Ready in 10 minutes, this Pioneer Woman Salsa recipe is made with canned tomatoes, jalapenos, fresh lime juice and spices.
It's easy to make, and you can customize the ingredients to your taste. This homemade recipe can be enjoyed as an appetizer with chips or as the base for my Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe.
Check out all the other Easy Appetizers for even more delicious ideas waiting to be discovered!
Salsa is one of those things that is so much better when it's homemade, however, a few years ago I tried to make salsa with a recipe I found online. It was watery and tasteless.
My friend Jani makes the Pioneer Woman Salsa Recipe, however, I was skeptical to try the recipe because it uses cilantro. But I was specifically told not to substitute cilantro with parsley.
And I'm telling you today, do not substitute the cilantro. You will be happy with the flavor...trust me.
Looking for more easy appetizers to make? Try my Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos, Homemade Queso Cheese Dip with no fake cheese or my Homemade Guacamole.
Table of Contents
What is Ground Cumin?
This recipe was the first time I used ground cumin. It has a strong, earthy flavor and can be used to add depth of flavor to soups, stews, curries, and this salsa recipe!
Ground cumin is a spice made from the dried seed of the cumin plant. It is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as in many Latin American dishes.
Ground cumin can be found in the spice aisle of most supermarkets. It should be stored in a cool, dark place and will keep for up to six months.
The Best Salsa Ever
I couldn't believe this recipe for the best salsa ever had cilantro in it. Cilantro is one of those love-it-or-hate-it herbs. Some people find its flavor to be refreshing and bright, while others find it to be soapy and overpowering.
In fact, cilantro haters often say that it tastes like soap or dirt. So what gives? It turns out that cilantro's pungent flavor is due to a compound called aldehyde. This compound is also responsible for the characteristic "soapy" taste of certain soaps and detergents.
However, there are also those who enjoy the unique flavor of cilantro and use it often in their cooking. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that cilantro is a divisive herb and really does make this recipe the best salsa ever!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Lemon Squeezer, Stainless SteelMore InformationCuisinart Mini-Prep Food ProcessorMore InformationChip and Dip Acrylic Bowl SetMore InformationBall Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounces MasonMore Information
Blender Salsa Pioneer Woman
For this recipe it's best to let your food processor do all the work. If you don't have one, a blender will work but you'll need to work in stages being careful not to over-stuff the blender and use the correct settings:
- Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic to the blender. Pulse a few times.
- Then add the jalapeños, cilantro, seasonings and lime juice.
- Pulse the blender on low until the ingredients are combined but still chunky.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a smoother consistency, blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
PowerCrush Multi-Function BlenderMore Information
Immersion Blender Salsa
An immersion blender is a handy tool to have in the kitchen, and it can be used for a variety of tasks, from pureeing soups to making baby food. For those who enjoy homemade salsa, an immersion blender can be a quick and easy way to make a delicious batch:
- To use an immersion blender for salsa, start by chopping the ingredients into small pieces. This will help to ensure that the salsa is smooth and evenly blended.
- Next, add the chopped ingredients to a blender or food processor along with some seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and cumin. Be sure to add enough liquid so that the ingredients are fully submerged.
- Then, simply place the immersion blender into the bowl or pot and blend until the desired consistency is achieved. For a chunkier salsa, pulse the blender several times; for a smoother salsa, blend until completely smooth.
- Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for later!
KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Immersion BlenderMore Information
Main Ingredients
Make sure you print out the recipe below and save it for later!
Recipe Variations
Chunky or Smooth: Adjust the texture by pulsing the ingredients in the food processor for a chunky salsa or blending until smooth for a restaurant-style salsa.
Spices: Experiment with additional spices like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to give your salsa a flavor boost.
Spice it Up: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of jalapenos or adding spicier peppers like serranos or habaneros. You can also leave the seeds and membranes intact for extra heat.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Mix all the ingredients together in a food processor and pulse until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 2: Sample the salsa to ensure it's seasoned to your liking.
Expert Tip
In my earlier attempts with this recipe, I omitted the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno for a milder salsa. Yet recently, I've found that adding a few seeds enhances the salsa with a bit more heat, which I quite enjoy.
Serving Tips
Serve with plenty of chips and enjoy! This salsa is also great if you want to serve it on top of grilled chicken.
You can also serve this homemade salsa recipe spooned over a few of my Chicken Cutlet Recipes, or even on top of a Chili Baked Potatoes.
Before You Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover homemade salsa in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can you freeze homemade salsa?
Pour it into an airtight container and store it in the freezer. Homemade salsa can be frozen for up to six months, and it will still retain its flavor and texture.
When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the salsa in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy.
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Pioneer Woman Salsa
Ingredients
- 28 ounce Whole Tomatoes drained
- 2 cans Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 jalapeno quartered and sliced
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ cup cilantro
- ½ lime juiced
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until you get the consistency you like.
- Taste to make sure you have enough seasonings. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Michelle Hammonds says
I made this recipe, today. I used half of the amount of cilantro, only because a member of the family, doesn't care for it. I tried the jalapeño pepper, against my tounge, after I quartered it. It was pretty spicy. I decided to remove seeds out of half of the pepper. I ended up pulsing in the processor about 7-10 times. It's so easy and a big hit! This made 3 pints. I put one in the fridge to munch on and canned the other 2, for a later date 😋
Lois says
Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Amy Steffel says
Did you pressure can this? I don’t think this recipe is safe for water bath canning. I don’t think this is safe for water bath canning. Normal with using a water bath for canning, the peppers and tomatoes would have to be cooked down first for at least 10 mins.
Lois says
This recipe isn't safe for canning, but I've got you covered with tips on refrigerating and freezing it to enjoy later! Make a big batch for Taco Tuesday, and savor the leftovers all week long. I can't wait for you to try it!
Jan says
Do you remove the seeds from the jalapeno? Looks so good! Thank you!
Spatulas On Parade - Dawn says
Beautiful and yummy salsa. Thanks for linking up at Swap N Share Sundays over at Spatulas on Parade. Pinned.
Dawn
meandmr.com says
Newest follower here! I found you through the blog hop, you have a super cute blog, I can't wait to read more. You can find me at meandmr.com
-Melanie @meandmr.com
Andrea Reed says
I love it that I came across your blog! I have the Pioneer Woman Cookbook and was thinking about making this. I'm glad you had such great results, will definitely be making this now! Stopping by from Semi Homemade 🙂
RamblingReed.blogspot.com
dianehaller says
Yum! Looks delicious! I just started a brand new "Pin it Again" Party for Linking Pinterest Pins.
Spatulas On Parade - Dawn says
Just saw this on Pioneer Woman a few days ago. Looks so good. Now you've tried it and post it, you know I have to try as well. 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us at "In and out of the Kitchen"
Swathi Iyer says
That is one of the delicious salsa. color is just right.
Beth says
Sounds delicious Lois!
Winnie says
Wonderful salsa! I like the recipe and hopefully will try it soon
Thanks for sharing
Miss Debbie says
I am not a salsa eater, but my family is....give me cheese dip! 🙂
Christina Conte says
Sounds, great, Lois! My family loves chips and salsa too!
April says
We eat chips and salsa like they're going out of style! Sounds wonderful! You can bet I'll be trying it out...SOON!