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Craving fresh salsa but don’t want to make a huge batch? This single serving salsa recipe is perfect for you. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a touch of lime, this homemade salsa is so much better than anything you’ll find in a jar.

a bowl of fresh salsa next to tortilla chips, a jalapeno and a lime.

Our homemade salsa pairs wonderfully with creamy queso, zesty Mexican corn dip, and flavorful guacamole. For an extra treat, add our crispy homemade tortilla chips. It’s the perfect combination for a delicious snack!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Salsa Recipe

  • Perfect Size: This recipe makes just enough salsa for one or two people, so you don’t have to worry about leftovers.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh vegetables, this salsa bursts with natural flavors.
  • Quick and Easy: You can have this salsa ready in just 10 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick snack or a topping for your favorite dishes like Sheet Pan Fajitas and Shrimp Tacos.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to tweak.
  • Healthy: No added sugars or preservatives, just wholesome ingredients.
a bowl of salsa next to tortilla chips.

This single serving salsa is truly special because it’s all about convenience and freshness. It’s designed for those moments when you crave a fresh dip without committing to a large batch. The recipe uses basic, wholesome ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the natural flavors of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It’s also incredibly versatile – perfect for a quick snack or to elevate your favorite dishes. Plus, making it yourself means you can customize the heat and seasoning to your exact preference. Enjoy the authentic taste of homemade salsa in a small, manageable portion.

Ingredients

salsa ingredients on a kitchen counter.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving salsa recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Roma tomatoes: These are perfect for salsa because they contain less water. Got extra tomatoes? Use them in Caprese Pasta, Ratatouille, or Cioppino.
  • Onion: Adds a nice crunch and flavor. Yellow onion works great, but you can use white or red onion if you prefer. Leftover onions can be added to Caponata or Spanish Rice.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the salsa a distinctive taste. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use parsley instead. Leftover cilantro can be used in Cowboy Caviar or Carne Asada.
  • Jalapeño: Adds a bit of heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If you’ve got leftover jalapeños, consider making a small batch of Jalapeño Poppers.
  • Garlic: Adds depth to the flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
  • Lime juice: Adds acidity and brightness.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to your taste.
  • Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor. If you don’t have cumin, you can skip it or use smoked paprika for a different twist.

Recipe Variations

You can customize this salsa in many ways. Here are some variations:

  • Add Avocado: Dice an avocado and mix it in.
  • Roasted Tomatoes: Roast or broil tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
  • Black Bean Salsa: Add black beans for extra protein and texture.
  • Extra Spicy: Add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
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How To Make Salsa For One

These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a small batch of salsa. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor.
salsa ingredients in a food processor.
  1. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Check the salt level just before reaching the perfect texture to avoid over-processing if you need to adjust the seasoning and pulse again. If the salsa is too watery, you can strain it to remove excess liquid.
fresh salsa in a food processor.

Expert Tips

  • Use the freshest ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro make a big difference.
  • Don’t puree the salsa: Keep some texture for the best results.
  • Adjust the heat: Add more or less jalapeno based on your spice preference.
  • Tweak the flavors: Add more lime juice or salt to suit your taste.
  • Let it sit: If you have time, let the salsa sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • No food processor? No problem: You can use a blender or chop everything finely by hand.
  • Add a pinch of sugar: If you find the salsa too acidic, a pinch of sugar can balance it out.
  • Strain if watery: If the salsa is too watery, strain half of it to remove some liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas:

two beef tacos on a white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes in this salsa recipe?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will be different. Fresh tomatoes are best.

How long does homemade salsa last?

It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

How can I make my salsa less spicy?

Remove the seeds from the jalapeno or use less of it.

What can I use instead of cilantro in salsa?

Parsley or omit it entirely.

Can I make this salsa in a blender?

Yes, just pulse gently to avoid over-pureeing.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this single serve salsa recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Salsa For One

5 from 3 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Enjoy fresh and flavorful single serving salsa with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. This quick and easy homemade salsa is perfect for one or two people and ready in minutes!

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes -quartered
  • ¼ small onion -cut into large chunks
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • ½ small jalapeño -seeds removed and coarsely chopped (add the rest of the jalapeño if more spice is needed)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ tablespoon lime juice
  • teaspoon salt -plus more if needed
  • teaspoon ground cumin
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Instructions 

  • Place all the ingredients in a food processor.
  • Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Check the salt level just before reaching the perfect texture to avoid over-processing if you need to adjust the seasoning and pulse again.
    If the salsa is too watery, you can strain it to remove excess liquid.

Notes

  • Use the freshest ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro make a big difference.
  • Don’t puree the salsa: Keep some texture for the best results.
  • Adjust the heat: Add more or less jalapeno based on your spice preference.
  • Tweak the flavors: Add more lime juice or salt to suit your taste.
  • Let it sit: If you have time, let the salsa sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • No food processor? No problem: You can use a blender or chop everything finely by hand.
  • Add a pinch of sugar: If you find the salsa too acidic, a pinch of sugar can balance it out.
  • Strain if watery: If the salsa is too watery, strain half of it to remove some liquid.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 44kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 0.4g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 221mg, Potassium: 408mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1705IU, Vitamin C: 25mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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5 from 3 votes

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Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. Donna says:

    Absolutely delightful flavor.
    I had mine without the heat, but my nephew likes it hot. It works both ways!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so happy you both enjoyed the salsa, thank you so much for your feedback.

  2. Shelley Scott says:

    Could you make a bigger batch, say double or triple the ingredients, and can it be frozen for future use?
    Thank you

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you for your question! You can definitely double or triple the recipe if you’d like to make a bigger batch. However, while salsa can technically be frozen, we don’t recommend it as the texture tends to change once thawed. For best results, I suggest keeping the salsa in the fridge where it should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Enjoy!

  3. DCW says:

    This is an excellent recipe! Thank you!

  4. J. Hegyi says:

    Great recipe.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you!