This homemade jalapeno salsa is an inspiration by branded salsa's taste. Learn how to make this spicy salsa with fresh tomato and jalapeno.
The fresh jalapeno and tomato salsa are hot, spicy, and incredibly delicious. The recipe does not require preservatives, food colors, or flavor additives but tastes better than the store-bought.

My son always pulls a big bag of Tortilla chips and a huge bottle of salsa from the stores. I didn't know if munching them is always good for health.
But I'm 100 percent sure that homemade is always the best compared to the 'ready to eat' available in the market.
About this recipe
This homemade jalapeno salsa is quick to whip up with a simple recipe. It is fabulous to spread as a topping sauce for pizzas or toss with pasta.
Homemade recipes are all about making the dish with minimal ingredients and with minimal cooking steps. And this spicy salsa is the proper kind of recipe.
And it tastes perfect with spicy tortilla chips.
Tomatoes are in season now; we got them today from our recent visit to a local farm here in Pennsylvania. They were sweet and juicy, which enhanced the taste of our fresh jalapeno salsa, just like my roasted green tomato salsa.
Secrets for the best jalapeno salsa
Tomato. Ripen Roma tomatoes are sumptuous, in my opinion. However, feel free to use any variety of tomatoes. Each type has a different taste, making the homemade jalapeno salsa delicious.
Jalapeno. Fresh jalapeno is excellent; you may also use preserved ones like this roasted jalapeno. Seeds decide the heat level in this dish. Remove the seeds for the mild heat and leave a few seeds for more warmth.
Onion. Sweet onion or yellow onion compensates the heat of the jalapeno. Red onion makes the salsa fiery; prefer red onion if you prefer a spicy salsa.
Garlic. One clove, the flavor booster, will bring all the flavors that tempt everyone. Fresh garlic is the best for delicious salsa. And garlic powder is also great to use.
Lime juice. A teaspoon of lime juice will completely balance out the acidity of tomato and jalapeno.
How to make jalapeno salsa?
Place a saucepan over medium heat, add 4 cups of water.
Add tomato, jalapeno, and onion. Cook for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the water and allow them to cool.
Once cooled down, peel off the tomato skin.
Half the jalapeno and remove the seeds for mild heat. Leave some seeds on for a hot and spicy salsa.
In a food processor, add the blanched tomato, jalapeno, onion, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper,
Pulse until it becomes a chunky consistency. Add water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Transfer this to a serving bowl and enjoy it.
Best to serve with?
Tortilla chips. Nothing can beat the combo with homemade jalapeno salsa. These spicy tortilla chips would be delicious with this.
Roasted veggies. A big bowl of roasted veggies vanishes in minutes when served with this. (These spicy roasted vegetables are addictive.)
Protein. It's an excellent topping for the protein of your choice. This spicy salsa would turn into a simple topping.
Sandwich. Spread this layer inside the sandwich for a rich taste and bold flavors.
How to store?
Refrigerate. This homemade jalapeno salsa is excellent to consume within a day if stored on the kitchen counter. If it is in the refrigerator, it stays good for about 5 days. When frozen, it lasts for months.
Freezing. The Homemade salsa with fresh tomatoes can be frozen in a sealed, airtight container for more prolonged use. And it stays for months if stored properly.
The only disadvantage of freezing is that the container occupies space in your freezer. Other than this, it has no penalties. And absolutely, freezing is my preferred method of storing their leftovers.
Thawing. There is no strict thumb rule. But if time permits, transfer the frozen salsa to the refrigerator a day before using it. On the other hand, for instant use, you may also thaw it in the microwave.
Tools that make the recipe easy
Food processor. My favorite is my homemade jalapeno salsa, which is easy to clean up after every use.
Serving bowl. A deep dipping bowl is great for scooping and mess-free as well.
Saucepan. A thick-bottomed saucepan works well to cook evenly.
Other Jalapeno recipes you may like,
- Jalapeno vinaigrette
- Jalapeno peanut brittle
- Jalapeno pinwheels
- Pineapple jalapeno sauce
- Jalapeno tuna salad
- Jalapeno recipes
Printable recipe card
Homemade jalapeno salsa
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 3 tomato
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and veined
- ½ cup sweet onion /yellow onion/roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt or as required
Instructions
- Over medium heat, in a sauce pan add water, tomato, jalapeno, and onion.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Allow it to cool down, and peel the skin of tomato(Discard the water or reserve to thin down the salsa).
- In the food processor, add peeled tomato, cooked tomato, and onion.
- Add in lime juice, salt, and garlic powder.
- Pulse until the salsa becomes chunky.
- Transfer it to deep serving bowl, and enjoy with chips or nachos.
Notes
Nutrition
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Kitchen Queen
Love the home made salsa. BTW you should have make chips also home made.
Gerlinde in Dallas
Your salsa looks delicious! I imagine it would be really nice over steamed fish as well.:)
Janessa
This salsa was so simple and delicious. It was the perfect side for our nachos.
Kushigalu
I love this quick and easy salsa recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Ali
This salsa is delicious! I love the spicy kick from the jalapenos!
Gabby
This was so quick and easy to make, and it's absolutely delicious. A definite crowd pleaser!
Cara Campbell
Super simple but packed with flavor! My new go-to!
Andrea
I'm always up for a delicious, homemade salsa like this jalapeno one. I just need some chips and I'm ready to dig in.
Elizabeth
Definitely better than the store-bought versions! This recipe has just the right amount of heat and is very easy to make as well. Thanks for sharing.
Sara Welch
Enjoyed this for an afternoon snack and it does not disappoint! Sweet yet spicy and hands down delicious; way better than any store bought version too!
Hayley Dhanecha
This homemade salasa sounds so delicious, easy and perfect recipe!
Ali
This jalapeno salsa is delicious, and just the right amount of spicy!
Anjali
This was such a tasty and flavorful salsa!! So much better than store bought, and so simple to make!
Nathan
This is a great salsa, it has the perfect amount of heat and jalapeno flavor. I made a big bowl and I've been eating a little bit with tortilla chips as a snack every afternoon this week!
Nikki
This fresh, simple and flavor packed salsa, is perfect as a dip or chicken topping.