Salsa can really make or break a Mexican dish, which is why it is so important to have the best salsa you possibly can. This restaurant style salsa is exactly that - the kind of amazing salsa you get in a Mexican restaurant that you can't stop eating. Now you can make it at home in a couple of minutes with this easy recipe. Grab some tortilla chips and get dipping!
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Each time we have visited Mexico, the salsa has always been a highlight. It's zesty, spicy and I put it on everything! Each time we've come back from a Mexico trip I have gone through a salsa (and guac) withdrawal and it's no joke.
We always turn to this easy restaurant salsa, as it's the closest to authentic Mexican salsa that I have had.
If you are looking for some other Mexican recipes to try, then why not try our Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa, Chipotle Black Bean Nachos, Chicken Quesadillas, Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas or Shredded Beef Tacos.
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Why You Will Love It
- Quick and easy - This restaurant style salsa takes less than 5 minutes and it is as simple as whizzing everything up in the food processor.
- Cheap to make - Because we have used canned tomatoes rather than fresh, this is a cheap dish to make. Using canned tomatoes also means you can make it all year round and you don't need to rely on ripe fresh tomatoes.
- Stores well - Make a big batch and then keep it in the fridge to add to meals throughout the week.
- Versatile - There is SO much that you can do with this salsa. Tacos, salads, dips - we have given lots of suggestions of how to use it below.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Tomatoes - We have used tinned tomatoes, to make this quick and easy. We used whole plum tomatoes, rather than chopped, as we find they have a better flavour. Try to use the best quality tomatoes you can, as the cheaper ones tend to be more watery and don't have the best flavour.
- Garlic - We like to crush it before it goes in the food processor, just to make sure it's more like a puree and evenly distributed in the salsa. You can use ready chopped garlic in a jar if you prefer.
- Onion - We used red onion.
- Jalapeños - This is what gives the spiciness to the salsa. You can use more or less depending how spicy you like it.
- Lime - We have used just the juice, but if you wanted to add more of a zesty flavour, then you could add the zest too.
- Coriander (cilantro) - This is a must when it comes to salsa, but I know not everyone is a fan. Feel free to adjust it to suit your own tastes.
- A pinch of sea salt and black pepper - Season to taste.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Make Restaurant Style Salsa
One: Put all of the salsa ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse for around 10 times. I like my salsa a bit chunky, so blend for longer if you want a smoother salsa. A good mix of the two is perfect.
Two: Serve in a bowl with some extra coriander on top and tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage
Store: You can store this salsa in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: We wouldn't recommend freezing this salsa, as it is a fresh salsa rather than cooked. If you wanted to freeze it, you would need to cook it through first.
Dannii's Top Tips
- Use different types of chilli each time to change the taste. If you like something a bit smokier, then add some chipotle paste instead of the jalapenos.
- If you have a lot of tomatoes that need using, you can always use fresh tomatoes instead of canned.
- A little bit of sugar goes a long way in this if you like your salsa on the sweet side. It brings out the flavour of the tomatoes.
- If you don't like your salsa too spicy, remove the seeds from the chilli first. That way you get all the flavour from the chilli, but not so much of the heat.
- Make this salsa even chunkier by stirring in some sweetcorn before serving.
- This salsa will keep in an air-tight container for around 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
It honestly couldn't be any simpler. You just throw the ingredients into a food processor and blitz until it's either still a bit chunky, or smooth, depending on your preference. If you have unexpected guests, then this is the easiest thing to whizz up, and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen.
You need to use the best quality tinned tomatoes you can. If you have used cheaper tinned tomatoes, these tend to be watery and they will give you a watery salsa.
The best thing about this is that you can adjust it to suit your own tastes. We like our salsa with a kick of heat, so use less jalapenoes if you don't like spicy food.
Yes, and we would recommend doing so as it is better after it has been left to rest in the fridge for a couple of hours, as it allows all the flavours to come together.
More Sauce Recipes
If you've tried this easy restaurant style salsa recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Restaurant Style Salsa
Ingredients
- 800 g (1.75 lb) Plum tomatoes - canned
- 1 Garlic clove - crushed
- 0.5 Red onion - finely chopped
- 1 cup Fresh coriander (cilantro)
- 1 Lime - (juice only)
- 3 Jalapeños - (more or less depending how spicy you like it)
- 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse around 10 times. I like my salsa a bit chunky, so blend for longer if you want a smoother salsa.
- Serve in a bowl with some extra coriander on top and tortilla chips for dipping.
Recipe Tips
- Use different types of chilli each time to change the taste. If you like something a bit smokier, then add some chipotle paste instead of the jalapenos.
- If you have a lot of tomatoes that need using, you can always use fresh tomatoes instead of canned.
- A little bit of sugar goes a long way in this if you like your salsa on the sweet side. It brings out the flavour of the tomatoes.
- If you don't like your salsa too spicy, remove the seeds from the chilli first. That way you get all the flavour from the chilli, but not so much of the heat.
- Make this salsa even chunkier by stirring in some sweetcorn before serving.
- This salsa will keep in an air-tight container for around 3-4 days.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
I loveeeeee salsa - and omg that salsa bar! Wish I could reach through my screen and try all those salsas!! I love how easy this salsa recipe is. Can't wait to try :) Pinned!
Shobha says
I love it .. we often make it at home. easiest option for snacking.
Dannii says
I love dipping cucumber in homemade salsa.
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Wow, I am drooling over that assortment of salsa! We love salsa and yours looks amazing!
Dannii says
That restaurant was so nice too. Right on the water!
Lilla Goatcher (@LillaJade) says
I have now saved this, my husband is obsessed with salsa and spicy food, we just got one of those mini choppers so I will be trying this soon!
Lilla x
Dannii says
I hope he enjoys it :)
Sophie Bowns says
This looks great! I love Mexican food!
Dannii says
It's the best, isn't it!
kezia @ Super Naturally Healthy says
I have been known to eat salsa for breakfast too - so flipping good and a great source of lycopene!
Dannii says
I think more people should eat it for breakfast.
GiGi Eats says
I do love me some salsa, I love to mix olives and artichokes into my mixture and then mix it with burger meat and make burgers :)
Dannii says
That sounds amazing. Definitely going to have to make that.
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Love salsa, and your version looks delish!
Dannii says
Thank you :)
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
Oh I love a good salsa, this looks fantastic! So many healthy ingredients too!
Dannii says
Jar salsa has so much crap in it, but this fresh one really is so healthy.
Cailee says
YUM! I LOVE salsa from Moe's!! That's my fave stuff... I love to put salsa on top of my salad for a healthy dressing!! So good! :)
Dannii says
I have heard a few people mention Moe's. I'm going to have to go when I am in the states next year!
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
ooo Salsa is one of my favorites! we have made it so many times this year because our garden had so many tomatoes and peppers! YUM this looks awesome Dannii !
Dannii says
You are so lucky! Our garden didn't give us any tomatoes this year :(
Mira says
I love how easy to make this salsa is! Homemade is always better, with warm tortilla chips of course! Looks so chunky and delicious!!!
Dannii says
It's all about the chunks I think!
Laura says
My husband and I were just having this conversation this other day......at a Mexican restaurant of course....why is their salsa so darn good, and yes, those piping hot tortilla chips definitely help!!! I love the idea of making my own at home since we eat Mexican all the time. What a great idea. I like salsa with eggs too, plus, when we eat at home their are no tempting chips to throw us off. Congrats on loosing 100 pounds! That's awesome. I put on 66 pounds with baby #2 and lost 50 pounds which was great. And I'm super short so the extra weight was not good. Anything that helps me keep that weight off is nifty to me.
Dannii says
Congrats on losing 50lbs - that's awesome!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
Who doesn't enjoy fresh homemade salsa! Great recipe!
Dannii says
It's the way forward I think.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
I always buy my salsa, but it looks so easy to make. Love it in too of my chilli with all of the other trimmings!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
*on top
Dannii says
You should definitely try making it. Nothing added to it that way.