If you’ve got five minutes, you’ve got time to make this easy homemade 5 Minute Salsa. No roasting, no simmering—just fresh ingredients, a quick pulse in the food processor, and boom: a delicious salsa with just the right kick. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings, taco night, or anytime you’re craving something snacky and bright.
In This Post
Why You’ll Never Buy Store-Bought Again
Making salsa at home is truly one of the best things for any home cook to know. It’s one of those staples that, once you learn how ridiculously easy it is to make at home, you wonder why you ever bought it.
- Ridiculously quick: Truly – under 5 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable heat: I use jalapeños for fresh heat, but chipotle adds a smoky twist.
- Works with what you’ve got: Use fresh or canned tomatoes—whatever’s on hand.
This Salsa Secret Changes Everything
Here’s my secret to taking your salsa from meh to amazing: blend everything except the tomatoes first. Tomatoes hold a lot of moisture, and if you toss them in too early, your salsa can end up watery or frothy. Instead, pulse the other ingredients until finely chopped, then add the tomatoes and give it just a few quick pulses. That’s how you get that perfect, scoopable texture every time.
Homemade Salsa Ingredients
- Vegetables – You only need red onion, garlic, and jalapenos for this recipe. Be sure to deseed the jalapenos.
- Garlic – Fresh is always best!
- Cilantro – Any great Mexican restaurant uses cilantro liberally, and so do I.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Cumin is another nice addition to this salsa.
- Lime Juice – A little acid balances the tomatoes’ sweetness and the jalapeno’s heat.
- Ripe Tomatoes – Fresh or canned tomatoes will work. If they are canned, be sure to drain them.
Make It Your Own
- Smokey Heat – For a different type of spice, opt for chipotle peppers in adobo instead of jalapenos. Green chilies are also a great addition.
- Don’t Like Cilantro? No problem, simply grab a bunch of parsley.
- Lemon Burst – Lemon juice works well if you don’t have lime juice.
If you love salsa, try my fresh pineapple salsa, which is perfect for dipping or serving as a topping for fish and grilled chicken.
Easy Salsa Directions
- Pulse: In a food processor or blender, combine jalapeño or chipotle, onion, garlic, cilantro (or parsley), salt, pepper, and citrus juice. Pulse until everything is finely chopped, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add tomatoes: Add the tomatoes to the bowl and pulse just 2–3 times or until the salsa is the consistency you like. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then enjoy!
How Long Does This Blender Salsa Stay Good For?
If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your salsa will stay fresh for about three days. The flavors will continue to deepen a bit over time, but the texture is best on day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just mince everything finely with a knife. It’ll take a bit more time, but it still tastes amazing. Or, you can use a blender.
Ripe fresh Roma tomatoes give the freshest flavor, but a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (drained) is a perfect shortcut.
How To Serve 5-Minute Salsa
This recipe is the best with your favorite tortilla chips, but here are a few other yummy ways to use it:
- As a Topping: Spoon it over a Breakfast Burrito Bowl or on this Layered Mexican Dip.
- Mixed In: Add it into Crock Pot Salsa Tacos, quesadillas, or grilled chicken.
- As an Appetizer: Serve this on a platter with other dips like Slow Cooker Queso and guacamole.
Don’t Miss These Dip Recipes
If you tried this Easy 5-Minute Salsa Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ small jalapeño chili or ½ chipotle chili in adobo sauce – minced
- ¼ small red onion – roughly chopped
- 1 small garlic clove – minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime or lemon juice
- 2 small ripe tomatoes – cored and roughly chopped (1 14 oz can of diced, drained tomatoes can be used)
Instructions
- Pulse all ingredients EXCEPT tomatoes in a food processor until minced. Scrap down side of bowl.
- Add tomatoes and pulse until roughly chopped – about 2 to 3 pulses.
- Makes about 1 cup
Notes
Serving Ideas
- Classic Dip: Serve with tortilla chips for an easy snack or starter.
- Taco Topper: Spoon over tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.
- Flavor Boost: Stir into shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, or quesadillas.
- Party Platter: Pair with guacamole and queso for a simple appetizer spread.
Nutrition
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
Oh I love a good salsa but one that can be made in 5 minutes is a keeper for sure!
You’ve got that right, Marye! I’ve had this recipe for years and it’s always a hit.
Thanks for stopping by.
XO,
~Donya
Thank you so much, I have been looking for a good salsa recipe, and I think this is it. Pinned and printed thanks Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen.com
You are welcome Rose. I've been using this recipe for years and just love it. Let me know what you think!xo,~Donya