5 Best Salsa Recipes: From Mild to Flaming Hot

When it comes to snacking, few things are more fun and satisfying than a good salsa. Be it smooth and mild, chunky and mind-blowingly hot, or any variation in between, salsa has a way of bringing people together in a frenzy of chip-dipping madness. However, for many of us, the store-bought salsa never quite compares to the fresh stuff you can get in restaurants. This may be because store bought salsa is loaded with preservatives and is often overcooked, so as to increase its shelf life. While this is important—so that when you open it up, you’re not greeted with the garbage-bin aroma of rotten food—for those who’ve tasted the crisp tang of flavorfully fresh, homemade salsa, the stuff that comes in a jar is simply unacceptable.

But that doesn’t mean that you’ll have to head to the local Mexican restaurant every time you want to be able to enjoy fresh salsa! With some simple ingredients, a bit of know-how, and a blender, you’ll be able to make amazing salsa right in your own kitchen.

Here are five ‌homemade salsa recipes to help keep your salsa cravings in check while at home. They get hotter as you scroll!

1. Kid-Friendly Fresh Salsa Recipe (Spiciness: very mild)

For those of you who appreciate flavor without the burn, this mild salsa recipe is your perfect starting point. It's gentle on the palate but big on taste, making it a fantastic restaurant-style salsa for family gatherings or just a quiet night in.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small white onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In your Blendtec blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and cilantro. Give it a few pulses until you reach your desired consistency—chunky for dipping or smooth for drizzling.
2. Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle some salt. Pulse a few more times to mix everything well.
3. Give your salsa a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little extra lime or salt can really make the flavors pop!

2. Salsa Verde Recipe (Spiciness: mild–medium)

Ready for a mild to medium kick? This salsa verde recipe is a vibrant mix of tangy and spicy flavors. It’s perfect for those who want a little heat without overpowering their taste buds. Ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 medium white onion, quartered
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Broil the tomatillos, onion, and jalapeños on a baking sheet until charred, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
• Transfer the roasted veggies to a blender, adding the cilantro, lime juice, and cumin.
• Blend until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture. Season with salt to taste.
• This salsa is great with chips, on tacos, or as a flavorful addition to grilled meats.

3. Medium Salsa Recipe: (Spiciness: mild to hot)

If you're ready to turn up the heat just a notch, our medium salsa is the way to go. It strikes a delightful balance between spicy and savory, making it a hit for those who like a little zing without the sting.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro into your Blendtec jar.
2. Pulse the ingredients until you get that perfect salsa texture. Go for a few quick bursts if you like it chunky, or blend a bit longer for a smoother finish.
3. Add the lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it another quick blend to mix all the flavors together.

4. Salsa Roja Recipe (Spiciness: medium to hot)

For those who dare to dial up the heat, this hot salsa recipe brings a robust and fiery flavor that will not disappoint. It's perfect for spice lovers looking to add a serious kick to their dishes. The spiciness of this salsa depends heavily on the peppers you use, and some peppers may seem excruciatingly hot, while others may have little to no spiciness at all. If you’re afraid that you might get a batch that is too hot, consider reducing the number of peppers you use, or remove the seeds and the membranes from the peppers before you cook them.

Ingredients:

• 5 ripe Roma tomatoes
• 1 medium white onion, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 2-3 jalapeño peppers (adjust based on desired heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by roasting the tomatoes, onion quarters, unpeeled garlic, and jalapeño peppers. You can do this either in a broiler set to high, turning occasionally until all sides are charred, about 5-7 minutes, or over an open flame on a grill. The goal is to get a nice char on the vegetables, which adds depth to the salsa's flavor.
2. Once the vegetables are charred and cool enough to handle, peel the garlic cloves and remove the stems from the jalapeños. Depending on your heat preference, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for less heat.
3. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeños to a Blendtec jar. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and cumin powder. Pulse until you achieve your desired consistency.

5. The Hottest Salsa in the World (Spiciness: beyond hot)

This salsa isn't just hot. It's a molten concoction designed for those who laugh in the face of danger and crave the thrill of the world's spiciest peppers. Proceed with caution—this is not for the uninitiated!

Ingredients:

• 5 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 3 large onions, chopped
• 2 Carolina Reaper peppers, seeded and chopped (currently recognized as the hottest pepper in the world)
• 1 ounce dried Ghost Peppers (Bhut Jolokia), stemmed, soaked in warm water, and drained
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 4 limes
• 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Before starting, put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the intense heat of the peppers. Safety goggles are also recommended to avoid any accidental splashes.
2. Add the fresh tomatoes, onions, Carolina Reapers, drained Ghost Peppers, and cilantro into your blender.
3. Pulse the mixture until you reach your desired consistency. For those who dare, a smoother texture will integrate the heat more thoroughly.
4. Add the lime juice, cayenne pepper, and salt. Give it one last blend to make sure all the fiery elements are fully unleashed.

Unique Ways to Use Salsa

Whether you’re looking for a mild or a hot salsa recipe, we hope you found one you love! But what if you made too much, or it didn't all get eaten by your guests? Here are some fun, unique ways to use your homemade salsa.

1. With Your Eggs: Mixing hot salsa into scrambled eggs or adding it on top of an omelet is a great way to spice up your morning.
2. In Your Burgers: Add it into your burger mixture before throwing the patties on the grill, or add it after instead of ketchup.
3. On Your Pizza: Spread some on your next slice of pizza.
4. In Grilled Cheese: Layer it into a grilled cheese sandwich.
5. In Mac and Cheese: Add a spoonful into your mac and cheese.
6. As a Dip for Chips: Enjoy it as a dip with tortilla chips.
7. In Burritos and Tacos: Incorporate salsa into your burritos and tacos for added flavor.
8. Salsa Bar: Make an entire salsa bar where guests can choose from various salsa options to add to their dishes or have as an appetizer.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for convenience. Fire roasted tomatoes can also be a great alternative to enhance the smoky flavor of the salsa.

What are the health benefits of salsa?

These salsa recipes are packed with Vitamin C from the lime juice and tomatoes, potassium and calcium from various vegetables, and provide a good source of Vitamin A from the red and yellow colors of the peppers and tomatoes.

How long is the total prep time for these salsa recipes?

The total time, including preparation and blending, is approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy recipe for those on the go.

If you have any mild to hot salsa recipes that you are dying to share, post them in the comments section and let the world experience the spice!