Mar 23, 2024 Whether it’s cinco de mayo or taco tuesday, get ready to load spoonfuls of this delicious fresh salsa on top of crunchy tacos or use it in a ton of other ways – I’ve shared a few ideas below.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Salsa Recipe
Here is why this is my favorite way to make taco salsa:
Fresh and vibrant flavors: This salsa bursts with the fresh and vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, zesty lime juice, aromatic cilantro, and crisp onions. Customizable heat level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or serrano pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and heat. Easy to make: With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, this taco salsa comes together quickly. Homemade goodness: Unlike store-bought salsas that may contain preservatives and additives, you know exactly what’s in your homemade version.
I’m telling you, this taco salsa recipe will be a staple in your kitchen.
Here’s What You Need
This recipe requires very little; just a handful of ingredients and a food processor will do!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the brightest, summer-filled salsa:
Fresh lime juice: Go for freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. I don’t recommend using bottled lime juice as it won’t have the same vibrant taste of fresh lime. Fresh cilantro leaves: Remove the stems before chopping or mincing the leaves for the salsa. Fresh garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for the most robust flavor. Roma or grape tomatoes: Choose ripe Roma or grape tomatoes for the salsa. These varieties are known for their firm texture and sweet flavor. Make sure they are bright red and juicy! White or red onion: White onions tend to have a sharper taste, while red onions offer a sweeter, milder flavor. Choose according to what you prefer. Jalapeño pepper: Remove the seeds from the jalapeño pepper to reduce the heat level. For a milder salsa, use half of a jalapeño pepper, choose a serrano pepper for an extra-spicy kick. Kosher salt: Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences, keeping in mind that it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to make this favorite salsa recipe your own? Here are a few ways you can play around and adapt it:
Tomato variations: Substitute Roma or grape tomatoes with heirloom tomatoes for a more complex flavor profile. Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter and juicier salsa. You can also mix and match different varieties. Onion substitutions: Replace white or red onion with shallots for a milder and slightly sweeter flavor. Try using green onions (scallions) as a swap. Green Chiles: Substitute the jalapeño pepper with poblano pepper for a milder salsa with a smoky flavor. For a spicier salsa, use habanero peppers or serrano peppers. Experiment with different chili varieties such as Anaheim, Fresno, or Thai chili peppers for unique heat levels and flavors. Start with less and add more to your spice preference. Cumin: Add 1/2 tsp of ground cumin (or more, to taste). Garlic enhancements: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the salsa-this makes them a little sweeter and reduces their pungency. Other add-ins: Try adding diced mango, pineapple, or peach for a sweet and tangy salsa variation. Stir in diced avocado for a creamy texture. I also love adding diced bell peppers.
Grab these Tools
The only piece of equipment you will need is either a blender or a food processor.
How to Make Taco Salsa: An Easy Guide
Here are the simple steps to take to make this taco salsa:
Combine ingredients
In a blender or food processor, add the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño and salt. (I use a tiny food processor and often will do it in two batches, as shown in the video in the recipe card.)
Blend
Pulse the mixture a few times until it reaches your desired consistency – either smooth or slightly chunky.
Adjust seasoning
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño according to your preference.
Rest and serve
Allow the salsa to rest for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve with tacos, chips, or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this salsa ahead; here is how to prepare and store it:
Make Ahead
You can prepare taco salsa ahead of time to save time and allow the flavors to meld together. Here’s how to do it:
Storage
Store leftover taco salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the salsa from absorbing other odors in the fridge. Guys, I don’t recommend freezing this salsa-the texture deteriorates when you thaw it. You could, however, freeze it and add it to a gazpacho base recipe if you don’t want to waste it.
How to Serve this Taco Salsa recipe
Aside from heaping it onto your favorite tacos, here are a few other ways to use it:
Dip for tortilla chips: Serve this homemade salsa recipe as a dip alongside a basket of warm tortilla chips. It is so popular when served as an appetizer at gatherings and parties. Bring out the best in burritos and quesadillas: Spread salsa inside the burrito or cheese quesadilla before rolling or folding, or serve it alongside for dipping. Sauce for tacos: Use this taco salsa on your spicy fish tacos, chicken street tacos, authentic ground beef tacos, fried tacos, crispy baked chicken tacos, etc. Topping for game day nachos: Create loaded nachos by drizzling taco salsa over a bed of tortilla chips along with melted cheese, beans, jalapeños, baja cream sauce or cilantro lime crema, shredded lettuce and guacamole. Garnish for soups and stews: Add a spoonful of taco salsa as a colorful garnish to soups and stews just before serving. I love the ways this contrasts hearty dishes like chili con carne, cream cheese chicken chili, and chile verde. Mix into salads: Toss salsa onto taco salad to liven up greens. It pairs well with leafy greens, avocado, corn, beans, and grilled vegetables. Condiment for savory breakfasts: Great with scrambled eggs, over-medium eggs on toast, tater tot breakfast casserole, and breakfast sandwiches. Its tangy and spicy flavors wake up the palate and add interest to morning meals. Flavor booster for rice and grain bowls: It pairs well with rice, cooked couscous, quinoa, farro, etc.
Final Notes, Pro Tips + Science-Based Secrets
Here are my tips and tricks as a food scientist to getting incredibly good salsa:
Remove the super spicy bits from larger jalapeno peppers or they have a tough texture and bitter taste. The seeds (and ribs) are also where most of the heat comes from. You can always add them in, but you can’t take them away. Raw onion can also have a strong, bitter taste if it’s been stored for a while. Taste a tiny bite before adding it to the salsa. If it tastes very strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes then drain before using it. This mellows the flavor. Stir before serving: Before serving refrigerated salsa, give it a good stir to redistribute any accumulated juices and flavors.
Just skimming through? Here are a few of the highlights:
How long does homemade tomato salsa last?
Homemade tomato salsa can typically last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. Ensure that the salsa is properly sealed to maintain its freshness.
Can I freeze tomato salsa?
While you can freeze tomato salsa, the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing, becoming mushy. If you decide to freeze it, place the salsa in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and use it in soups or marinades.
How do I adjust the spiciness of tomato salsa?
To adjust the spiciness of tomato salsa, control the amount of jalapeño or other spicy peppers you use. Removing the seeds and membranes from the peppers can reduce the heat level. You can also balance the spice by adding more tomatoes or other mild ingredients.
Can I use canned tomatoes for salsa?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for salsa if fresh tomatoes are not available. However, opt for canned diced tomatoes without added seasonings or preservatives for the best flavor and texture.
What can I do if my salsa is too watery?
If your salsa turns out too watery, you can strain excess liquid by using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Alternatively, add extra diced tomatoes or other vegetables to absorb the excess moisture and thicken the salsa.
How do I make salsa less acidic?
To make salsa less acidic, you can balance the acidity by adding a small amount of sugar or honey. Additionally, incorporating ingredients such as avocado or mango can help mellow out the acidity and add a creamy texture to the salsa.
What are some variations of tomato salsa?
Tomato salsa can be customized in numerous ways, such as adding fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweet twist, incorporating corn or black beans for added texture, or experimenting with different herbs and spices to enhance flavor profiles.
Is tomato salsa spicy?
The level of spiciness in tomato salsa can vary depending on the amount and type of chili peppers used. While some salsas are mild and refreshing, others can be quite spicy, depending on personal preferences and recipe variations
Other Fan Favorite Mexican Recipes You’ll Love
If you love flavor-packed Mexican cuisine as much as I do, you MUST try these super-popular dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos: with crisp battered fish, topped with easy, quick-pickled red onion, drizzled with creamy avocado crema and the best cabbage slaw for fish tacos. Elotes Salad: super-yuummy Mexican Corn Salad, also known as Esquites or street corn in a cup. Instant Pot Mexican Rice: This Mexican Rice recipe is so quick, easy and tasty. Walking Taco Casserole: Everything you love about walking tacos, in casserole form.
