5 minutes to make. This is the BEST (& easiest) Salsa recipe (2024)

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! If you love restaurant style salsa, this recipe is for YOU!

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 achievedthe 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 used to). Sugar helps cut the acidity of tomatoes in homemade sauces and salsas. Tomatoes are a fruit. So sweetness is a part of what a perfect in-season tomato should taste like in my opinion.

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!

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). Even if you don't use those this recipe 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. If you have a food processer you can use that. OR 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!They are TOTALLY worth the extra dollar or so spend.
• Depending on how thick or thin you enjoy your salsa, choose from crushed, diced or whole to start with.
• You can also roast your own tomatoes. Wait until they are cooled and chilled to begin recipe.

Tips for making the best salsa

• Start with quality ingredients like good canned tomatoes (fire roasted is the most flavorful IMO), use fresh jalapeno, fresh garlic & fresh lime.
• You can also choose to roast fresh tomatoes. If you do, allow them to cool completely and chill for at least an hour before using for best flavor.
• For a thicker salsa, first pulse or blend just the cilantro/parsley, garlic and jalapeno alone. THEN add in the rest of the ingredients so you only pulse a few times.
• Use diced tomatoes and drain off most of the liquid. YOu can save the liquid and add in after if you so choose.
• Taste and adjust, you can always add in additional salt, honey or red pepper.
• For a milder salsa, discard the seeds and inner membrane from the jalapeno. It's always a good idea to taste your jalapeno as well before using so you know hat type of heat it has from mild to super spicy.
• To make a spicy salsa add in extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• For a smoky taste, smoke fresh (or canned) tomatoes, jalapeno and garlic before using.

Storage

Store salsa in mason jars. Keep refrigerated. Keeps well for up to a week.

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!

Other recipes you may enjoy

My Make-Ahead frozen Chambord Margaritas gowell 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!

If you enjoy Beef Enchiladasor 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!

This really is the best salsa recipe! I always have to TRY and control myself when I make it. My teen daughter feels the same way, its her fav! Hope you love this easy homemade salsa recipe as much as I do (and all my friends and family!!) Enjoy! XO - Colleen

Originally Published May 5, 2017, republished August, 2023.