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Canned Tomato Salsa Recipe

A glass mason jar filled with vibrant, chunky tomato salsa, ready for canning. This tomato salsa canning recipe is easy to follow.

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Learn how to can fresh tomato salsa for a shelf-stable pantry staple. This recipe is perfect for preserving your garden tomatoes and offers options for spice level.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 cups peeled, cored, and chopped ripe tomatoes (about 810 lbs)
  • 2 cups chopped onions (about 2 medium)
  • 1 cup chopped green bell peppers (about 2 medium)
  • 1/2 cup chopped jalapeño peppers (about 23 medium, seeds removed for less heat)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your water bath canner, jars, lids, and bands. Jars should be sterilized.
  2. In a large pot, combine tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic.
  3. Add lime juice, salt, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Carefully ladle the hot salsa into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
  8. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth.
  9. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
  10. Process the jars in the boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).
  11. Turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes.
  12. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel-lined counter for 12-24 hours.
  13. Check the seals. If a lid has not sealed, refrigerate the salsa and use it within a few weeks.
  14. Label and store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.

Notes

  • For a milder salsa, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in or add more jalapeños.
  • You can substitute other peppers like serranos or habaneros for more heat.
  • Ensure your tomatoes are ripe for the best flavor.
  • Always follow tested canning guidelines for safety.

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