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    The BEST (and Easiest) Salsa Recipe

    Sep 10, 2021 · 58 Comments

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    Get your straw at the ready because THIS is The BEST Salsa Recipe, ever! And it is so darn simple to make. We are talking like literally 5 minutes!

    The BEST Salsa Recipe. Minutes to make hours to enjoy!

    Sure I love Pico de Gallo, and trust me when I say I eat it with a fork for lunch some days (just ask the employees of the Mexican stand at my farmers market, what I eat for lunch most Thursdays, lol), however this salsa??

    THIS easy Mexican restaurant salsa recipe is so good, I want to drink with a straw! I haven't...yet, however, I literally think about doing just that every time I make it, lol!

    My friend Molly makes a killer salsa and after having hers a couple of times, I decided to make something similar. I started with a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes that I was staring at one day in my supermarket and took it from there.

    I added some of this and some of that until I achieved the taste that I crave.

    You might think it odd to add honey to salsa, however, most people add sugar to their homemade tomato sauce (I know I do). Sugar helps cut the acidity of tomatoes.

    Tomatoes are a fruit. So sweetness is a part of what a perfect in-season tomato should taste like.

    Besides being delicious, The BEST Salsa Recipe is so, so easy to make, literally throw everything in your blender, Vitamix, Ninja or food processor and tah-dah!

    All you need to do after that is taste and adjust the flavors to your preference for sweetness and/or heat and grab a straw...err I mean chip! It also makes a fantastic food or hostess gift! 

    Best 5 Minute Homemade Salsa Recipe

    Why canned tomatoes?

    Quality canned tomatoes are picked at their peak and stay that way. If you can find fire-roasted tomatoes awesome (I like both Muir Glen and O'Organics fire-roasted tomatoes)...if not this will still be delicious! You can always use the bounty from your garden in place of canned...that works as well!

    How to make it

    • All you need are 5 minutes and a blender and of course the ingredients.
    • Gather a can of diced tomatoes (I like to use fire roasted), a jalapeno (or two if you enjoy heat), garlic, cilantro (or not if you hate it like my husband...You can swap it for parsley), honey, salt, pepper, cumin and of course tortilla chips!
    • Place all ingredients in your blender (not the tortillas of course) and give it a few whirls.
    • Taste and adjust to your preference.
    • Add red pepper (cayenne) for even more heat.

    Can I make salsa without a blender?

    Yes!! No blender, no problem. Purchase fire-roasted crushed tomatoes and then mince your garlic, jalapenos, and cilantro as fine as you can with a knife. Add those and the rest of the ingredients together, whisk vigorously and there you have it!

    What Are The Best Tomatoes To Use To Make Salsa?

    For this style salsa, often referred to as restaurant-style salsa. I always say find cans of fire-roasted tomatoes. They have such a depth of flavor! 

    If your garden is overrun with gorgeous tomatoes, make pico! OR roast some tomatoes yourself, puree them and go from there.

    This is one of those delicious yet easy recipes that you can let your kid(s) take the lead on. It's also in my cookbook for tweens and teens who enjoy cooking. 66 recipes that anyone at any age would enjoy and feel so proud of making.

    When kids contribute to the family by way of preparing meals. They feel empowered, confident, learn so many lessons from planning to organization to follow through AND they get another notch on their belt in becoming a confident home cook! An all-around win! 

    Check out the book...Just click on the photo! 

    Kid Chef Every Day Cookbook for Teens

    Other recipes you may enjoy

    My Make-Ahead frozen Chambord Margaritas go well with this salsa. Keep these in your freezer until the mood strikes or someone pops over...Instant party!

    If you are a Mexican food fan. This is dish incredible and different! My Mexican Street Corn Salad is a must-make! 

    Mexican Street Corn Salad

    And if you enjoy Beef Enchiladas or White Chicken Enchiladas. I have a really good recipe for both AND they are 2 of my favorite recipes. They honestly are better tasting than just about every enchilada I have had out. I kept working at each recipe over the years till I got them right.  I do hope you try one of these and enjoy!

    Seriously the BEST Beef and Chicken Enchilada Recipe to make at home!

    Tag me on Instagram or Facebook @SouffleBombay or #soufflebombay when you make one of these Mexican -inspired recipes, I would love to see your creations!! 

    Hope you love this salsa as much as I do (and all my friends and family!!)

    Originally Published May 5, 2017, republished September, 2021.

    The BEST Salsa Recipe. Minutes to make hours to enjoy!

    The BEST Salsa Recipe

    Colleen Kennedy
    Best Salsa recipe! Restaurant style salsa recipe, just 5 minutes to make,
    4.70 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 34 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 28 oz can of fire-roasted tomatoes
    • 2 jalapenos*
    • 2-3 cloves garlic
    • ½ cup packed fresh Cilantro
    • 2 TBS fresh lime juice
    • 2 TBS honey
    • Kosher salt and pepper
    • Cumin to taste*
    • Chips

    Instructions
     

    • Throw all ingredients in your blender, food processor, Vitamix or Ninja and pulse until all ingredients become smooth. Taste and adjust to your liking.
    • It's as simple as that!
    • *If you enjoy some heat in your salsa, leave some or all of the seeds and stems in from the jalapenos. If your jalapenos end up not being very spicy, add in a few pinches of cayenne.
    • Enjoy the taste of cumin? Add in a couple of pinches (it lends a smoky flavor)
    • If you want this salsa sweeter, add more honey. Not sweet, don't add any honey. It is completely flexible and will work just about any way you make it.
    • Have a tomatillo on hand, roast it and add it in, that would be delicious!
    • I don't enjoy onion in this, however, if you do feel free to add in 2-3 TBS chopped red onion.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 10servingsCalories: 34kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 123mgPotassium: 19mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 403IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
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    Comments

    1. Dolores says

      May 28, 2017 at 12:00 am

      I make a salsa very similar to this using canned tomatoes as well, but I also add well drained crushed pineapple to the mix, very refreshing!

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        May 28, 2017 at 5:33 pm

        What a GREAT idea Dolores, sounds extra refreshing!

        Reply
    2. Hazel Weir says

      May 29, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      Ladies, I'm a fan in Scotland just embarking on making use of the blender to make salsa. I intend to put it in a jar in the fridge for multiple uses. How long can I keep a batch in the fridge would you say?? Many thanks, H. 😀

      Reply
      • Paula Smith says

        May 29, 2017 at 8:07 pm

        We keep our salsa in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

        Reply
      • Joyce says

        May 30, 2017 at 4:07 pm

        Not very long. It's so good that ours is gone very quickly!

        Reply
        • Colleen says

          August 20, 2017 at 2:45 pm

          Haha! I agree!! But I have kept in as long as 10 days and it was delicious still (maybe it stays good because I don't typically add onions).

          Reply
    3. Sana says

      June 09, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      What is the shelf life of this recipe?

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        June 22, 2017 at 10:42 pm

        I have enjoyed it as long as 10 days after making it and it was good.

        Reply
    4. Ali says

      June 23, 2017 at 2:43 am

      I have a question regarding the jalapeños. My kids and I don't really like "heat" but my husband does. DO you have any suggestions.? please and thank you.

      Reply
      • Joe says

        June 23, 2017 at 3:18 am

        Use a pablano pepper for less heat but a pepper flavor

        Reply
        • Colleen says

          June 24, 2017 at 10:11 am

          Great idea Joe...Love a stuffed poblano!

          Reply
      • Colleen says

        June 24, 2017 at 10:10 am

        Hi Ali, Why not make a batch, then segment a portion for your husband and in that portion include a minced jalapeno (you can do 1/2 a jalapeno by hand). That or some cayenne pepper will give it a nice kick.

        Reply
      • Diane says

        June 25, 2017 at 8:55 pm

        If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, you could use the Sweet Hot pickled jalapeno's, just remove the seeds. They are delicious and, in a pinch, they work in salsa if you don't have fresh peppers.

        Reply
    5. Jenni says

      July 30, 2017 at 3:09 am

      No onion? I don't think I have ever seen a tomato salsa without onions.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        July 30, 2017 at 4:44 pm

        You can add it of course, this one does not have any in it since a number of people in my life are not into onions. It is easily customized to how you enjoy it 🙂

        Reply
    6. Shelly says

      August 05, 2017 at 5:06 pm

      Could you can this selsa ?
      To have winter months !

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        August 20, 2017 at 2:47 pm

        I don't know a thing about canning, sorry!! I defer to an expert.

        Reply
        • Bill says

          May 30, 2022 at 10:33 am

          How to keep this recipe from separating and becoming watery?
          Can it be frozen in small bottles?

          Reply
          • Colleen says

            May 31, 2022 at 1:23 pm

            For a thicker salsa you can use diced tomatoes, draining off some of the juice and pulsing the tomatoes a few times. I have never tried freezing it however I can't see why it would not freeze well for up to 2-3 months.

            Reply
      • Mary Butler says

        March 05, 2018 at 12:15 pm

        Yes u can can any salsa to store up for winter just make sure it's really very hot, have your hot jars ready to fill, hot flats and rings, then water bath for ten minutes, keep check that flats seal, store in cool area.

        Reply
    7. Amy says

      August 10, 2017 at 12:55 am

      Can you can this recipe?

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        August 20, 2017 at 2:46 pm

        I don't know a thing about canning, sorry!! I defer to an expert.

        Reply
    8. Tom says

      August 13, 2017 at 1:20 pm

      You forgot the onion!!!! 1/4 onion

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        August 20, 2017 at 2:35 pm

        I know...sometimes I do onion however usually I do not...The kids and some friends prefer it without 🙂

        Reply
        • Shari Dodd says

          September 23, 2020 at 6:57 pm

          My sweet Marianka taught me to grate the onion. Still get the flavor.

          Reply
          • Colleen says

            September 29, 2020 at 7:59 pm

            Great tip from her Shari!

            Reply
      • Roguewave1 says

        January 01, 2019 at 7:51 pm

        4 stars
        Dried onion flakes work too. I add salt-free chicken bullion to mine and mix it in by simmering some of the salsa to dissolve. A Serrano pepper will add more zing for those initiated into Southwest culture.

        Reply
    9. Jo Ann Northcutt says

      February 09, 2018 at 6:57 pm

      My recipe:

      1 can fired roasted tomatoes
      1 can Rotel
      1 can diced tomatoes
      cilantro to taste
      1 pkg taco seasoning

      Mix all together in blender.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        February 23, 2018 at 1:05 am

        Thanks! Adding the Taco seasoning is smart!

        Reply
      • Michelle says

        March 05, 2018 at 11:46 pm

        1 can Rotel what?

        Reply
        • Larry ByerlyJr says

          April 05, 2018 at 2:46 am

          4 stars
          Prolly Rotel tomatoes and peppers

          Reply
      • Tammy says

        May 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm

        Please read the ingredients in taco seasoning. It's so much healthier to add fresh veggies and fresh herbs or dried spices.

        Reply
        • Nadra says

          August 18, 2020 at 9:01 am

          Absolutely!!! The mixes always upset my tummy and give me a migraine ... msg & things I can’t pronounce..... I too, find that cumin, ground chili, cayenne, garlic powder or fresh are best for me.. I get to adjust and no bad side effects

          Reply
    10. Bekki says

      August 29, 2018 at 1:37 am

      Does this salsa have to be refrigerated?

      Reply
    11. Jayda says

      October 09, 2018 at 8:51 pm

      I just made this recipe and found the cilantro very over powering. So much so that it's not very enjoyable. Next time I think I will just add a tiny bit of cilantro and drain the tomatoes before blending because I also found it to be very runny.

      Reply
    12. Claire says

      February 16, 2019 at 5:42 pm

      This stuff is amazing. Doesn’t last long at my house

      Reply
    13. Anastasia Mann says

      May 25, 2019 at 2:01 am

      A lot of people these days can not tolerate onions or garlic (sad to say I’m now one of them - really awful). I make my own salsa with a mix of tiny chopped pieces of fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, Serranos, fresh lime, a dash of olive oil infused with garlic (acceptable on Fodmap diet), sea salt (plenty), some freshly ground pepper, very small (scissor cuts) of cilantro & parsley. Throw in a dash of tequila if you like.
      You can add avocado & make a great guacamole or add some canned tomatoes to make a more typical, liquid salsa (like the bottled ones).
      No one will miss the onions or (fresh) garlic. I promise you. Keep A FEW of the seeds of the peppers. Don’t overdo it. You can always add a dash of tabasco if necessary.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        June 07, 2019 at 1:38 pm

        Adding Tequila is so fun and brilliant!

        Reply
    14. TUKANG BAJA RINGAN DI BOGOR says

      June 05, 2019 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      I have a question regarding the jalapeños. My kids and I don’t really like “heat” but my husband does. DO you have any suggestions.? please and thank you.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        June 07, 2019 at 1:29 pm

        It's really easy to make, so you can make it without jalapenos, set some aside for the kids and add either minced jalapenos in for your husband's portion or simply sprinkle on some red pepper (cayenne pepper) for heat.

        Reply
      • Beth says

        June 26, 2019 at 7:12 pm

        Be careful with canning just any salsa recipe. To can salsa it has to be pH of 4.6 or less. Generally it is best to use a salsa recipe that has been tested unless you have a way to test for pH.

        Reply
    15. Carrie F says

      June 13, 2019 at 6:21 am

      5 stars
      How would you can this salsa? Can it be done in a boiling water bath?

      Reply
      • macks Smith says

        October 21, 2020 at 2:41 am

        Yes, use lemon juice or citris acid as Ph level for tonatoes. Each jar, pints 1/4t.quarts 1/2 teaspoon and only canning, pickling salt. No morton salt. Water bath 10 min. High altitude look up for your state. 5 minutes extra fir for certain altitudes

        Reply
        • Colleen says

          October 27, 2020 at 4:00 pm

          Thanks for the tips!!

          Reply
    16. Terry says

      July 14, 2019 at 8:33 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe as written. As always, adjust for personal preference. For me a little onion, char the jalapeños.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        August 05, 2019 at 12:36 pm

        Thanks Terry! Love the idea of charring the jalapenos!

        Reply
    17. Cara says

      August 10, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I used fresh tomatoes from the garden! Thanks for posting the recipe!

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        August 21, 2019 at 11:59 pm

        Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    18. Deguello says

      September 27, 2019 at 5:41 pm

      4 stars
      My housekeeper turned us on to adding a few tablespoons of salt-free chicken bullion. In Texas, we would never think about adding sugar or honey. Everything else is right.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        September 30, 2019 at 5:27 pm

        Interesting idea! One of these days I need to get to Texas and eat allll the foods!

        Reply
    19. Diane says

      August 10, 2020 at 8:11 am

      Can you freeze the salsa?
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        September 03, 2020 at 1:50 am

        Hi Diane, I have never tried freezing it.

        Reply
    20. Deguello says

      December 05, 2020 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      If you can find granulated no-salt chicken bullion, a tablespoon or to taste adds a boost to flavor.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        December 07, 2020 at 11:58 am

        Thanks! Curious to try that Deguello!

        Reply
    21. Maria says

      October 15, 2021 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      Being a purist when it comes to salsa, I was leery about this recipe, but it was delicious! Everyone loved it. The only tweaks I would make is to decrease the honey slightly. Perhaps 1tbs vs 2tbs and of course more cilantro…we all need more cilantro 😋

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        October 20, 2021 at 11:30 am

        Haha! My husband would disagree! He is one of THOSE who detest cilantro and can detect the smallest amount. Luckily this is so easy to make and I make some with and some without cilantro. Meanwhile I love the stuff!

        Reply
    22. kimber says

      February 12, 2023 at 9:09 am

      5 stars
      I can’t imagine wanting to eat any salsa from a straw that doesn’t contain onions but make it comfortable for your home! BTW, MOST of us out here are just plain tired of hearing these self compliments like eat it with a straw and your Aunt ate the whole batch before you got it on the table. I can assure you it is annoying to the point I Won’t save the recipe.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        February 16, 2023 at 3:03 pm

        To each their own. I often put onions in mine however too many around me prefer it without.

        Reply

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