This simple and quick homemade salsa is unbelievably delicious. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy this fresh and flavorful salsa!
While there’s a time and place for traditional homemade salsa that can last all year, sometimes you need a faster option. And that’s where this delightful quick and easy salsa comes in handy.
When you’re short on time (like me, most days lately), this tasty salsa is perfect for you.

Making Salsa in 5 Minutes or Less
Step 1: Use a food processor to chop cilantro, jalapeño, onion, and garlic*
Step 2: Add tomatoes, salt, and lime juice
Step 3: Pulse until you reach your desired consistency
Step 4: Grab some chips and enjoy!
*Equipment Tip: I recommend using a food processor for this recipe. However, you can also use a blender as explained in the recipe notes.

Delicious and Fresh
Don’t underestimate the power of canned tomatoes in this salsa. The combination of cilantro, lime juice, onion, and garlic transforms them into a salsa that’s perfect for any occasion.
I’ve been making a version of this quick and easy homemade salsa for over a decade. It’s a tried and true recipe that has been updated over the years to make it even easier and fresher.

The Ultimate Salsa
People often find it hard to believe that this salsa is made from canned tomatoes because it’s just that good.
While I love my traditional homemade salsa, this quick and easy version is perfect for those busy days when you want something fresh and delicious without all the extra effort.

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Quick and Easy Homemade Salsa
- ½ bunch cilantro (about 1/2 cup packed – see note)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, stem and seeds removed (leave seeds if you want more heat)
- ¼ of a medium red onion
- ½ to 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves)
- 2 cans (15-ounces each) regular or fire-roasted diced tomatoes, well-drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, but I like how it balances the flavors)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Put cilantro, jalapeño, red onion, and garlic in a food processor (see note for blender). Pulse until finely chopped.
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Add tomatoes, salt, and lime juice. Pulse to desired consistency. You can leave it chunky or finely chopped, depending on your preference.
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Adjust salt and lime juice to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a week. Drain excess liquid before serving, if desired.
Red Onion: A quarter of a medium onion is roughly a 2- or 3-inch piece. Adjust to your taste.
Blender: While a food processor works best, a blender can also be used. Finely chop cilantro, onion, and garlic before blending with tomatoes, salt, and lime juice.
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 19kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, easy homemade quick Salsa
