Garden Salsa Recipe

Calendar icon Published: Jul 23rd 2023 by Sarah Leadon
Clock icon Last updated: Jul 7th 2025
Read time: 3 mins
Cuisine:
This recipe, developed through the collective effort of at least 6 experts, underwent meticulous research and testing for over 3 months. Learn more about our process in the art and science behind our recipes or read how we use AI responsibly. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy.
Garden Salsa with fish crackers

This fresh and flavorful Garden Salsa is made with juicy Roma tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and zesty jalapeños—all blended together with garlic, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Whether you're snacking with tortilla chips or spooning it over tacos, this salsa comes together in just 10 minutes and adds the perfect burst of freshness to any dish.

  • Ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking required
  • Naturally vegan, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, low-fat, low-cholesterol, and vegetarian
  • Bright, bold flavor with a slight kick
  • Perfect for parties, potlucks, and backyard BBQs

  • Pulse in a food processor for better control over texture—don’t overblend
  • Let it rest for 30 minutes in the fridge for flavors to meld
  • Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce the spice level

  • Spicier version: Use serrano peppers or keep the jalapeño seeds
  • No cilantro? Use parsley or skip entirely
  • Low-sugar version: Omit sugar or use a pinch of monk fruit sweetener
  • Roasted variation: Roast the tomatoes, peppers, and garlic for smoky depth

  • Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days
  • Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months
  • Stir before serving as liquid may separate

  • Roma Tomatoes – Meaty, low-water content ideal for salsa
  • Red Onion – Adds sharpness and crunch
  • Jalapeño Pepper – For heat (adjust to taste)
  • Red & Yellow Bell Peppers – Sweet contrast to spicy jalapeño
  • Garlic – Pungent and aromatic
  • Ground Cumin & Coriander – Adds warmth and earthy depth
  • Sugar – Balances acidity (optional)
  • Salt – Enhances all the flavors
  • Lime Juice – Adds brightness and helps preserve freshness
  • Fresh Cilantro – Delivers herbal, citrusy flavor

What goes in a salsa garden?

Salsa gardens usually consist of tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs such as cilantro, peppers like jalapeño peppers, and garlic.

What do you use garden salsa peppers for?

You can use garden salsa peppers for salsa or soups. You can also pickle or roast garden salsa peppers or use them in stir-fries.

How long does it take to grow a salsa garden?

Generally, a salsa garden takes about 70-90 days to grow. However, every garden is different, so it may take more or less time for your salsa garden to grow.

How do you preserve garden salsa peppers?

There are several ways to preserve garden salsa peppers. You can pickle them in Mason jars with vinegar, water, and salt. You can also freeze the peppers whole or remove the seeds and chop them into smaller pieces.

Can I make this without a food processor?

Yes—finely dice all ingredients by hand and mix in a bowl.

Is this recipe suitable for canning?

No—this is a fresh salsa meant for immediate use or short-term refrigeration.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use only half a jalapeño or remove all seeds and ribs before blending.

Author: Sarah Leadon
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Average: 5 (4 votes)
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Time & Serves

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
0 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Serves
2 persons

Ingredients

Garden Salsa
  • 5 medium Roma Tomatoes

  • 1 small Red Onion, diced

  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper diced, seeds removed

  • 1 small Red Bell Pepper, diced

  • 1 small Yellow Bell Pepper, diced

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin

  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon Granulated Sugar

  • 1 teaspoon Salt

  • Juice of 1 Lime

  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro

Instructions

Garden Salsa

Place the Roma tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, sugar, Himalayan salt, lime juice, and cilantro in a food processor.

Garlic, cumin, coriander, sugar, himalayan salt, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, jalapenos, bell peppers, cumin, and all of these ingredients should be put in a food processor.

Pulse the ingredients until the salsa achieves your desired consistency.

The salsa should be pulsed until it reaches the required consistency.

Pour the salsa into a serving bowl and serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Serve the salsa in a bowl with your preferred fish crackers or tortilla chips.
Sarah Leadon
Author:
Senior Recipe Developer & Food Writer

More posts by Sarah Leadon

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