This Authentic Mexican Salsa (commonly known as Salsa Roja) is a staple in Mexican cuisine. It’s made from fresh tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and garlic, and is perfect for serving with tortilla chips, tacos, or any other Mexican dish. It’s simple yet bursting with fresh flavors, and you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking!
1. Best Authentic Mexican Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes (Roma tomatoes work best)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers (for more heat, use serrano; for less heat, use jalapeños)
- 1/2 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- Salt, to taste (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for roasting)
Instructions
Step 1. Roast the Ingredients (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, you can roast the tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic to bring out their natural sweetness and smokiness.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil (optional) and roast for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are charred and soft. Alternatively, you can roast them on a hot grill or directly over a gas flame until they are slightly blackened.
Step 2. Blend the Salsa
Transfer the roasted (or raw, if you prefer) tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic to a blender or food processor.
Add the cilantro, lime juice, salt, and ground cumin (if using).
Pulse the mixture until you reach your desired consistency. For a chunky salsa, pulse just a few times. For a smoother salsa, blend longer.
Step 3. Adjust Seasoning
Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or lime juice if desired.
If the salsa is too spicy, you can add a bit more tomato or a splash of water to tame the heat.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let the salsa chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
2. Serving Suggestions
With Tortilla Chips: Serve the salsa with warm, crispy tortilla chips for a classic snack.
Tacos: Use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Baked Meats: This salsa pairs wonderfully with baked chicken, steak, or fish.
Eggs: Top scrambled eggs or an omelette with salsa for a flavorful breakfast.
3. Variations
Salsa Verde: Substitute the red tomatoes with tomatillos for a green salsa with a tangy flavor.
Pico de Gallo: For a chunkier, fresher version, dice the tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic instead of blending them. Add a dash of olive oil and more cilantro for a vibrant salsa fresca.
Smoky Chipotle Salsa: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky, spicy twist.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salsa spicier?
Yes! To increase the heat, use more serrano peppers or leave the seeds and membranes in when blending. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
While fresh tomatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use fire-roasted canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to drain them before use to avoid overly watery salsa.
How do I make the salsa less spicy?
To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before blending, or use milder peppers like poblano or Anaheim.
This Authentic Mexican Salsa is the perfect balance of fresh, spicy, and tangy flavors that will elevate any dish. With just a few fresh ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a batch of this delicious salsa in no time!
