Homemade Salsa Easy Blender

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

This homemade salsa combines juicy tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic and lime for a fresh, vibrant dip. Using a blender delivers the perfect texture, letting you control the consistency from chunky to smooth in just a few pulses. Adjust the flavor to your taste by choosing mild or spicy jalapenos and opting for extra garlic or seasoning. Chill for at least an hour to optimize the zest and enjoy with chips or as a zesty topping for your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Ready in minutes, bursting with real flavor, and perfect for sharing!

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:12:39 GMT
A bowl of salsa with a green topping. Bookmark
A bowl of salsa with a green topping. | tinycakee.com

This homemade salsa recipe is my go-to anytime I need a quick appetizer that delivers bold flavor without much effort. It comes together in just minutes using fresh ingredients like juicy tomatoes, zesty jalapeño, onion, garlic, and cilantro – all blended to the perfect consistency. Whether served with crunchy tortilla chips or spooned over grilled chicken or tacos, it’s always a crowd pleaser. No cooking required and infinitely customizable, this blender salsa is a staple in my kitchen year-round.

I first started making this salsa when I moved out of Texas and couldn’t find one that tasted quite right. After experimenting, I landed on this version – and now I make it all the time. It’s especially popular at our game nights and summer cookouts, and everyone always asks for the recipe!

Ingredients

  • Tomatoes: 4 Roma tomatoes are ideal since they blend well without too much liquid. Other varieties work too
  • Onion: 1/2 white or yellow onion for balanced flavor. Red onion adds a slightly sharper bite
  • Cilantro: 1/3 cup fresh cilantro adds bright herbal notes
  • Jalapeño: 1 fresh jalapeño, red or green, depending on spice preference. Remove seeds to reduce heat
  • Garlic: 2 cloves or 1 tablespoon minced garlic for depth
  • Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon for a tangy citrus boost
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon to round out the tomato flavor
  • Pinch of Sugar: Optional – helps balance acidity if needed
  • Pinch of Pepper: Optional for extra dimension

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:
Wash and chop all vegetables. Add lime juice and two chopped tomatoes to the blender first to help get things moving
Layer and Blend:
Next, add the chopped jalapeño, onion, garlic, and cilantro. Top with the remaining two tomatoes and seasonings. Pulse several times to break everything down
Blend to Desired Consistency:
Continue blending on low speed until smooth or pulse for a chunkier salsa. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed to help the blender
Chill and Serve:
Transfer to a container and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving with chips or over your favorite dishes
A bowl of salsa with a green garnish.
A bowl of salsa with a green garnish. | tinycakee.com

One of my favorite parts of making salsa is how easy it is to adjust. Add more jalapeño for heat, extra lime juice for brightness, or skip garlic if you're not a fan. Everyone in my family customizes their batch slightly and it's always a hit.

Storage Tips

Store your salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The color will deepen over time and flavors become even richer after a few hours. For best texture, stir before serving. This salsa is not ideal for freezing due to its fresh ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re sensitive to heat, swap jalapeño for bell pepper. No lime juice? Try lemon. For a roasted flavor, char the tomatoes and garlic before blending. If cilantro isn’t your thing, flat-leaf parsley adds a similar freshness without the bold taste.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, grilled meats, and eggs. You can also spoon it over nachos or use it as a base for spicy ranch or guacamole blends. Great addition to any Mexican-inspired spread.

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Fresh salsas are a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine and commonly served alongside chips or entrees in homes and restaurants alike. Especially popular in warmer months, blender salsas have become a quick alternative to traditional cooked versions, preserving freshness and simplicity.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use heirloom tomatoes in summer for rich flavor
Add a bit of mango or pineapple for tropical flair
Include roasted corn or black beans for a heartier dip

A bowl of salsa with tomatoes and green herbs.
A bowl of salsa with tomatoes and green herbs. | tinycakee.com

Once you’ve tried this easy blender salsa, you’ll never want to go back to jarred versions again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly brings a taste of Texas to your table.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What tomatoes are best for this salsa?

Roma tomatoes are ideal as they have low water content, resulting in a less runny salsa. Other varieties work too, but you may need to adjust blending time for texture.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness?

Absolutely! Remove seeds for milder heat or use green jalapenos. For more spice, keep the seeds or use red jalapenos. Omit jalapeno for a mild version.

→ How long does homemade salsa last in the fridge?

Stored in a sealed container, it keeps for 1-2 days. Flavors intensify over time, but color may darken.

→ Can I make this salsa chunkier?

Yes, use the pulse function on your blender, blending less for a chunkier consistency.

→ What can I serve this salsa with?

It's perfect with tortilla chips, on tacos, fajitas, grilled chicken, or any favorite Mexican-inspired meal.

→ Is it necessary to chill the salsa before serving?

Chilling for 1-2 hours helps meld flavors, but you can enjoy it immediately if preferred.

Homemade Salsa Easy Blender

A vibrant blend of tomatoes, onion, cilantro and jalapeno—fast, fresh, and perfect with chips or Mexican dishes.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
10 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Makes: 6 Portion Count (About 2 cups salsa)

Dietary Options: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Produce

01 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
02 1/2 cup white or yellow onion, roughly chopped
03 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed
04 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded if desired, chopped
05 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

→ Seasonings

06 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
07 1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 Pinch of sugar, optional
09 Pinch of ground black pepper, optional

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Thoroughly wash the tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno, and onion. Roughly chop the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno. Peel and chop the garlic cloves.

Step 02

Pour the lime juice into the bottom of a blender jar. Add two of the chopped tomatoes first, followed by the jalapeno, onion, garlic, and cilantro. Top with the remaining tomatoes, followed by salt, and, if using, sugar and pepper.

Step 03

Pulse the blender several times to begin breaking down the vegetables. Once tomato juice is releasing, blend at low speed until ingredients are well combined. For a chunkier texture, pulse until desired consistency is reached.

Step 04

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer salsa to a container, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.

Step 05

Stir salsa before serving. Sample with a tortilla chip, and adjust salt or lime juice if desired. Serve chilled with chips or as topping for Mexican dishes.

Helpful Hints

  1. For milder salsa, remove seeds from the jalapeno or use only half. For spicier salsa, retain seeds or use a red jalapeno.
  2. Fresh salsa is best enjoyed within 1–2 days; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  3. If your blender struggles to process the vegetables, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to help it blend smoothly.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Blender
  • Storage container with lid

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Use this nutritional summary as a guide – it's not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 18
  • Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 0.8 g