This no-frills, 5-minute salsa recipe requires NO cooking! Salsa is a staple in many households, and for good reason—it’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of homemade salsa whenever you crave it. Unlike Pico De Gallo which is thick and includes chunks of fresh ingredients, salsa is more liquidy to coat every chip!
Recipe Ingredients
Each ingredient contributes to the bold and zesty taste of this quick and easy salsa.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes – Fire-roasted tomatoes add depth and smokiness to the salsa, giving it a rich flavor profile.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves provide a pungent and aromatic flavor to the salsa.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves add a bright, herbaceous note to the salsa.
- Sweet Onion – Sweet onion adds a mild, sweet flavor to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and lime juice.
- Lime – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds acidity and brightness to the salsa.
- Chili Powder – Chili powder provides a mild heat and adds depth of flavor to the salsa.
- Cumin – Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other spices and ingredients.
- Sugar – A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and lime juice, enhancing the overall flavor of the salsa.
How To Make 5-Minute Salsa
Step One: Add garlic cloves to a large food processor and chop on high until finely minced.
Step Two: Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, cilantro leaves, sweet onion chunks, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and sugar to the food processor.
Step Three: Blend on high for 8 seconds, then pulse in 1-second bursts until all ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
Step Four: Refrigerate the salsa until ready to use. Note that salsa always tastes best after it’s been refrigerated for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step Five: Serve with tortilla chips for dipping or use it as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Step Six: Store any leftover salsa in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Just be sure to remove the seeds and excess liquid before adding them to the food processor. Also if using fresh tomatoes, I recommend using them when they’re in season. Opt for beefsteak or Roma tomatoes, as they tend to have the best flavors for salsa.
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a diced jalapeño for extra heat if desired.
Restaurant-style salsa typically has a smoother texture, with ingredients finely minced and a thinner consistency. This is achieved by using a blender, which helps create the desired smoothness. On the other hand, chunky salsa has a thicker, chunkier texture with less liquid.
Expert Tips
- For a chunkier salsa, pulse the ingredients fewer times in the food processor.
- Make sure to use only the cilantro leaves and remove the stems, as they can add a bitter taste to the salsa.
- For added freshness, squeeze the lime juice just before blending the salsa.
Optional Variations
Get creative and try out these optional variations to customize your salsa according to your taste preferences!
- Mango Salsa: Add diced mango for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Pineapple Salsa: Incorporate chunks of fresh pineapple for a tropical flavor.
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa: Mix in drained and rinsed black beans and thawed corn kernels for added texture and flavor.
Making Ahead, Storing & Freezing
Prepare the salsa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious with each passing day. You can also freeze this salsa if it’s made from canned tomatoes (not fresh). It’s a handy solution for weeknight dinners and last-minute gatherings. Simply transfer the salsa to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the salsa in the refrigerator for about eight hours before serving.
Now you’re ready to whip up a batch of this easy 5-Minute Salsa and enjoy its fresh and zesty flavors. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. Happy dipping!
5 Minute Restaurant Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 14 oz cans of Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 8 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 large bunch of cilantro stems cut and removed
- 1/2 sweet or white onion peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large lime freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon white sugar
Instructions
- Place garlic cloves in a large food processor or blender and pulse on high until finely chopped.
- Add the rest of the Salsa ingredients to the food processor and blend on high for 8 seconds. Then pulse in 1 second bursts until all ingredients are finely chopped. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Serve with tortilla chips. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salsa for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
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