Mexican Homemade Salsa

Total Time

Prep: 40 min.

Makes

14 servings (3-1/2 cups)

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
In the summertime, I love to make this easy, zippy homemade salsa recipe with fresh tomatoes from my garden. I even have a special pan for roasting the peppers. —Roger Stenman, Batavia, Illinois

Ingredients

  • 3 jalapeno peppers
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 garlic clove, halved
  • 2 cans (one 28 ounces, one 14-1/2 ounces) whole tomatoes, drained
  • 4 fresh cilantro sprigs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Tortilla chips

Directions

  1. Heat a small ungreased cast-iron skillet over high heat. With a small sharp knife, pierce jalapenos; add to hot skillet. Cook until peppers are blistered and blackened, 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. Immediately place jalapenos in a small bowl; cover and let stand for 20 minutes. Peel off and discard charred skins. Remove stems and seeds.
  3. Place onion and garlic in a food processor; cover and pulse 4 times. Add the tomatoes, cilantro, salt and jalapenos. Cover and process until salsa reaches desired consistency. Chill until serving. Serve with chips.

Homemade Salsa Tips

How long does homemade salsa last for?

Homemade salsa typically lasts for about 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You can enjoy homemade salsa for even longer by making canned salsa or freezer-friendly salsa.

How do you thicken homemade salsa?

If you like your salsa with a thicker, chunkier consistency, you can strain off some of the extra liquid after chilling. (Psst! Find even more salsa tips.)

What should I serve with homemade salsa?

We recommend serving crispy, crunchy tortilla chips with homemade salsa. Try adding a few other dipping options on the side, like homemade guacamole.

Research contributed by Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor, and Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor
Peppers (Hot)
Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1/4 cup: 23 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.