Can I make this salsa without cilantro?

Absolutely! While cilantro provides classic salsa flavor, you can substitute fresh parsley for a milder herbal note, or simply omit it entirely. Some people add a tiny bit of ground coriander to capture some of that flavor profile without using the fresh herb.

Why soak the onions in water?

Soaking removes the harsh, sulfurous compounds that cause that eye-watering raw onion bite. This technique preserves the onion's flavor contribution while eliminating unpleasant sharpness that can overwhelm other ingredients.

My salsa is too watery—how can I fix it?

If your salsa seems too thin, drain it again through a fine-mesh sieve, or add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken. Conversely, if too thick, add back some of the reserved tomato juice until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use different peppers to adjust the heat level?

Definitely! For milder options, try poblano or even bell peppers. For serious heat seekers, habaneros or a small amount of dried chile de arbol will crank up the intensity. Remember that pepper heat can vary significantly even within the same type, so taste-test carefully.

Quick and Easy Salsa Recipe

Name: Quick and Easy Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 (15 oz) cans fire-roasted tomatoes or 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (1 ¾ pounds); 1/3 cup chopped white or sweet onion; 2 medium cloves garlic; 1 to 2 medium jalapeño or serrano peppers; 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 to 2 medium limes; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)

Description

A quick and flavorful salsa recipe featuring fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and your choice of peppers to customize the spice level. This easy salsa comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect for dipping tortilla chips or serving alongside your favorite Mexican dishes. Allowing it to rest before serving enhances the flavors for a truly irresistible dip.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 (15 oz) cans fire-roasted tomatoes or 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (1 3/4 pounds)
1/3 cup chopped white or sweet onion
2 medium cloves garlic
1 to 2 medium jalapeño or serrano peppers
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 to 2 medium limes
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)

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Instructions

Drain the Tomatoes
Place the chopped tomatoes in a colander set over a large bowl to drain. Reserve the drained tomato juice for later use to thin the salsa or add flavor to other dishes.
Soak the Onion
Cover the chopped onion in a medium bowl with cold water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Then, drain the water and rinse the onion thoroughly.
Prepare the Peppers
Adjust the peppers based on your desired spice level. For mild salsa, remove the membrane and seeds. For medium salsa, leave some of the membrane and seeds intact. For hot salsa, leave all the membrane and seeds and use 1 to 2 peppers.
Chop the Garlic
Add the garlic to a blender or food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Blend the Main Ingredients
Scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor, then add the drained tomatoes, drained and rinsed onions, prepared peppers, cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and the juice of half a lime.
Adjust the Salsa Texture
Pulse the mixture to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt (up to 3/4 teaspoon total) or lime juice. If the salsa feels too thick, mix in a bit of the reserved tomato juice.
Refrigerate for Better Flavor
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Notes

If using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, roasting them slightly before use can add depth to the flavor.
For additional smokiness, consider adding a roasted chipotle pepper to the salsa mix.
This salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 15kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg