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This 5-Minute Restaurant Style Salsa is the ultimate solution for quick and delicious homemade salsa. Made with canned tomatoes, it’s perfect for taco nights, game days, or any gathering. With just a food processor and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful dip ready in minutes.
Why This Salsa Is a Favorite
This recipe is fast, flavorful, and versatile. Using canned fire-roasted tomatoes gives it a smoky depth, while the fresh lime juice and cilantro keep it vibrant. It’s effortless to make, yielding a big batch that’s perfect for sharing or keeping in the fridge for snacking.
Essential Ingredients
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: 1 (14 oz) can, for smoky flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14 oz) can, for texture and freshness.
- Diced green chiles: 1 (4 oz) can, for mild heat.
- Yellow onion: 1 cup, diced, for savory depth.
- Cilantro: 1 cup, packed, for freshness.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for bold flavor.
- Jalapeño: 1, diced, for heat.
- Lime juice: From 1 lime, for brightness.
- Spices: Kosher salt, sugar, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender.
- Pulse to Desired Texture
- Use the pulse button for a chunkier texture or blend for 20 seconds for a smoother salsa.
- Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and more.
Tips and Variations
Season the salsa to taste, as sodium levels in canned ingredients can vary. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Swap diced green chiles with roasted poblano for a twist. Experiment with adding avocado for a creamy variation.
Pro Tips for Perfect Salsa
Use the pulse button for better control over the texture. Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky depth, and always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Double the recipe for parties or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use canned tomatoes?
Fire-roasted canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor year-round and authentic restaurant taste.
- → Can I make it less spicy?
Remove jalapeño seeds and membrane, or reduce amount for milder salsa.
- → How long does it keep?
Stays fresh in refrigerator for up to one week in airtight container.
- → Can I use dried cilantro?
Fresh cilantro strongly recommended for best flavor; dried won't give same result.
- → Why add sugar?
A small amount balances acidity from tomatoes and lime juice.