This easy Mexican salsa is bursting with fresh flavors! Made with ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
You can enjoy this salsa with chips, tacos, or even on top of grilled meats. It’s my go-to recipe for gatherings, and I love how simple it is to whip up—just chop and mix!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Use ripe medium tomatoes for the best flavor. If they’re not in season, try canned fire-roasted tomatoes for a similar taste.
Jalapeño Peppers: Adjust the heat with 1 or 2 jalapeños. For milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes. For a spicier kick, use serrano peppers instead.
Onion: White onions are traditional, but red onions work well if you prefer a bit of sweetness. Just use less since they can be stronger in flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds wonderful flavor! If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute, though the taste will differ.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best! If you need a quick alternative, bottled lime juice can be used, but it won’t taste as fresh.
How Do You Roast Tomatoes and Peppers for Salsa?
Roasting enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and gives a smoky taste to your salsa. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Preheat your skillet or comal over medium-high heat—no oil needed!
- Add tomatoes, jalapeños, and whole garlic cloves to the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning often, until the skins blister and have blackened spots.
- Remove them from the heat and let cool before handling. Peel the garlic to avoid bitterness and chop everything for the salsa.
Taking this extra step truly elevates the flavor, making your salsa more delicious!
Easy Authentic Mexican Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 small white onion
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Optional: 1 small pinch sugar (to balance acidity)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salsa recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to roast the vegetables, so you’ll be enjoying fresh salsa in approximately 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing to Roast:
Start by preheating a skillet or comal over medium-high heat. This step is important to get those veggies roasted nicely.
2. Roasting the Vegetables:
Place the tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and garlic cloves on the dry skillet. Roast them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until you see the skins blistering and turning black in spots. This roasting process adds a delicious smoky flavor!
3. Cool and Chop:
Remove the roasted veggies from heat and let them cool down a bit. Once they’re cool enough to handle, peel the garlic and roughly chop the roasted tomatoes and jalapeños.
4. Mixing It All Together:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped roasted vegetables with the finely chopped white onion and fresh cilantro. This combination will make your salsa so colorful and fresh!
5. Adding Flavor:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and sprinkle in the salt. If you’d like, add the cumin and a pinch of sugar as well. Give everything a good mix!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Taste your salsa and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or lime juice based on your preference.
7. Let It Rest:
For the best flavor, let your salsa sit for 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your salsa is now ready to be served! Enjoy it fresh with tortilla chips or as a delicious topping for your favorite Mexican dishes. This salsa is sure to impress!
Enjoy your authentic, fresh Mexican salsa!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, especially if fresh ones aren’t in season! Opt for whole or diced fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a smoky flavor. Just drain them before using!
How Do I Store Leftover Salsa?
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, so it can taste even better the next day!
Can I Make It Mild or Spicier?
Absolutely! For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before roasting. If you like it spicy, consider adding more jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce to the mix!
What Can I Serve This Salsa With?
This salsa is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it with tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. It also makes a great addition to burritos and nachos!
