Fresh, vibrant dips inspired by casual dining favorites are often the first thing people reach for at the table. This homemade restaurant-style salsa delivers bright flavor, balanced seasoning, and a fresh-from-the-kitchen taste that instantly elevates any snack or meal.
It’s perfect served with tortilla chips or spooned over tacos, burritos, taquitos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. This salsa also shines as a party staple, game day favorite, or simple after-school snack.
One key detail makes all the difference here: fresh tomatoes. Using ripe, in-season tomatoes creates a noticeable upgrade in flavor, giving the salsa a clean, juicy, and naturally sweet base.
The blend is carefully balanced so nothing overwhelms. It’s not too oniony, not too garlicky, and not overly spicy, making it family-friendly while still full of classic flavor.
Fresh lime adds brightness, while cilantro, chili powder, and cumin bring that familiar Mexican-inspired depth. A small touch of sugar is only helpful when using store-bought tomatoes, since truly good tomatoes already bring their own natural sweetness.
Fresh Homemade Salsa
Fresh, vibrant dips inspired by casual dining favorites are often the first thing people reach for at the table. This homemade restaurant-style salsa delivers bright flavor, balanced seasoning, and a fresh-from-the-kitchen taste that instantly elevates any snack or meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs ripe Roma tomatoes* (about 5 - 6)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes**
- 2 green onions,*** ends trimmed, chopped into thirds
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion (about 1/4 of a medium)
- 1 jalapeno pepper,**** seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (about a handful)
- 1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse in short 1-second bursts until finely chopped.
- Serve with tortilla chips. Salsa tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, so let it chill if you have the time to allow the flavors to blend.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- *Use high-quality tomatoes or your salsa may taste bland.
- **Canned diced tomatoes with mild green chiles or canned fire-roasted tomatoes are great alternatives.
- ***If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, skip the green onions and use about 3/4 cup red onion (or half of a medium onion) instead.
- ****For extra heat, leave the seeds in or swap in a serrano pepper. You can also replace the jalapeño with a few canned chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky, spicier kick.
- Another delicious option is adding 1/2 bell pepper, or using a poblano or Anaheim pepper.
- If you like a thinner salsa, stir in a small amount of tomato juice or tomato sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
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