• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Good Cheap Eats
  • About
    • About Good Cheap Eats
    • Media
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Contact Me
  • Members Only
    • Login
    • Club Homepage
    • Club Resource Library
    • Downloads
    • Live Club Events
  • Recipe Index
  • Blog
  • SHOP
    • Purchases
    • Cookbooks
    • Planner
    • The Good Cheap Eats Club
    • Meal Plans
    • Holiday Helps
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Memorial Day
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • About
  • My Account
  • Members Only
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Memorial Day
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • About
    • My Account
    • Members Only
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Appetizers

    Easy Recipe for Homemade Salsa

    Published: Feb 9, 2022 · Modified: May 2, 2022 by Jessica Fisher

    Facebook0Tweet0Pin0Print0
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    stacked images of salsa in a long pin with text overlay.

    If you’ve been buying salsa in a jar, it may be time to rethink that. This easy recipe for Homemade Salsa is one of those pantry staples you can make yourself. It’s cheaper and tastier than the commercial varieties. And so easy!

    Serve this Homemade Salsa at your next shindig, it’s a Great Game Day Appetizer to share with friends and family, alongside a Taco Layer Dip and Air Fryer Tortilla Chips.

    hand holding chip dipped in salsa over a small marble bowl of salsa in front of a black backdrop. this …

    Since we eat so much Mexican food at our house, we eat a lot of salsa, at least a pint a week, sometimes more!

    When we first married, I paid $4 for a 16-ounce container every week. It was from the refrigerated section at the store, so it had to be primo, right?

    Once I realized that I could make twice as much for a fraction of the price, I quit buying it. On the occasions where I’m lazy or in a hurry and I’ve bought the old varieties, we’ve been sorely disappointed. Homemade tastes so much better!

    Why Make This

    It’s a good cheap eat! At only $1.51 for 4 cups of salsa, this is a great deal, especially if you enjoy salsa often.

    It’s a great winter option when fresh tomatoes aren’t prime. This is the homemade salsa recipe I prepare weekly, using canned tomatoes. Later in the summer when fresh garden tomatoes are in abundance, I make Homemade Pico de Gallo, but this holds us over through the rest of the year.

    It’s quick and easy. There’s not much prep involved, just a quick chop of the onion, cilantro, and chile. Stir it all together and you’re off!

    Ingredients

    Here’s what you need to make Homemade Salsa the easy way:

    ingredients for homemade salsa laid out on a black table.

    tomatoes – Since this salsa is unblended, I recommend using canned petite diced tomatoes, but there are so many options you can lean on, including freshly seeded and chopped tomatoes, canned fire-roasted tomatoes, and crushed tomatoes. Each will give your salsa a slightly different texture, so experiment until you have what you love best.

    fresh cilantro – Cilantro is a must-have for homemade salsa. You can grow your own or buy it from the store. Be sure to follow these tips to Keep Cilantro Fresh.

    green onion – Green onion is cheap and easy to use, but you can also use yellow, red, or white onions. Taste them before you add them to the salsa. If they are bitter, rinse well with cold water to improve their taste.

    jalapeño – The amount of heat will depend on which chile you use. Serrano will be hottest; crushed red pepper will be mild; jalapeño will be somewhere in between.

    lime juice – Lime juice helps round out the flavors and adds another fresh layer of flavor. You can use bottled juice, but fresh is often best.

    salt and pepper – Season your salsa to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Here’s how to make this easy homemade salsa:

    • tomatoes in a large white bowl with the chopped onion, cilantro, and jalapeno in lines atop, the lime wedges are in a small white dish nearby on the black table.
    • the salsa combined in the mixing bowl.
    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes with their juices, the cilantro, chile pepper, and lime juice, stirring gently. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    2. Chill until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips or other Mexican dishes.

    FAQs & Recipe Costs

    Can homemade salsa go bad?

    All fresh food will experience decay at some point. Since homemade salsa does not have any preservatives in it, treat it as you would any other prepped food. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. It should be good for 5 to 7 days.

    Can you freeze homemade salsa?

    Freezing food will extend its life and postpone decay. If you wish to freeze salsa, store it in an airtight container with ½ to 1-inch headspace to allow for expansion. Use within two months. Thaw in the refrigerator, stir to recombine, and serve.

    Keep in mind that the jalapeño and onion will lose their crunch after freezing, so the texture won’t be quite the same.

    What kind of tomatoes should you use in homemade salsa?

    You can use whatever tomatoes you have on hand, fresh or canned. You’ll want to make sure that you chop the tomatoes in a fine dice so that the salsa is dip-able.

    Recipe Costs

    Knowing how much it costs you to prepare a recipe can help you decide if it’s the type of recipe to make regularly or one you might want to save for special occasions. Let’s crunch some numbers and see how this recipe pencils out.

    • petite diced tomatoes – $0.90
    • fresh cilantro – $0.25
    • green onion – $0.10
    • jalapeño – $0.15
    • lime juice – $0.10
    • salt and pepper – $0.01

    While your costs may vary depending on where and how you shop, you can expect to pay about $1.51 for a big batch of Homemade Salsa, about 9 cents/serving!

    That’s a much better price than buying it in a jar! Making your own is a great way to save money on a good eat.

    Here are some of the strategies I use to make this recipe more economical:

    • Do a price comparison. I know that ALDI is the best place to buy ingredients in bulk, like canned tomatoes, when there isn’t a great sale elsewhere. I keep track of prices so that I know who has the best deal where.
    • Stock up on ingredients when they are on sale. For instance, when I see a great price on onions, I buy a lot. 
    • Store your cilantro so that it lasts! Most recipes only call for a handful of the fragrant herb, so stretch that purchase as far as you can. Better yet, grow your own in a pot in the kitchen or in the back yard, weather permitting.
    marble bowl of salsa on a black and white cloth folded on a black table.

    Perfect Pairings

    • Beef Chimichanga Recipe (61 cents each)
    • Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
    • Cheese Enchilada Recipe (54 cents/serving)
    • Homemade Mexican Bean Tostadas (56 cents each!)

    Tell us what you think!

    We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

    hand holding chip piled with salsa above a marble pestle of salsa.
    Print Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    5 from 2 votes

    Easy Homemade Salsa

    If you’ve been buying salsa in a jar, it may be time to think about making Homemade Salsa. It’s cheaper and tastier than the commercial varieties. And so easy!
    Prep Time7 mins
    Total Time7 mins
    Course: Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 1kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $1.41

    Equipment

    • large mixing bowl
    • rubber spatula

    Ingredients

    • 2 15-ounce cans petite diced tomatoes
    • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
    • 1 green onion chopped
    • 1 jalapeno
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • salt
    • black pepper

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes with their juices, the cilantro, chile pepper, and lime juice, stirring gently. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    • Chill until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips or other Mexican dishes.

    Notes

    Nutritional values are based on ¼ cup salsa.
    Prepared salsa is good in the fridge for up to a week, covered.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag Me Today!Mention @goodcheapeatsblog or tag #goodcheapeats!

    This post was originally published on June 19, 2009. It has been updated for content and clarity.

    « Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
    Mojito Mocktail »
    Facebook0Tweet0Pin0Print0

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia

      December 03, 2021 at 8:19 am

      5 stars
      This is my middle son’s favorite salsa! When he comes home from a Nat’l Guard weekend/month he is so excited when I have it ready for him.

      Reply
    2. Courtney

      May 07, 2012 at 12:58 am

      If it freezes well, I can see it being cheaper using a #10 can of diced tomatoes from Costco. Thank you, I’m excited to try this!

      Reply
    3. Annette

      August 28, 2011 at 3:04 pm

      Can we get a link for the ‘summer’ version? I’m going to see if I can hit up friends for their garden tomatoes! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jessica

        August 28, 2011 at 3:06 pm

        Here you are, my dear: https://goodcheapeats.com/2010/08/pico-de-gallo/

        Reply
    4. beth @ fabulouswon

      July 01, 2011 at 12:29 pm

      i can’t wait to try this recipe and take to our 4th of July party…I’m nervous though since my cousin makes his pretty good and it all comes from his garden, not sure how mine will rank.

      Reply
    5. It's A Mom Thing

      June 29, 2011 at 8:43 pm

      Coming over from Life As Mom and I have to say, I NEED to get on the ball and make some homemade salsa! It’s always so much better than store bought, this recipe seems easy enough for me! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
    6. Ellen

      June 05, 2011 at 2:45 pm

      I’m curious about the cost breakdown for your salsa. I decided to try and make it this week, and it cost me $.99 at SuperTarget for a bunch of cilantro. 28 oz. of tomatos are $1.30 at my store. All in all, the price breakdown of the salsa looks to me to be the same as buying a jar of salsa in the store. I can see that it would taste better, but I don’t see how it’s cheaper…

      Reply
      • Jessica

        June 05, 2011 at 2:56 pm

        @Ellen, that’s a great point. My target prices do effect it if you are looking at it from an econ standpoint. My husband doesn’t care for jarred salsa, so I’d make it anyway. But, I generally buy the tomatoes for $1 or less and cilantro regularly goes on sale here for $0.25 to $0.50, so it is more economical for us in the market we live in. (Southern California) If you have a source of free homegrown tomatoes, that makes it even moreso.

        Reply
    7. Amy

      April 26, 2011 at 6:36 am

      I also LOVE mexican food. And tortilla chips add up & are never as good as in the restraunts. I make my own. Heat up some grease (or use a fryer) cut corn tortillas into trianges ( i use a pizza cutter) & fry them on both sides until golden brown & crispy. Remove & cool on a paper plate w/ paper towels(to absorb the grease) Sprinkle w/ salt. I have tried cutting back on salt, but these just aren’t as good without the salt. They are a hit anywhere I go. I always fry up a whole package of corn tortillas & store them in a zip baggy to keep fresh.

      Reply
      • beth @ fabulouswon

        July 01, 2011 at 12:27 pm

        @Amy, we use sea salt when we make our own chips and sea salt is healthier for you than iodized salt. hope this helps (oh and it taste better on the chips!)

        Reply
        • sona

          April 04, 2013 at 1:34 pm

          @beth @ fabulouswon, Iodine is a necessary mineral in the diet. Effects hormones (thyroid), ones growth and brain function, so it would be good to get it elsewhere if not in salt.

    8. Michelle

      April 14, 2011 at 2:34 pm

      I’ve been making almost this same recipe for years! I use a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes and a small can of store brand rotel ( both drained) instead! Then I put it all in the blender and pulse a few times. I stumbled across it looking for a copy cat recipe of our favorite “Chili’s” salsa. No one ever believes that it has no fresh tomatoes, and it is soooooooo good!

      Reply
    9. Anna

      April 05, 2011 at 2:47 pm

      Have you tried freezing this?

      Reply
      • Jessica

        April 06, 2011 at 5:55 am

        @Anna, I have never frozen salsa, but I should!

        Reply
    10. Cathie

      December 31, 2010 at 11:25 am

      We always make homemade salsa also! My FIL is from Chile and his is amazing, Super similar to yours, but he also adds a clove or two of garlic, and uses green onions instead of sweet. We also add fresh tomatoes (seeded) when in season. Delicious!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter their budget.

    More about me

    as seen on banner
    cooking for one
    cooking for many banner
    cooking to freeze banner

    Memorial Day BBQ Recipes

    • BBQ Party Meal Plan for Less than $25!
    • Spicy Chicken Marinade
    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin (78 cent/serving)
    • Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
    • Grilled Brats with Peppers and Onions (94 cents each)
    • The Easiest Grilled Pizza You Can Make

    Popular Posts

    • What to Make for Dinner When There’s “Nothing” to Eat
    • Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea – Cheaper at Home
    • How to Cook a Chuck Roast in the Slow Cooker
    • Roasting Garlic Cloves
    learn how to cook great homemade meals

    Footer

    back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Good Cheap Eats