Salsa is the glue that holds all Mexican food together, 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.
We have visited Mexico a couple of times and the salsa is always 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.
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What you will need
- 2 tins of good quality plum tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- Half a red onion, finely chopped
- 3 jalapeños (more or less depending how spicy you like it)
- Juice of one lime
- A fist sized bunch of coriander (cilantro)
- A pinch of sea salt and black pepper
Step by step
One: Put all of the salsa ingredients in to 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.
How easy is it?
It honestly couldn't be any simpler. You just throw the ingredients in to 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.
What tomatoes to use in salsa
Is there anything you can't do with a can of tomatoes? I say it time and time again, but if you have some in your cupboard, you can always make a meal. They are the base of this restaurant salsa and the reason why it is so easy, as you don't need to wash and chop any tomatoes.
When using canned tomatoes, you want to use the best quality that you can afford. The cheap tomatoes are really watery and just don't have any taste. Go for whole plum tomatoes in the can too as you get more of that tomato flavour.
Extra 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.
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Recipe
Restaurant Style Salsa
Ingredients
- 800 g Plum tomatoes canned
- 1 Garlic clove crushed
- 0.5 Red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup coriander (cilantro)
- 1 Lime (juice only)
- 3 Jalapeños (more or less depending how spicy you like it)
- 1 pinch Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in to 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.
Notes
- 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.
Jessie
Yayy for a good salsa recipe! This one has a great flavor, thank you for the share!
Michael Sharp
Can’t wait to try this salsa , looks like another great HHH. recipe, and looking forward to the new HHH.
slow cooker recipe book due for release this autumn.
Sharon
I agree with your analogy about salsa, perfect description and a must have for any meal or alongside a margarita. This looks great!
Shanika
Nothing like a good salsa and some chips! The perfect summer snack, especially for a crowd! Delish!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
I would need bags of tortilla chips and cold beer -- because that salsa looks awesome!
Patty
I'm like you and can't stop eating a good salsa, I love how easy and flavorful sounds your recipe, looking forward to trying it!
Neli Howard
This sounds fantastic! Looks tasty! This recipe is perfect for me and my family. Thank you!
danielle wolter
I've never made salsa with canned tomatoes before! I'm totally going to have to try because it sounds easier than fresh tomatoes!!
Pam Greer
I love that you used canned tomatoes! Making it so easy to make this year round! Perfect for our margarita on Saturday!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C
Using canned plum tomatoes is brilliant! I love how easy this recipe is.
Annissa
This recipe sounds so delicious and love that this is very easy to make! Looks amazing!
Chris Collins
This salsa looks top notch! Can't wait to give the recipe a go this weekend!! :)
Claudia Lamascolo
I am such a big fan of salsa and chips these restaurant style must be over the top addicting!
Shashi at SavorySpin
You might find this crazy but I've never thought to use canned tomatoes in salsa - and I can imagine how good this salsa is! Delicious!
Jessie
Yum! I love a good salsa and lets put these garden veggies to work! Looks great!
Traci
Everyone needs a restaurant salsa in their back pocket. Can't tell you how many times I've made it for parties at the last minute :) Yours is gorgeous...just pinned!
Jenn
I have a major chips and salsa addiction and this looks amazing! Beautiful photos and I love how easy the recipe is using canned tomatoes! Definitely will be trying this!
Julia
I totally agree with you about the canned tomatoes. The cheap ones have barely any taste! Love this simple recipe! :)
Michelle Murray
I am such a big fan of nachos, I could eat them all day. They look yummy too x
Dannii
They are delicious, aren't they!
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate
This is perfect timing! I just picked the last of my tomatoes from the garden and made it a goal this weekend to make salsa. Totally making this- thanks girl!
Dannii
I'm so jealous. We didn't have any tomatoes in our garden this year.