Fresh and smoky fire-roasted salsa made with tomatoes, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro. This easy homemade salsa recipe is perfect for tacos, tortilla chips, grilled chicken, or vegetables. Creamy, flavorful, and customizable with chipotle chili powder or roasted red peppers. Quick to prepare and keeps well in the fridge for a week. Ideal for healthy snacks, party appetizers, or adding bold flavor to your favorite Mexican dishes.

Ingredients

2 (14-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
1 bunch (about 2 cups loosely packed) fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup diced white onion
1 large jalapeño, stemmed and cored
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

Blend the Ingredients
Combine the fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, green chiles, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, chipotle chili powder (if using), salt, and cumin in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the salsa is smooth and evenly combined.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed to suit your preference.
Serve or Store
Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fire-roasted salsa is smoky, fresh, and perfectly balanced. It’s quick to make and pairs with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables for an easy flavor boost.

Tips

For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in.
Pulse ingredients gradually to control salsa texture—smooth or slightly chunky.
Use fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy kick.

Variations and Substitutions

Substitute roasted red peppers for the green chiles if desired.
Swap cilantro for fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.
Add smoked paprika instead of chipotle chili powder for a different smoky taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
A: Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze this salsa?
A: Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: How spicy is this salsa?
A: It’s medium-spicy; adjust jalapeño and chipotle chili powder to taste.

Serving

Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables.

Suggestions

Drizzle over scrambled eggs or grilled chicken for a smoky, flavorful addition. Pair with avocado slices or fresh lime wedges for extra zest.