Easy Mild Salsa Recipe – Water Bath Canning Instructions Included

If you happen to be looking for an easy, mild flavored salsa recipe that includes detailed instructions for canning, then you’ve come to the right place! Delicious homemade salsa that you can use as a dip with tortilla chips, or to use as a topping for tacos, nachos & more!

Although if you prefer salsa with a little more heat, you can definitely still use this recipe as a starter. Then once the jar is open add as many fresh diced hot peppers that you prefer. Not only will you get a spicy kick, the peppers will add a nice crunch to the salsa.

No matter how you like your salsa, it is a fantastic starter recipe for those home gardeners who are new to canning. With a few basic canning supplies and equipment you will be able to enjoy fresh salsa all year long.

What You Need For Canning Mild Salsa

1. Canning Jars

Canning jars, commonly known as mason jars, are required when canning salsa. Just be cautious and make sure the clear glass jars are designed to withstand the heat of boiling water (some jars are designed for freezing).

If you are buying new jars, I highly recommend the wide mouth jars. They are easier to fill and much easier to serve from when compared to regular mouth jars. (See Product Affiliate Link: Wide Mouth Pint Size Mason Jars).

2. Canning Bands and Lids

You will need canning lids and bands so that the jars can seal properly. However, when purchasing them be sure to read the label well.

Wide mouth jar lids and bands are stocked right alongside regular mouth size. Therefore it’s important to read the label carefully, as jar lids and bands are not interchangeable between the two sizes. 

Unlike the lids, the bands that hold the lid in place can be reused over and over again, if and only if they are not dented and kept clean. If they have become damaged or rusty, it is time for a new set.

3. Water Bath Canner

You can find water bath canners at most large grocery stores, hardware stores, and farming equipment stores. You can also order a complete canning set online. (See Product Affiliate Link: Ball Water Bath Canning Set).

4. Jar Lifter

To make canning mild salsa easier and safer, use a jar lifter to transfer the jars into and out of the water bath canner. This is one tool that is highly recommended when doing any type of canning.

Do not use standard kitchen or grilling tongs to move the jars. They do not hold the jars properly and put you at the risk of dropping the jar or burning yourself.

5. Washcloths and a Thick Towel

Ask any experienced canner and they will tell you that one of the most essential tools in canning are simple kitchen washcloths and towels. When making this mild salsa recipe you will use at least 2 washcloths and 3 kitchen towels, if not more.

Easy Mild Salsa Recipe

* Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to read the entire article for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 9 cups tomatoes – paste style tomatoes preferred (peeled and diced)
• 2 1/2 cups green bell peppers; diced
• 2 1/2 cups sweet, white or red onion, diced
• 2 medium jalapeños, seeds and ribs removed, and diced
• 8 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 6 teaspoons canning salt
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar (5%) or bottled lemon juice
• 1 (12-ounce) can of tomato paste

INSTRUCTIONS

Removing the skins from the tomatoes is the first step in making this mild salsa recipe. To start, cut a thin ‘X’ in the skin at the bottom of each tomato. Then place the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, working in batches as needed.

After one minute, remove the tomatoes from the water and immediately place them carefully and quickly in an ice water bath. After a few moments peel the skins off with your fingers or use a small paring knife to loosen the skin. 

Slice the tomatoes in half and remove the stem and most of the seed core. Next dice the tomatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. You want them a little larger than what you typically find in ready to eat salsa, because they will shrink during both the cooking and canning process.

Then place the diced tomatoes in a large stockpot.

Now dice the green pepper, onions and jalapeño peppers.

*Note: For mild salsa be sure to remove the seeds and ribs of the hot pepper to decrease the spice level.

Add the diced peppers and onions to the pot with the tomatoes.

Heating Salsa On The Stove

Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the salsa is heated through.

Be sure to stir the pot often so that the tomatoes don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Now it is time to can the salsa.

Canning Instructions (Mild Salsa Recipe)

Sterilize and heat the canning jars. Then use a wide mouth funnel to ladle the cooked salsa into the canning jars.

Be sure to leave 1/2 inch headspace at the top of the mouth of the jar. This is necessary so that the salsa has room to expand and the jars can properly seal.

Once the jars are full, run a plastic utensil down the inside of the jars. This helps to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rim of the jar with a damp, clean cloth and place a lid on top.

*Read your manufacturer’s label and follow the instructions for the lids. Most canning lids no longer require the lids to be warm before placing them on the jars. 

Secure the lids with the band. However, be sure to tighten only until the lid is secure and not over tighten.

Use the jar lifters to place the jars in the water bath canner. Be sure there is enough water so that it is 1-2 inches above the top of the jars.

Place the water bath canner over high heat. Once the water is at a rapid boil set a timer for 30 minutes, adjusting for altitude as necessary.

When time is up, turn the heat off and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes to rest. Use the jar lifters to place the warm jars of salsa on a thick towel to cool.

Let the jars sit at room temperature, undisturbed for 24 hours. Then you can begin testing the jars to make sure that they have sealed properly.

How To Test The Seal of Canning Jars

Test each lid by pushing on the center to see if the jars have sealed properly during the canning process. If the lid does not move, the jars have a safe seal. Then the salsa can be safely be stored in a cool dark place for one year.

However, if the lid can push in and it bounces back up, the jars did not seal properly.  If this happens, place the jar in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 weeks.  

Some Other Favorite Salsa Recipes

• Pico de Gallo
• Roasted Tomato Salsa
• Restaurant Style Salsa

Enjoy!