Name: Blender Salsa (Restaurant Style Salsa) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 (14.5-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes (with juice, do not drain); 1/4 small Red Onion (about 1/3 cup, coarsely chopped); 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro; 1 Lime (zested and juiced); 1 Jalapeno Pepper (or Serrano Pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped); 2 cloves Garlic (coarsely chopped); 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin; Sea Salt (to taste); Black Pepper (to taste)

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Introduction

This Blender Salsa offers a fresh, vibrant taste reminiscent of your favorite restaurant-style salsa. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful dip perfect for chips, tacos, or as a zesty topping.

Ingredients

1 (14.5-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes (do not drain)
1/4 small Red Onion (about 1/3 cup, coarsely chopped)
1/4 cup Cilantro
Zest and juice of 1 Lime
1 Jalapeno Pepper (or Serrano Pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped)
2 cloves Garlic (coarsely chopped)
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin
Sea Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the diced tomatoes (with their juice), red onion, cilantro, lime zest and juice, jalapeno, garlic, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper into a food processor or blender. If using a stick blender, combine all ingredients in a tall-sided container to prevent splattering.
Step 2: Blend or pulse the mixture just until everything is combined and the salsa reaches your desired texture. Avoid overblending to keep some chunkiness.
Step 3: Serve the salsa immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, keep some jalapeno seeds or add a bit of hot sauce.
Adjust lime juice to balance acidity and brightness according to your taste.
Swap canned diced tomatoes with fresh ripe tomatoes for a fresher flavor.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist.

Storage

Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if separated. This salsa can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a black bowl filled with chunky red salsa, topped with finely chopped green herbs scattered across the surface. A woman's hand is dipping a triangular light yellow tortilla chip into the salsa, partially covered with the sauce. In the background, there are two white soft tacos filled with brown meat, red and green vegetables resting on a white marbled surface, along with lime wedges and fresh cilantro leaves scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used but may result in a milder salsa. You may want to add a little more lime juice or salt to boost the flavor.

How spicy is this salsa and can I adjust the heat?

The heat level depends on your pepper choice. Removing the seeds reduces spiciness. For milder salsa, use fewer peppers or substitute with a mild Anaheim pepper.