Jalapeño Cilantro Salsa is a bold, fresh condiment made with spicy jalapeños, fragrant cilantro, and juicy tomatoes. It’s the perfect dip for chips or topping for tacos, grilled meats, and more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salsa is incredibly versatile, quick to make, and packed with vibrant flavors. It’s a refreshing balance of heat, herbiness, and acidity, perfect for spicing up any dish or standing alone with tortilla chips.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Jalapeño peppers
Fresh cilantro
Tomatoes
Onion
Garlic
Lime juice
Salt
Olive oil (optional for richness)

Directions

Roughly chop all vegetables and add to a food processor.
Pulse until desired consistency is reached—chunky or smooth.
Add lime juice and salt to taste. Blend again briefly.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 1.5 cups
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicier: Use serrano peppers or more jalapeños.
Milder: Remove seeds and ribs from the peppers.
Roasted version: Roast the jalapeños and tomatoes for smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight jar.
Reheating: Not applicable; serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I freeze this salsa?

Yes, but fresh flavor and texture may be slightly altered upon thawing.

How do I reduce the spice level?

Remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.

Can I make this without a food processor?

Yes, chop ingredients finely for a rustic salsa.

What dishes pair well with this salsa?

Tacos, grilled meats, eggs, rice bowls, and chips.

Is this salsa keto-friendly?

Yes, it contains only low-carb ingredients.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Fresh is preferred, but canned diced tomatoes can be used in a pinch.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Can I add avocado?

Yes, for a creamy twist and added richness.

What herbs can replace cilantro?

Try parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?

Yes, though lime is more traditional in flavor.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Cilantro Salsa is a bold and refreshing addition to any meal. With its easy preparation and customizable heat level, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for salsa lovers.

Jalapeño Cilantro Salsa

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Jalapeño Cilantro Salsa is a vibrant, spicy salsa made with fresh jalapeños, cilantro, tomatoes, and lime juice—perfect as a dip or topping for a variety of dishes.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

2–3 jalapeño peppers, stemmed (seeds removed for less heat, optional)
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Roughly chop the jalapeños, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cilantro.
Add all chopped ingredients to a food processor.
Pulse until you reach your desired consistency, either chunky or smooth.
Add lime juice and salt to taste, then pulse again briefly.
Optional: Add olive oil for a richer texture and blend again.
Chill the salsa for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Use more jalapeños or substitute with serranos for extra heat.
Remove pepper seeds and ribs for a milder salsa.
Roast the jalapeños and tomatoes for a smoky variation.
Add avocado for a creamy twist.
Use parsley or mint if you prefer a different herb profile than cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 15
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg