Simple Formula to Build Your Own Salsa

Your days of asking, “How do I make a simple homemade salsa?” are over. While pages and pages of salsa recipes are just a Google search away, we want to equip you with the skills to make your own salsa from scratch anytime, anywhere.

With our easy formula, you can mix and match any ingredients and create a variety of salsas catered exactly to your liking. Let your creativity run wild! The cooking formula consists of the following ingredients:

1. Peppers

Peppers add unique spice and flavor, depending on which pepper you use. From sweet and fruity to smoky and earthy, peppers add a distinct heat that differs from bottled hot sauces.

2. Aromatics

The foundation of any dish, these ingredients (like onions, shallots, and garlic) release addictive aromas and impart deep flavors to every salsa. Learn more about aromatics with our Guide to Aromatics.

3. Produce

Tomatoes or tomatillos create the common salsa base that we know and love. Meanwhile, other fruits and veggies (like corn, pineapple, mangos, and avocados) give a salsa an entirely unique personality, transforming a side sauce into a centerpiece.

4. Acids

Adding lime juice, lemon juice, or vinegar to your salsa can enhance and brighten its flavor. Whether you use a little for subtle hints or use more for a bold taste, acids can be the important ingredient that turns a good salsa into a great salsa.

5. Oils / Condiments

Oils smooth out a salsa and can give it just the right amount of healthy fat. Oils and other sauces (like fish sauce and soy sauce) can also give distinction to your salsa by adding a deep layer of flavor. Learn more about different kinds of oils and what they have to offer through our Guide to Oils.

6. Extras

Herbs and spices (like salt, cumin, and cilantro) give you the opportunity to bring all of your other salsa ingredients to life. Have fun being creative while still keeping some core authenticity! If you want to add substance and texture to your sauce, folding in canned beans or chopped nuts can add fun and protein-rich flare.

Cooking Formula for Salsas

Cooking formulas are what help you cook with ease and confidence. Instead of following recipes to a “t,” you can just remember the basic formula and use any ingredients, whether you find amazing seasonal produce in the market or if you’re looking to use up odds and ends in your fridge. You can even deviate a bit from cooking formulas to adjust flavors to your liking. If you like more garlic, add more garlic! If you prefer less heat, cut back on the amount of chili peppers. Here is our basic formula for making salsas:

Peppers – 8 oz fresh or 4 oz dried

– 8 oz fresh or 4 oz dried Aromatics – 2 cloves garlic and 1/4 cup onions or 2 cloves shallot

– 2 cloves garlic and 1/4 cup onions or 2 cloves shallot Produce – 2 cups

– 2 cups Acids – 1 tablespoon or to taste

– 1 tablespoon or to taste Oils – 2 teaspoons

– 2 teaspoons Extras – Herbs and spices to taste and ½ cup of beans or ¼ cup of chopped nuts

If you aren’t comfortable going off book quite yet, our infographic above includes tried and true salsa ingredient combos. Once you’ve tried a few out, you’ll be building your own innovative salsa in no time!