Name: Street Cart Salsa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 Roma tomatoes; 1 small white or yellow onion; 3 garlic cloves (unpeeled); 2 jalapeños or serrano peppers (adjust to taste); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil; Optional: 1/4 tsp ground cumin; Optional: 1/4 tsp chipotle powder or 1 chipotle in adobo; Optional: 1 tsp vinegar

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Street cart salsa is bold, smoky, and packed with the kind of vibrant flavor I crave with tacos, grilled meats, or chips. Inspired by the sauces found at street food stalls and taco trucks, this salsa blends charred vegetables, spices, and a touch of heat into a rich, rustic dip that tastes homemade—in the best way. It’s quick to prepare and always adds an extra layer of authenticity to any dish I serve it with.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salsa because it’s all about flavor. It’s not too fussy, and it’s made with ingredients I usually have on hand. Roasting or charring the vegetables gives it that smoky depth that bottled salsa just can’t match. It’s spicy, tangy, and a little sweet—all at once. I can use it as a dip, a taco topping, or even spooned over scrambled eggs. Street Cart Salsa

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Roma tomatoes
Onion (white or yellow)
Garlic cloves (unpeeled)
Jalapeños or serrano peppers
Cilantro (fresh)
Lime juice
Salt
Optional: olive oil, cumin, chipotle powder, or vinegar for added flavor

Directions

I start by roasting the tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic—either under a broiler, on a hot skillet, or directly over a flame—until they’re nicely charred and softened.
I let them cool slightly, then peel the garlic and add everything to a blender or food processor.
I toss in the cilantro, lime juice, salt, and any extra spices I’m using.
I pulse until I reach my desired texture—I like it a little chunky, but smooth works too.
I taste and adjust the salt or lime if needed, then chill before serving to let the flavors deepen.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2 cups of salsa.
Total time is around 20 minutes:

10 minutes for roasting
5–10 minutes for blending and adjusting

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of vinegar for more tang, or a pinch of sugar to balance the heat. For a smokier version, I toss in a chipotle pepper in adobo. If I want it milder, I use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. I’ve also made green versions using tomatillos and green chilies instead of red tomatoes.

Storage/Reheating

I store the salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor gets even better after a day. It can also be frozen in small containers or ice cube trays for quick portions later—just thaw in the fridge and stir before using. Street Cart Salsa

FAQs

Can I make this salsa without roasting the vegetables?

Yes, but roasting gives it that deep, smoky flavor. If I’m in a rush, I’ve blended raw ingredients for a fresher-tasting version—it still works well.

What’s the best pepper to use?

I like using jalapeños for moderate heat or serranos for more spice. I’ve also used dried chilies like guajillo or pasilla after rehydrating them.

Is this salsa spicy?

It can be, depending on the peppers and how many I use. I always taste the chilies first and adjust the amount to suit my heat preference.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes give the best flavor when roasted, but in a pinch, I’ve used fire-roasted canned tomatoes and still ended up with a great salsa.

How do I keep it from getting watery?

I let the roasted veggies cool a bit and drain off any excess juice before blending. That helps control the consistency.

Conclusion

Street cart salsa is my go-to when I want bold, fresh flavor with very little effort. Roasted ingredients, simple seasoning, and a blender are all it takes to bring the street food vibe straight to my kitchen. Whether I’m dipping, drizzling, or spreading it on tacos, this salsa always brings the heat—and the flavor.