How to Make Freezer Salsa – Tomatoes

Freezer salsa is the perfect solution when you want homemade salsa but don’t want to can. You can add whatever ingredients, in whatever amount you want without worrying about acidity level and food safety.

Scoop up some tasty freezer salsa topped with a bit of fresh cilantro for serving.

Read More: Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo, How to Can Salsa Safely, Favourite Salsa Recipes

Canning salsa is definitely an option – you just need to follow a trusted and tested recipe to ensure you have the right acid content for water bathing tomatoes/salsa. Use a tested recipe recommended for canning – you’ll have piece of mind. Your family’s favourite salsa recipe, or that recipe you saw on social media may not be safe for canning. I use the recipes at the National Center for Home Food Preservation.  There are several to choose from, they’re delicious and they’re tested – everything you could want.

Want to avoid canning? Have a family favourite recipe that you’re not sure is safe for canning – make freezer salsa!

Freezing offers endless options and you get to control how much and what type of spicy peppers you want to toss in.  

freezer salsa ingredients chopped an in a pot
My favourite ingredients chopped and ready to be cooked down to freeze.

What is freezer salsa like?

Freezer salsa is a cooked salsa with all the ingredients you wish, flavoured the way you want. The recipe below is a standard salsa including tomatoes, onion, garlic, hot pepper and sweet pepper with spices. When thawed, it may be a little more liquidy than jarred salsa. It’s really not a big deal. If you want to serve the salsa for chip dipping, simply drain off the liquid. If you’re using the salsa in a cooked recipe, just use as is.

freezer salsa in bowl for dipping with fresh ingredients on side
Freezer salsa ready for chips!

Can I freeze raw, fresh salsa, do I have to cook it?

You won’t get good results when freezing fresh, raw salsa. It’s safe to do, but the results aren’t great. The fresh veggies will turn mushy and the salsa will be much more liquidy than if you cook the salsa.

You also get better flavour by cooking the salsa and seasoning it to your liking. Fresh salsa just won’t taste the same and you’ll have to do a lot of adjusting and fussing when thawed.

salsa in silicone freezer container and a glass jar beside raw ingredients
For best, long lasting flavour and texture it’s best to cook salsa before freezing in convenient portion sizes.

What other ingredients can I add to freezer salsa?

Get creative with your freezer salsa by adding a variety of ingredients to enhance its flavor and texture. That’s the benefit of freezer salsa vs canned salsa – you can add anything you want and not worry about food safety. If it’s freezer safe, you can add it! Here are some ideas:

  1. Corn: You can use fresh, frozen, roasted or canned corn for a touch of sweetness and color.
  2. Black Beans: Canned black beans, rinsed and drained, can add protein and a hearty texture to your salsa.
  3. Mango: Diced mango chunks can bring a delightful tropical sweetness to your salsa.
  4. Pineapple: Chopped pineapple adds a sweet and tangy twist to the salsa.
  5. Hot Peppers: Jalapenos only add a tiny bit of spiciness, for real heat, consider adding hotter peppers like habaneros, scotch bonnets, serranos, etc.
  6. Smokey Flavour: If you love a smokey flavour to your salsa add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, smoked paprika, liquid smoke or smoked salt. Start with a small amount and add as desired.
  7. Lime Zest: Grated lime zest can intensify the citrusy flavor.
  8. Tomato Paste: Canned tomato paste is optional in the recipe, but it helps create a thicker, smoother salsa that brings everything together.

You could also roast any of the ingredients before cooking together for another flavour profile.

A bit of tomato paste helps bring everything together.

How long does freezer salsa last?

  • Up to 6-8 months: If stored in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It is safe to eat as long as it stays frozen, but you’ll enjoy it the most within 6-8 months.

Freeze in convenient portion sizes so you only need to thaw what you will reasonably use at any one time. I like one or two cup portion sizes.

Recipe for Freezer Salsa

freezer salsa in bowl for dipping with fresh ingredients on side
Print Recipe
3.62 from 55 votes

Tomato Freezer Salsa

An easy way to preserve your favourite salsa with ingredients and spice level you love best! Because it's going in the freezer, you can add other ingredients and flavour it the way you wish. Cooking the salsa is key to having great, long lasting texture and flavour. (revised 2023)
Prep : 40 minutes
Cook : 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Author: Getty Stewart

Ingredients

  • 12 – 15 large ripe tomatoes ~10 cups chopped
  • 2 large onions finely diced
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 4-8 jalapeno peppers finely chopped
  • 1-2 really hot peppers optional (cayenne, scotch bonnet, habanero, etc)
  • 2 sweet peppers diced
  • 3 oz tomato paste 1/2 can (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup lime juice or cider vinegar
  • 3 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Core, seed (remove majority of liquid jelly) and dice tomatoes. Peeling is optional. You should get about 10 cups.
  • Mix tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapenos, hot peppers (if using), sweet peppers, tomato paste, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, coriander, sugar, salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper in large pot. Add other ingredients like corn, beans, chipotle peppers or sauce, etc.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce to simmer and cook, uncovered until thickened to desired consistency, at least 45 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
  • Allow salsa to cool completely.
  • Serve or fill freezer bags or containers or glass jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
  • Freeze up to 6 months.

Video

Notes

Additional ingredients: add any of your favourites – corn, beans, chipotle sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper flakes, pineapple, tomatillo, etc.
What kind of peppers? Jalapeno peppers have a little bit of heat compared to sweet peppers (red, green, yellow or orange bell peppers). If you want spicy salsa add peppers like: serrano, habanero, cayenne, scotch bonnet, ghost peppers or use your favourite hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper flakes.
This salsa is not suitable for canning. See post for links to canning salsa.
Tried this recipe?Mention @GetGettyS or tag #GetGettyS

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1627mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 20g | Iron: 4mg
Course: salsa, Sauces
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: condiments, Salsa, side dish, tomatoes

Tips for Freezer Salsa

https://youtube.com/shorts/HT7KWEii-8s
YouTube player

What are your favourite additions to salsa? If you make this salsa, take a photo, post it on Instagram and tag @getgettys so I can see it and like it!

Select, store and serve seasonal food for everyday cooking with Getty. Getty is a food educator and Professional Home Economist,who loves sharing tips and recipes following the seasons from her Canadian kitchenSign up to get seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox. Learn more about Getty or check out her books and guides.

22 Comments

  1. This is my go-to freezer salsa recipe! I’ve been using it for years and love it! I choose not to core or seed the tomatoes (I hate doing it) so I let the mixture cook down to the thickness I want. I get so many compliments on it—thank you for a fantastic recipe!

  2. If I roast/ charred tomatoes and jalapeños and than add all the ingredients to make the salsa , can I freeze the salsa than

  3. What is the reason for coring and seeding the tomatoes? I had already cut them up before I decided to make the salsa so I could freeze.

    1. Hi Ruth,
      It’s really just personal preference. Seeding the tomatoes and using paste tomatoes makes for a less liquidy salsa. Coring is just because we prefer not to eat the tough core bit.
      Hope that helps.

      Getty

    2. Would you say this recipe is about as hot as Medium salsa? I want decent spice without going overboard. Can I taste it for spiciness before cooking it or will there be a significant difference between the fresh salsa and cooked salsa?

      1. Hi Matt,
        I’d say it is mild to medium. You can definitely taste it for spiciness while cooking to judge the spiciness. During cooking the spiciness will just distribute more evenly and blend in better, so you’re not just getting heat when you bite on a piece of hot pepper.
        Enjoy.

    1. I’d say homemade salsa lasts in the fridge about 5-7 days. The longer you keep it out of the fridge when you’re using it, the shorter it will last. It’s best to pour a little in a small bowl for use and tuck the big bowlful back in the fridge right away.

    1. Hi Audrey,
      Did you know the hottest part of peppers are the white ribs or membranes (pith) on the inside of the peppers. They’re hotter than the seeds. The more of the ribs you leave on, the hotter the salsa will be. The seeds will add some spiciness since they’ve been rubbing against the pith. If you like your salsa on the mild side, cut out the white part on the inside and remove all the seeds.

        1. Hi Laura,
          Treat it like you would any other opened salsa. The Eat By Date website recommends 5-7 days for homemade salsa and 1-2 weeks for commercial jarred salsa that has been opened. I would aim for 7 days max.
          Enjoy,
          Getty

    1. No, this salsa is not suitable for canning, the acidity has not been tested and with the addition of all those non-acidic veggies it is likely not below the pH of 4.6 required for safe canning. By canning a low acid mix like this you create a perfect environment for clostridium botulinum the bacteria that leads to botulism. When I can salsa I use recipes from the National Centre of Home Food Preservation. http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can3_tomato.html Be safe and enjoy your salsa!

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