop everything into a yummy pico de gallo. Hope that answers your question 🙂

  11. AvatarTina says

    March 30, 2018 at 6:08 am

    5 stars
    Love this quick salsa recipe! The addition of the Serrano pepper is a great idea, and will add a nice dimension to this!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 30, 2018 at 7:58 am

      Thanks Tina! Gotta have that heat and Serrano pepper brings just the right amount! 🙂

  12. AvatarKaren @ Seasonal Cravings says

    March 30, 2018 at 4:58 am

    5 stars
    Why have I not been making homemade salsa? You make it look so easy and my kids eat it all the time. I'm sure this is way better than store bought!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 30, 2018 at 5:56 am

      Omgosh Karen, yes! You must get on board...it is SO easy and wayyy more affordable and comparable in flavor to the store bought. Thanks for the kind words 🙂

  13. AvatarChristina Shoemaker says

    March 30, 2018 at 4:53 am

    5 stars
    You can't beat salsa for a fast appetizer, snack, or topping! Love that you used canned tomatoes to make it even easier!!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 30, 2018 at 5:55 am

      Thanks Christina! Yes, the canned tomatoes make it sooo easy...and delicious any season! 🙂

  14. AvatarAnnie @ Annie's Noms says

    March 30, 2018 at 1:59 am

    Homemade salsa is the best!! This looks amazing and love that it's so quick to make as well! There's nothing better than chips and salsa!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 30, 2018 at 5:54 am

      Thanks Annie! Chips and salsa are my weakness LOL 🙂

  15. AvatarDiana says

    March 30, 2018 at 1:07 am

    Love a simple but really good salsa recipe! Perfect for our nachos!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 30, 2018 at 5:53 am

      Yay! Thanks Diana 🙂

  16. AvatarVeena Azmanov says

    March 30, 2018 at 1:05 am

    5 stars
    Wow this recipe looks very tasty! I like that it can be cooked quickly and easily. I'm delighted with the ingredients. I definitely want to try this! Thanks for sharing this great recipe!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 30, 2018 at 5:46 am

      Thanks Veena, I'm soooo happy to share this one! It's probably the easiest recipe in my collection! I do hope you'll try it and I hope you love it like I do!

  17. AvatarLisa Huff says

    January 28, 2018 at 10:27 am

    5 stars
    So funny, I just made a blender salsa yesterday but this looks WAY better! Trying it next time!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 28, 2018 at 11:05 pm

      Aww, well I'll take the compliment, and I hope it turns out to your liking. I've made this soooo many times...and it's always a winner 🙂

  18. AvatarBintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

    January 28, 2018 at 9:57 am

    5 stars
    Such a delicious looking salsa - I love that it takes such little time to make!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 28, 2018 at 11:04 pm

      Thanks so much Bintu! I'm addicted to quick, delicious recipes 🙂

  19. AvatarSandi says

    January 28, 2018 at 9:47 am

    I am ready to grab some chips and make this recipe. It looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 28, 2018 at 11:03 pm

      Yay thanks Sandi! I feel the same way about this salsa every time I see it 🙂

  20. AvatarDannii says

    January 28, 2018 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    This is how we make our salsa too. It’s so good and it goes on almost everything.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 28, 2018 at 11:02 pm

      Love hearing that Dannii! I can't believe how easy and versatile it is...been a favorite for years! 🙂

  21. AvatarJill says

    January 28, 2018 at 8:27 am

    5 stars
    I'm not sure why I've never made a blender salsa - I'm sure it's infinitely better than store-bought. Gotta try this!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 28, 2018 at 11:08 pm

      Yay thanks Jill...you may come to love blender salsa (and probably never go back). I've made this one many times...and it never disappoints 🙂

  22. AvatarJacque Hastert says

    January 17, 2018 at 9:43 am

    5 stars
    This salsa is so easy to make. I have been missing out on so much thinking it was to difficult to make at home.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 17, 2018 at 12:09 pm

      Thank you Jacque! For the longest time, I thought the same thing! But nope, it's a snap! 🙂

  23. AvatarGinny McMeans says

    January 17, 2018 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    Now that's easy. All the right ingredients and then in a blender Love it!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 17, 2018 at 12:08 pm

      Thanks Ginny! Yep, just the touch of a button...the best kind of party food! 🙂

  24. AvatarAllison - Celebrating Sweets says

    January 17, 2018 at 9:24 am

    5 stars
    Chips and salsa is one of my weaknesses! This looks absolutely amazing! Trying it soon. 🙂

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 17, 2018 at 12:07 pm

      Hahah looovee hearing that Allison! Weakness for sure! Hope you love it like I do 🙂

  25. AvatarBritt | Sweet Tea & Thyme says

    January 17, 2018 at 9:15 am

    Love how quick and easy this recipe is! I'm such a sucker for restaurant salsa, I eat whole baskets of chips and salsa by myself!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 17, 2018 at 12:06 pm

      Thanks so much Britt! Yeah, it might just be the easiest recipe I have! And I am with you, it's my whole lunch sometimes 🙂

  26. AvatarElaine @ Dishes Delish says

    January 17, 2018 at 9:01 am

    5 stars
    This salsa is perfect!! I love that it's so easy and quick!! Salsa is one of my favorite dips! I can't wait to make your recipe!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 17, 2018 at 12:01 pm

      Yay thanks, Elaine! That would make my day 🙂 Hope you love it like I do!

  27. Avatarsue | theviewfromgreatisland says

    January 17, 2018 at 8:04 am

    I could literally live on salsa alone, and restaurant style is the best! Love the video <3

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 17, 2018 at 12:01 pm

      Meeee too, Sue! Sometimes I do...gimme that, some chips, and a tasty beer and we're all good! Thank you 🙂

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