Best Homemade Salsa Ever

This Best Homemade Salsa Ever is a quick and easy recipe that brings vibrant, bold flavors to the table. It’s perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and grilled dishes. With a mix of canned tomatoes, fresh jalapeños, and tangy lime, this salsa will become your go-to for any occasion!

Ingredients

• Whole canned tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of tomatoes with their juice provides the base for the salsa, creating a smooth and flavorful texture.
• Rotel: Two 10-ounce cans of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) add a slight kick and depth to the salsa.
• Chopped onion: 1/4 cup of onions brings a sharp, savory flavor to balance the tomatoes.
• Minced garlic: 1 clove adds a subtle garlic note, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Jalapeño: 1 whole jalapeño sliced thin, adding heat and spice to the salsa. Adjust the amount for a milder or spicier taste.
• Sugar: 1/4 teaspoon balances the acidity of the tomatoes and lime, rounding out the flavor.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon enhances all the ingredients, bringing out the best in every bite.
• Ground cumin: 1/4 teaspoon provides a hint of earthy warmth.
• Cilantro: 1/2 cup adds freshness and color. Feel free to adjust the amount to taste.
• Lime juice: The juice from 1/2 a lime adds brightness and acidity, making the salsa vibrant and refreshing.

Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, add the whole tomatoes (with their juice), both cans of Rotel, chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeño. Include the sugar, salt, and ground cumin to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Salsa

Pulse the mixture a few times until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier salsa, pulse less. For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients for a bit longer.

Step 3: Add Cilantro and Lime

Next, add the chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice to the salsa mixture. Pulse just a few times to incorporate these ingredients without over-blending, as you want to retain some texture and freshness.

Step 4: Adjust to Taste

Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more heat, add extra jalapeño. For a tangier flavor, squeeze in more lime juice. You can also add more cilantro if desired.

Step 5: Chill the Salsa

Transfer the salsa to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the salsa allows the flavors to meld, making it taste even better.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, serve the salsa with your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled dishes. This salsa pairs perfectly with any Mexican-inspired meal or as a party dip.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve this salsa chilled with tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer, or use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, and grilled meats.
• This salsa also pairs well with eggs and breakfast dishes, such as scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, or as a topping for avocado toast.
• For the best flavor, make the salsa a few hours ahead of time to let the flavors develop in the fridge.
• Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing is also an option. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before adding it to the salsa.
• Try using fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a vibrant, garden-fresh version during tomato season.
• Feel free to experiment with the herb balance. Adding more cilantro or substituting it with parsley or oregano can offer a different flavor twist.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Rick Bayless: Emphasizes roasting the tomatoes and chilies for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Aarón Sánchez: Recommends adding a touch of extra lime juice right before serving to brighten up the salsa.
• Ina Garten: Suggests mixing in diced avocado for a chunky, creamy variation of the salsa.