Best 5-Minute Fire Roasted Salsa

This 5-minute fire roasted salsa is the ultimate quick and easy recipe for anyone craving smoky, flavorful salsa without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with canned fire roasted tomatoes, fresh ingredients, and just a few simple steps, it’s perfect for snacking, dipping, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With the bold flavor of fire roasted tomatoes and the kick of fresh jalapeños, this salsa packs a punch without requiring a ton of time or effort. You can have a fresh, homemade salsa ready in just 5 minutes! The balance of smokiness, tanginess from lime juice, and the freshness of cilantro creates a salsa that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips or topping tacos, this salsa will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1/4 medium white onion, peeled

• 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (from a can) or 1 medium fresh jalapeño, stem and seeds removed

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled

• 14.5 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic (Hunt’s brand recommended)

• 1/2 fresh lime, juiced

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Add the onion, jalapeño, and garlic to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 5-6 times, or until the ingredients are chopped to your desired size.

2. Combine the Salsa: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the fire roasted tomatoes, lime juice, salt, and cilantro.

3. Pulse to Mix: Cover the food processor and pulse 1 or 2 more times to combine everything evenly.

4. Serve: Transfer the salsa to a serving dish and serve immediately, or store it in a pint-sized mason jar in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more after sitting for a day.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

• Servings: 4 (2 cups total)

Variations

• Roast the Jalapeños: For an extra smoky flavor, roast the jalapeños under the broiler or on a grill before adding them to the salsa.

• Add More Heat: If you like your salsa spicier, add more fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Tomato Variations: Use regular diced tomatoes or fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies for a different flavor profile.

Storage

• Storage: Store leftover salsa in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: While fresh salsa doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the fire roasted tomatoes mixture before adding cilantro and lime, and then finish it once defrosted.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salsa without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop the onion, garlic, and jalapeños by hand if you don’t have a food processor. Then, mix the ingredients by hand in a bowl.

2. How spicy is this salsa?

The level of spice depends on the type and amount of jalapeños used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño, or by removing the seeds for a milder taste.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, but the fire roasted canned tomatoes add a smoky depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with fresh ones.

4. Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Yes! This salsa gets even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, so it’s great for prepping ahead of time.

5. What can I serve this salsa with?

This fire roasted salsa is perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for salads, nachos, or eggs.

6. How can I make the salsa smoother?

If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the salsa for a few extra seconds in the food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Yes, you can use a blender, but you may need to pulse it in short bursts to avoid over-blending and turning the salsa too watery.

8. Can I add more flavor?

Feel free to add more spices, such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor of the salsa.

9. Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?

Fresh cilantro gives the salsa its bright, fresh flavor, but you can use dried cilantro as a substitute in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro in place of the fresh.

10. Is this salsa vegan?

Yes, this fire roasted salsa is naturally vegan, making it perfect for plant-based diets.

Conclusion

This 5-minute fire roasted salsa is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, smoky flavors with just the right amount of heat. It’s quick, easy, and can be enjoyed in many ways—whether you’re snacking, adding it to tacos, or using it as a dip for your favorite chips. Make a batch today, and get ready for a salsa that’s bursting with flavor!