This homemade spicy and fresh hot salsa recipe is here to amp up your snacking game! With a balance of smoky chipotles, fresh tomatoes, and zesty lime, it’s the perfect blend of flavors and heat for all your favorite dishes.
Why You’ll Love It
This homemade spicy and fresh hot salsa recipe is about to become your go-to for creating the best Mexican restaurant-style salsa at home!
Unlike store-bought salsas, this delicious pico de gallo-esque salsa is made with basic ingredients—ripe Roma tomatoes, smoky chipotle, and the perfect amount of heat from fresh jalapeño.
With this easy red salsa recipe, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful dip on hand, packed with vibrant ingredients that elevate any meal.
So whether you’re spooning it over chicken enchiladas or pairing it with huevos rancheros. The depth of flavor is what makes this Mexican-inspired salsa stand out. You and your fam will love serving this great recipe in a colorful bowl at any Super Bowl party or casual gathering.
So whether you're preparing for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, I guarantee that this is the best salsa and your taste buds won't be able to get enough!
Go ahead and grab your favorite serving bowl and dig into the best homemade salsa with the freshest, boldest flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Like any good salsa recipe, fresh ingredients are key. Here's what you'll need to make a big batch of this fresh tomato salsa recipe:
- Good Tomatoes: Ripe Roma tomatoes give a great balance of sweetness and acidity, but you can substitute with vine-ripened or plum tomatoes if needed. You could also use canned tomatoes (whole or diced tomatoes work) if you absolutely had to in this spicy salsa recipe.
- Red Onion: Red onion adds a bit of sweetness and a bold, savory flavor. Yellow or white onion will also work if you prefer a milder taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provides a zesty kick. If you don’t have fresh cloves, a pinch of garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Adjust the heat level with one jalapeño for mild-to-medium spice or two jalapeno or serrano peppers for a spicier salsa. Substitute with a small habanero pepper for an even hotter kick! This is definitely not a mild salsa recipe!
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: A little bit of these go a long way. Chipotle pepper have so much depth of flavor and a great spice level while adding a smokiness to the salsa. If you don’t have them, smoked paprika and a bit of chili powder will give a similar smoky flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness to the salsa. If you’re not a fan, try adding a small handful of fresh parsley.
- Green Onions: If you don't have green onions, you can leave them out.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Lime juice adds fresh flavor and acidity. Lemon juice can work as a substitute, though it’s slightly less tangy.
- Cumin: This adds warmth and earthiness. Feel free to skip it if you’re not a fan of cumin or replace it with coriander for a twist.
- Oregano: A pinch of Mexican oregano gives that classic Mexican flavor. Italian oregano works fine if that’s what you have on hand.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt enhances the flavors, but sea salt or table salt can also be used. Adjust to taste.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a hint of richness. Avocado oil is a good alternative if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
- Optional Additions: Want to make this salsa roja even more spicy? Try adding habanero peppers, red pepper flakes, poblano peppers, árbol chilis, or your other favorite chili peppers from your local grocery store for extra flavor.
How to Make It
This easy, flavorful hot salsa is the perfect spicy addition to any meal and will quickly become your go-to homemade salsa recipe! Here's how to do it with simple ingredients!
Prep the Ingredients: Start by adding the juicy tomatoes, red onion, chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, cumin, oregano, and kosher salt to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is roughly combined but still chunky.
Add the Heat: Next, toss in the fresh cilantro, green onion, and jalapeño or serrano pepper. Puree to your desired consistency, whether you like it smooth or with some texture.
Finish It Off: Stir in the remaining lime juice and a splash of olive oil for a touch of richness. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if desired.
Serve: Transfer your delicious salsa to a large bowl and serve immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dishes. It’s also delicious as a topping for tacos, burritos, grilled meats, and more!
Save: You can place the leftovers for this fresh salsa in an airtight container (preferably a glass container) and keep it for up to a week.
What to serve with it:
Honestly, all you need is a big bag of tortilla chips for this homemade spicy salsa. But you could also pair it with some of these tasty Mexican food inspired recipes, too!
- Mexican Street Corn Soup
- Easy Brown Beans Recipe (The Best Pinto Beans)
- Chicken Tinga - Perfectly Spicy Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe for Tacos, Quesadillas & Salads
- Crockpot Enchilada Casserole with Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese (Vegetarian)
- Steak Picado - Perfect for Tacos, Rice Bowls & More!
Recipe
Easy Hot Salsa Recipe (The Best Fresh Homemade Spicy Salsa)
Ingredients
- 5 medium Roma Tomatoes (ripe)
- ½ medium Red Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1-2 large Jalapeño or 2 or more serrano peppers depending on your heat preference
- 2 large Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
- 3 stalks Green Onion
- ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro
- 1 large Lime juiced
- 1 pinch Cumin
- 1 pinch Mexican Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon Oil Oil
Instructions
- Add tomatoes, onion, chipotles, garlic, lime juice, cumin, oregano and kosher salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Then blend in the cilantro, green onion, and jalapeño
- Add lime juice juice and olive oil and stir.
- Let rest for 20 minutes then taste and season with salt and pepper. Be sure to adjust for other ingredients - such as more spicy, more limey etc.
- Serve or place in a glass container and keep in the fridge.
