Best Homemade Salsa

• Author: tinsuf
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Category: Appetizer, Dip
• Keywords: salsa, homemade salsa, Mexican dip, appetizer, party food
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes with juice
• 2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 whole jalapeño, quartered and sliced thin
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (more to taste)
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole tomatoes with their juice and the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeño.
3. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and ground cumin. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Fold in the chopped cilantro, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste.
5. Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the mixture and stir again.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired — you can add more lime juice, salt, or cilantro.
7. Allow the salsa to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend beautifully.

Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips

If your salsa tastes too acidic, add a pinch more sugar to balance the flavors. If it’s too spicy, mix in some diced tomatoes without seeds or membranes to mellow the heat. For a thicker texture, blend only half of the salsa in a food processor, then mix it with the unblended portion.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen salsa in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving. This recipe is perfect for making ahead of parties or meal prep.

Why This Recipe Works

This salsa strikes the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and fresh. The combination of canned and fresh ingredients creates a depth of flavor while keeping the recipe simple and accessible. Tested by deesviral, it ensures consistent results every time, making it a reliable choice for home cooks.

Expert Tips

• For a smoky flavor, roast the jalapeño and onion before adding them to the salsa.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor — bottled juice won’t deliver the same brightness.
• If you prefer a smooth salsa, blend all ingredients in a food processor until desired consistency is reached.
• Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños depending on your preference.