Easy Salsa (Ready in 5 minutes!)

Next time you need a an easy topping for tacos, a pleasing appetizer for guests or just want a mid day snack, look no farther than this Easy Salsa!

Adapted from the sauce in this Huevos Rancheros recipe, this restaurant style salsa comes together in less than 5 minutes! You only need 6 ingredients, the food processor (or blender) does nearly all of the work and you can customize it to suit your tastes! Love cilantro? Add more. Hate it? Leave it out. Want it spicier? Double the jalapeño. It’s up to you!

The Ingredients

• Tomatoes- I typically use canned whole tomatoes but diced would work too. Canned fire roasted tomatoes would also be delicious! If using smaller cans (14 oz or 398 mL), use two or make a half batch.
• Cilantro- If you’re not a fan of cilantro, this salsa is also tasty without! Or if you really like it, feel free to double the amount.
• Onion- The onion flavour tends to be stronger on the day that it is made and mellows out after sitting, but if you’re not a big fan of onion you may want to use half of an onion instead.
• Garlic
• Jalapeño- Be sure to remove the seeds. If you are sensitive to spice, you can use half or leave it out entirely. Or if you would like to make the salsa spicier, add more.
• Sea Salt- Taste and stir in more if needed.
• Sweetener (Optional)- Depending on the flavour of the tomatoes, you may find you want to add about 1 teaspoon of sugar or agave syrup. Make the salsa, taste it and then stir it in if needed (I don’t usually find it necessary).

The Method

1. Pulse ingredients in a food processor.
2. Taste and add seasoning if necessary. You may want to stir in additional salt or add some sweetener (see notes above).
3. Chill and serve! You can serve it right away or chill and give the flavours time to develop.

Leftovers

Make Ahead- This quick salsa can be made up to 2 days in advance. It actually tastes even better on day 2 so it is a great recipe to prepare ahead if you are entertaining!

Storage- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Make It Your Own

Customize this easy salsa to suit your preferences! You could make it:

• Spicier- Add an additional jalapeño or use just one but don’t remove the seeds
• Thicker- Reserve the juices from the canned tomatoes
• Fresher- Add the juice of 1 lime

No Food Processor? You can also use a regular blender. Pulse in a blender until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t worry if it turns out a bit thin, it will still be delicious!

How to Serve

This quick homemade salsa is great for dipping with tortilla chips or even freshly cut vegetables. I like to use carrots and radishes cut into round “chips”. It is also an excellent topping on tacos or burrito bowls such as Ground Beef Tacos or Pork Carnitas. Or try it with these White Cheddar Chicken Nachos!

And if you have leftovers, use them to top scrambled eggs or an omelette. Or make some Huevos Rancheros (you would need about 2 cups).

Dietary Notes

If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:

• Dairy Free
• Gluten Free
• Nut Free
• Paleo
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

And if you liked this recipe…

… you might like these other Snack-able Dips!

• Beet Hummus
• Corn and Black Bean Salsa
• Pineapple Salsa
• Easy Creamy Cashew Queso Dip

More Mexican Inspired Recipes!