Looking for a quick and delicious way to spice up your meals? This Blender Salsa Recipe is your answer! It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and completely customizable to suit your taste. Perfect for busy days, this salsa comes together in just minutes and can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 50
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 120mg
Why Make Blender Salsa Recipe
Making your own salsa at home is not only healthy, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to fit your preferences. This Blender Salsa Recipe is loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. Plus, salsa is incredibly versatile — use it as a dip, a topping for tacos, or even as a marinade for chicken. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Blender Salsa Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
Canned Tomatoes (The Recommended Choice): For consistency and a classic “restaurant” flavor, canned tomatoes are often superior. They are picked and canned at their peak ripeness, ensuring a deep, rich tomato flavor year-round. They also provide the perfect amount of liquid to get the salsa to the right consistency without it becoming watery. For an extra layer of smoky depth, try using a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. You won’t regret it.
Fresh Tomatoes: If it’s the peak of summer and you have beautiful, ripe tomatoes from the garden or farmer’s market, you can absolutely use them! You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 cups of coarsely chopped fresh tomatoes to equal one 14.5-ounce can. Roma tomatoes are an excellent choice because they have more flesh and fewer seeds, which helps control the water content. If you use juicier varieties, you may want to scoop out some of the seeds and watery pulp before blending.
¼ small Red Onion: Red onion provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that is less overpowering than a yellow or white onion. It also adds a beautiful color to the salsa. About ⅓ cup of coarsely chopped onion is the perfect amount to provide flavor without dominating.
¼ cup Cilantro: For many, cilantro is the defining herb of salsa. It adds a fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery note that is absolutely essential. Be sure to use both the leaves and the tender stems, as the stems are packed with flavor.
1 Lime, zested and juiced: Do not skip this! The lime juice adds the bright, acidic kick that balances all the other flavors and makes the salsa taste fresh and vibrant. The zest, which is the fragrant outer green peel, adds an extra layer of lime oil and aroma that elevates the entire dish.
1 Jalapeño Pepper (or Serrano Pepper): This is your source of heat. Jalapeños provide a mild to medium kick. For a spicier salsa, use a Serrano pepper, which is typically hotter. The heat is concentrated in the seeds and the white membrane inside the pepper. To control the spice level, remove all seeds and membranes for a mild salsa, leave some in for a medium heat, or use the whole thing for a fiery kick.
2 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a pungent, aromatic foundation. Two cloves give the salsa a noticeable but not overwhelming garlic presence. Coarsely chop them before adding them to the blender to ensure they get incorporated evenly.
¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin: This is a secret weapon. Cumin adds a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor that is characteristic of many restaurant salsas. It’s a subtle background note that ties everything together.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Salt is a flavor enhancer. It doesn’t just make the salsa salty; it makes the tomatoes taste more tomato-y and the lime taste brighter. Start with a ¼ teaspoon of sea salt and a pinch of black pepper, then taste and add more as needed after blending.
Directions
The only “work” involved is a bit of coarse chopping. You don’t need a perfect dice, as the blender will do the heavy lifting. Coarsely chop your red onion, jalapeño (seeded, if desired), and garlic. Measure out your cilantro. Zest and juice the lime. This initial prep should take no more than 2-3 minutes.
Place all the ingredients into the carafe of your blender or food processor: the entire can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), the chopped red onion, cilantro, lime zest and juice, chopped jalapeño, chopped garlic, ground cumin, and a starting amount of salt and pepper.
This is the most crucial step. You are not making a smoothie. You want to retain some texture. Use the “pulse” function on your blender or food processor. Pulse the ingredients in short, 1-2 second bursts. After 4-5 pulses, stop and scrape down the sides. Check the consistency. Continue pulsing until the salsa reaches your desired texture. It should be combined, but still have small, visible flecks of onion and cilantro. Over-blending will make the salsa thin, watery, and sometimes even frothy. Aim for 8-12 pulses in total, depending on your machine.
Once you’ve reached the perfect texture, give it a taste. This is where you make it your own. Does it need more salt? A little more lime juice for brightness? More heat? You could even pulse in a few more pieces of jalapeño if you’re feeling brave.
The salsa is ready to be served immediately. However, for the absolute best flavor, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final product.
How to Serve Blender Salsa Recipe
This salsa is the perfect companion to tortilla chips for a delicious appetizer or snack. You can also serve it alongside tacos, burritos, or grilled meats for added flavor. For a refreshing summer salad, spoon it over greens or use it as a zesty dressing for your favorite veggies.
How to Store Blender Salsa Recipe
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you find yourself with extra salsa, you can freeze it in small portions for later use. Just make sure to leave some room in your container, as salsa may expand when frozen. For best results, enjoy it fresh!
Expert Tips for Cooking Blender Salsa Recipe
- Always taste your salsa before serving; adjusting flavors can make all the difference.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to tomatoes and herbs.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add spices like chili powder or additional herbs like oregano for a twist.
Delicious Variations of Blender Salsa Recipe
- Add mango or pineapple for a sweet and fruity twist to your salsa.
- For a smoky version, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Experiment with roasted red peppers for a different depth of flavor.
In conclusion, this Blender Salsa Recipe is a taste explosion that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. Give it a try and elevate your meal prep with fresh flavors and a touch of heat!
Blender Salsa
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Canned Tomatoes Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
- 1.5-2 cups Fresh Tomatoes Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
- ¼ small Red Onion Coarsely chopped.
- ¼ cup Cilantro Use both leaves and tender stems.
- 1 whole Lime, zested and juiced Essential for fresh taste.
- 1 whole Jalapeño Pepper For heat; remove seeds for milder salsa.
- 2 cloves Garlic Fresh, coarsely chopped.
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin Adds warm, smoky flavor.
- to taste Sea Salt and Black Pepper Start with ¼ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper.
Instructions
Preparation
- Coarsely chop the red onion, jalapeño (seeded if desired), and garlic. Measure out the cilantro, zest, and juice the lime.
Blending
- Place all ingredients into the blender: canned tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime zest and juice, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse the ingredients in short bursts (1-2 seconds) until desired texture is achieved, aiming for 8-12 pulses.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice as desired.
Serving
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavors.
