This quick and effortless restaurant-style salsa captures the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican salsa while utilizing convenient pantry ingredients. The combination of fresh and canned ingredients creates a perfectly balanced sauce that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version, all prepared in just minutes using a standard blender.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 570g (20 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel recommended)
- 800g (28 ounces) whole plum tomatoes with juice
- 30g (1/2 cup) fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed
- 40g (1/4 cup) white onion, roughly chopped
- 5g (1 teaspoon) minced garlic
- 2 medium jalapeño peppers, stems removed
Seasonings:
- (1/4 teaspoon) ground cumin
- (1/4 teaspoon) fine salt
- (1/4 teaspoon) granulated sugar
- Juice of 2 small key limes (approximately 30ml)
Detailed Instructions
1. Ingredient Preparation
- Drain excess liquid from diced tomatoes if desired
- Remove stems from jalapeños
- Roughly chop white onion
- Clean and dry cilantro leaves
- Extract juice from key limes
2. Blending Process
- Add all ingredients to large-capacity blender (minimum 3L/12-cup)
- Secure blender lid firmly
- Pulse in short bursts to control texture
- Continue until desired consistency achieved
- Taste and adjust seasonings
3. Finishing
- Transfer to airtight container
- Refrigerate minimum one hour before serving
- Allow flavors to meld overnight for optimal results
Nutritional Information
Per 1/4 cup serving:
- Calories: 25
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Sugar: 3g
Time Requirements:
- Preparation: 5 minutes
- Chilling: 1 hour minimum
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Professional Culinary Tips
- Ingredient Selection:
- Choose high-quality canned tomatoes
- Select fresh, firm jalapeños
- Use recently purchased ground cumin
- Opt for fresh key limes over bottled juice
- Texture Control:
- Pulse rather than continuous blending
- Check consistency frequently
- Adjust based on intended use
Variations and Substitutions
Heat Level Adjustments:
- Reduce jalapeños for milder salsa
- Add serrano peppers for increased heat
- Include chipotles in adobo for smoky heat
Citrus Options:
- Regular limes
- Lemon juice
- Mix of citrus juices
Additional Ingredients:
- Roasted garlic
- Fresh tomatoes (in season)
- Fire-roasted tomatoes
- Bell peppers
Common FAQs
Q: How long does this salsa keep?
A: Properly refrigerated in an airtight container, up to 7 days.
Q: Can I freeze this salsa?
A: Yes, though texture may change slightly. Freeze up to 3 months.
Q: How can I make it less spicy?
A: Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes or reduce quantity.
Q: Why refrigerate before serving?
A: Allowing time for flavors to meld improves overall taste.
Storage and Make-Ahead Guidelines
Short-Term Storage:
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated at 4°C (40°F)
- Use within one week
- Stir before serving
Make-Ahead Strategy:
- Prepare up to 3 days in advance
- Store in covered container
- Check seasoning before serving
- Adjust as needed
Freezing Instructions:
- Cool completely
- Transfer to freezer containers
- Leave headspace for expansion
- Label with date
- Freeze up to 3 months
This quick and versatile salsa recipe provides restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The balanced combination of fresh and prepared ingredients creates a consistent, flavorful condiment suitable for any Mexican-inspired meal or casual entertaining. The convenience of blender preparation makes this recipe particularly appealing for busy households while maintaining authentic taste and texture.
