Easy Red Salsa Recipe
This easy red salsa recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and is bursting with fresh, bold flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips, spooning over tacos, or adding a pop of flavor to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. If you’re looking for a quick, homemade salsa that’s healthier than store-bought and incredibly versatile, this one is a must-try.
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This homemade salsa recipe was created by my sister and her daughter-in-law, who grew up cooking authentic Mexican recipes passed down through her family. Together, they also created this amazing salsa verde recipe!
We all love this red salsa for its deep, rich flavor—and the best part is how flexible it is. They’ve included options for using different types of tomatoes, so you likely already have what you need in your pantry. You can make it as spicy as we like it, or keep it mild by using plain tomato sauce instead of the hot kind, making it perfect for everyone at the table. If you are a salsa lover, be sure to try this easy guacamole recipe, too!
Why you’ll love this 10-minute red salsa
- Perfect for dipping homemade baked tortilla chips or dolloping over bean tacos!
- It’s healthier and tastier than store-bought salsa.
- No cooking required for this easy blender salsa!
- Perfect for making ahead!
Ingredients Needed
- Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a deeper, richer flavor to this salsa that you just don’t get from raw or standard canned tomatoes.
- Onion: One full cup might seem like a lot at first, but once everything blends together, it helps build the base of the flavor. Onion adds a balance of sweetness and sharpness that brings all the other ingredients together and gives the salsa that bold, well-rounded taste we all love.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to salsa that really wakes everything up. It brings a slightly citrusy, herbal note that balances the richness of the tomatoes and the sharpness of the onion. Just a small amount can make the salsa taste fresher, lighter, and more vibrant, tying all the flavors together.
- Hot tomato sauce: This recipe calls for hot tomato sauce, and I highly recommend using it for an extra boost of flavor and gentle heat. That said, if you prefer a milder salsa—or are cooking for sensitive palates—regular tomato sauce works perfectly as a substitute.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Fire-roasted vs. regular Roma tomatoes– Fire-roasted tomatoes add a rich, smoky depth to your salsa that’s hard to achieve with fresh tomatoes alone. If you use fresh tomatoes, the flavor will be a bit milder unless you season them well or roast them.
You can find canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes in most grocery stores in the tomato aisle. Or, use fresh Roma tomatoes and roast them yourself at home for a homemade touch!
If you want a chunkier salsa, drain the canned fire-roasted tomatoes before adding them.
Spice level- I highly recommend El Pato Mexican Style Hot Tomato Sauce found in the Hispanic foods section of grocer if you like a little kick! Add more or less to adjust the flavor to suit your taste preference.
Herbs: If you prefer, you can adjust the cilantro amount to taste or even mix in some fresh parsley for a different twist.
Reduce sodium: To reduce the amount of sodium in this recipe, consider using garlic powder rather than garlic salt, or simply use less salt.
How to Make Easy Red Salsa
STEP #1: Start by gathering your ingredients. Peel and roughly chop the onion. In a food processor, combine the cilantro and about 2/3 cup of the chopped onion. Pulse in short 1-second bursts until everything is nicely and finely chopped.
STEP #2: Add the diced tomatoes to the food processor. If you like your salsa a little chunky, you can set aside a few diced tomatoes to mix in at the end. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
STEP #3: Pour the blended mixture into a serving bowl. Add the remaining finely chopped onions, any remaining fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce (or El Pato), garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together gently.
STEP #4: Give your salsa a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Grab your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, or veggie bowls and dip, scoop, or drizzle. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Serving Suggestions
- Scoop with homemade tortilla chips for a classic snack or appetizer
- Spoon over tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
- Add to nachos for extra flavor and freshness
- Stir into rice or grain bowls for a zesty kick
- Serve alongside roasted or grilled veggies
- Top veggie burgers or sandwiches for a flavor boost
- Mix into scrambled tofu or breakfast bowls
- Use as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Fresh Roma or plum tomatoes work great. Roasting them first will give your salsa a deeper, smoky flavor similar to fire-roasted canned tomatoes. If you use fresh tomatoes, you may need to blend a bit longer to get a smooth texture.
Absolutely! Homemade salsa tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge because the flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days.
Cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor that really brings the salsa together, but you can reduce it or substitute parsley if you’re not a fan. The salsa will still be delicious—it just won’t have that signature herbal note.
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly soften the texture, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
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Red Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes (or 3 Roma tomatoes)
- 1 cup onion
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup hot tomato sauce (or regular tomato sauce)
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Start by gathering your ingredients. Peel and roughly chop the onion. In a food processor, combine the cilantro and about 2/3 cup of the chopped onion. Pulse in short 1-second bursts until everything is nicely and finely chopped.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the food processor. If you like your salsa a little chunky, you can set aside a few diced tomatoes to mix in at the end. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour the blended mixture into a serving bowl. Add the remaining finely chopped onions, any remaining fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce (or El Pato), garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together gently.
- Give your salsa a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Grab your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, or veggie bowls and dip, scoop, or drizzle. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Video
Notes
You can also use fresh Roma tomatoes in this recipe and roast them yourself at home! Drain fire-roasted tomatoes from a can to achieve a chunkier salsa consistency. Spice level- I highly recommend El Pato Mexican Style Hot Tomato Sauce found in the Hispanic foods section of grocer if you like a little kick! Add more or less to adjust the flavor to suit your taste preference. Herbs: If you prefer, you can adjust the cilantro amount to taste or even mix in some fresh parsley for a different twist. Reduce sodium: To reduce the amount of sodium in this recipe, consider using garlic powder rather than garlic salt, or simply use less salt. Serving Suggestions
- Scoop with homemade tortilla chips for a classic snack or appetizer
- Spoon over tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
- Add to nachos for extra flavor and freshness
- Stir into rice or grain bowls for a zesty kick
- Serve alongside roasted or grilled veggies
- Top veggie burgers or sandwiches for a flavor boost
- Mix into scrambled tofu or breakfast bowls
- Use as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
This recipe was created by my sister and niece-in-law. Absolutely delicious! The flavors are bold, fresh, and perfectly balanced. A must-try salsa that’s quick, easy, and so versatile!”