Mexican restaurants in Texas do salsa really well. It flows freely (both in quantity and the fact that it costs nothing!) with fresh tortilla chips. It’s always packed with fresh flavor and has the perfect consistency. So here’s how to make your over own Texas restaurant-style red salsa in only 5 minutes with the help of a food processor! This recipe uses canned whole tomatoes, rather than fresh. It’s a shortcut that doesn’t skimp on flavor and, in my opinion, is actually better than using fresh tomatoes. You can enjoy this low calorie, healthy, fat free salsa with tortilla chips, on tacos, in burritos, spooned on top of scrambled eggs… or any other way you use salsa!
Ingredients and substitutions
Canned whole, peeled tomatoes – you may substitute diced in a pinch (drain them first as indicated in the recipe) but I think whole are best for the texture of this salsa. I recommend high-quality San Marzano tomatoes.Onion- I used a yellow onion, but you can use any kind- red, sweet, or white. You can even use shallots if you want.Garlic- I recommend a fresh clove of garlic for the best flavor, but refrigerated minced garlic will work in a pinch.Fresh cilantro- this really is essential for that authentic flavor, but if you REALLY don’t like cilantro, you can omit it or use other herbs like mint, basil, parsley, and/or chives.Jalapeño Pepper- you can use serrano or another chile pepper of your preference. Lime juice and zest- again, for the most authentic flavor, lime is key. But you can use lemon in a pinch.SaltOptional: sugar or honey- this will add a hint of sweetness that brings out some of the sweetness of the tomatoes, but if you’re using high quality canned tomatoes you shouldn’t need it.
How to make homemade salsa
How to store it
You can store this homemade salsa in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months in an airtight container or jar- make sure to leave a little room at the top for expansion.
How to serve it
This homemade salsa is best served a couple of hours after making it, or even overnight. Let the flavors marinate in your fridge for the best flavor! But if you’re in a hurry, it can be served immediately, too. Here are some ideas for how to serve it and cook with it:
Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips and guacamoleServe it on breakfast tacos, chicken tacos, fajitas, burritosUse it in recipes, such as this one pot cheesy taco pasta or Mexican lasagnaNo enchilada sauce? Use salsa as a sauce instead, like in these vegetarian enchiladas.Spoon it on top of scrambled eggs or huevos rancheros
Other homemade salsa recipes
Pineapple SalsaPeach SalsaMango SalsaAvocado SalsaGreen Olive Salsa Verde
I like to spoon any of these homemade salsas on top of grilled chicken or fish. What’s your favorite way to use salsa? Did you know commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways you can support your favorite food bloggers? If you made this recipe or have a question, please click the stars below to comment and Rate this Recipe and/or share photos on social media using the hashtag #bowlofdelicious or tagging @bowlofdelicious!
