Easy Canned Salsa Recipe: Quick & Tangy Freshness (Print Version)
Easy Canned Salsa Recipe transforms pantry staples into vibrant, tangy salsa. My simple method, full of flavor, makes homemade salsa a breeze for any meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
02 -
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
03 -
1/4 red onion, roughly chopped
04 -
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
→ Seasonings & Spices
07 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 -
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
→ Optional Heat
10 -
1/2 jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your ingredients out. This is where I always line everything up on the counter, a little ritual before the blending begins. Open those cans of diced tomatoes and green chilies, but don't drain them! We want all that lovely liquid for the salsa's consistency. Chop your red onion super fine, mince that garlic, and give your cilantro a good rough chop. It's all about setting yourself up for success, and honestly, it makes the whole process feel less chaotic, even for me!
02 -
Now, for the fun part! Dump the undrained canned diced tomatoes and green chilies into your blender or food processor. Add the chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh cilantro, and that lovely lime juice. If you're using a jalapeño, toss that in too. This is where the magic starts to happen, transforming simple pantry items into something truly special. I sometimes get a little heavy-handed with the cilantro here, but hey, it's my salsa, right? Don't worry if it looks a bit chunky; we’re going to pulse it.
03 -
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Start with about half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper, then you can adjust later. Now, put the lid on and pulse a few times. We're not making a smoothie here! You want some texture, some little bits of tomato and onion still visible. I usually go for about 5-7 pulses, just enough to break everything down but still keep it rustic. It should smell incredibly fresh and tangy already!
04 -
This is the most important step, honestly. Spoon a little bit of the salsa onto a chip and taste it. Does it need more salt? A bit more lime for tang? Maybe another pinch of cumin for warmth? This is where you get to be the chef and make it truly yours. I always mess this up the first time, adding too much salt, then having to balance it out. Oops! Don't be afraid to adjust; it's all part of the cooking journey.
05 -
Once you're happy with the flavors, transfer your homemade Easy Canned Salsa Recipe to a bowl or an airtight container. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is so crucial; it allows all those beautiful flavors to meld and deepen. I know it's hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it. It’ll taste so much better when it’s nice and cold.
06 -
Finally, pull that gorgeous, vibrant salsa out of the fridge and give it a quick stir. It should look bright, smell zesty, and have that perfect chunky consistency. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or honestly, just a spoon! This Easy Canned Salsa Recipe is so versatile, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Enjoy that fresh, tangy goodness you just whipped up!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't over-blend the salsa! A few pulses are all you need for that perfect chunky texture; otherwise, you'll end up with soup, which I've done.
02 -
Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially the salt and lime. What tastes good to me might be different for you, so trust your palate.
03 -
Letting the Easy Canned Salsa Recipe chill for at least 30 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor development. Patience, my friend!
04 -
For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a tiny pinch of smoked paprika. I discovered this by accident, and it's a game-changer!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Blender or Food Processor
02 -
Measuring cups and spoons
03 -
Airtight container
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 25
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 1g