This is my favorite homemade salsa and it might just be better than the original. Inspired by The Pioneer Woman but tweaked to perfection.

If you love fresh, bold, slightly spicy salsa that’s perfect with tortilla chips or heaped over nachos, you’re going to adore this version. I started with Ree Drummond’s recipe, but after making it a few times and adjusting it to my taste — well… I think my version turned out even better.

This salsa is vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. I like mine with just the right amount of heat and a bright lime kick, and this hits all those notes.  You can watch me make it, here!

And bonus, I can get all these items at ALDI!  Not only does that make this extremely affordable, but it makes it convenient to grab the ingredients whenever I want.  My entire family loves this salsa, and when served to guests I am always asked for the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes with juice
• 2 (10-oz.) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies — I use Casa Mamita brand
• 1 chopped onion (white or Vidalia — your choice!)
• 1 whole jalapeño, quartered and sliced thin
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp lime juice (bottle or 1 fresh lime, juiced)
• 1/2 cup cilantro (plus more to taste)

Instructions

1. Load the chunky stuff first.
   Add the chopped onion, sliced jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro to a large blender.
2. Add the rest on top.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sugar, salt, cumin, and lime juice.
   
3. Blend to your desired consistency.
   I like mine barely chunky (ahem, thanks kids!) — not completely smooth — so I put it on high until it’s just right.
4. Refrigerate.
   Let the salsa chill for at least 1 hour before serving (trust me — it makes all the flavors pop).

Serve With:

• Tortilla chips (duh)
• Nachos — this salsa is amazing drizzled over melted cheese and chips.  Just ask Kel 🙂
• Mix this with avocado and some more spices… a perfect guac!
• Burrito Bowls, Tostadas, Taco Night… truly endless options!

Why This Salsa Works

✔ The combination of crushed tomatoes + diced tomatoes with chilies gives it great texture.
✔ The jalapeño adds just enough heat without overpowering the fresh flavors.
✔ Lime and cilantro brighten everything up.
✔ And yes… it tastes even better than the original. 😄

If you make it, drop a comment below telling me how you served it — I always want ideas for a future OMAD!

Cheers to fresh salsa done right! 🌶️🍅🥣