• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Cooking Duo
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Course
    • Appetizers
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Salads
    • Sides
    • Soups + Stews
  • Method
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • Baking
    • Easy Casseroles
    • Grilling Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • One Pot Meals
    • Sheet Pan Dinners
    • Skillet Recipes
    • Stove Top Recipes
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Course
  • Method
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Course
  • Method
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
ร—
Home ยป Appetizers ยป Restaurant Style Salsa

Restaurant Style Salsa

Published: Sep 17, 2024 by Ryan Allen ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 1 Comment

  • Facebook
  • Email
Jump to Recipe

Looking to recreate the salsa from your favorite Mexican restaurant at home? Look no further than this easy-to-make, flavor-packed Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe. Using just a few simple ingredients, this salsa delivers a taste that's anything but basic.

Restaurant style salsa in a bowl with tortilla chips around it.
Jump to:
  • Why Youโ€™ll Love This Best Restaurant Salsa Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make Salsa with Canned Tomatoes
  • Hint: Make a Chunky Salsa
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Dishes
  • Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe

All you need are some canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, a few seasonings, cilantro, a touch of lime juice, and a blender. Pureed together, these everyday ingredients are transformed into a rich, smooth, and savory salsa that's perfect as a dip with your favorite tortilla chips.

You can also serve it with any of your favorite dishes to add some flavor and color. We often enjoy this salsa with tacos, nachos, quesadillas, fajitas, eggs, or potatoes, but you can most definitely pair it with any of your favorites too. 

If you love this restaurant-inspired salsa, you will also love this Pizza Dip and this Smoked Queso Dip. Want something creamy, definitely check out our Crack Corn Dip.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Best Restaurant Salsa Recipe

  • One step: There is only one key step required to make this easy salsa recipe. You canโ€™t beat that for simplicity. 
  • Simple ingredients: You donโ€™t need any fancy ingredients to make this Mexican restaurant salsa recipe, just a few basic grocery items.  
  • Great flavor: Tangy, with a touch of spice, youโ€™ll find this is the best homemade salsa recipe out there. 
  • Budget-friendly: There are no expensive items needed to make this recipe. Canned tomatoes are usually less expensive than fresh ones, so you don't need to worry about this salsa breaking the bank.
Salsa ingredients including cilantro, onion, lime, tomatoes, garlic, jalapenos, and seasoning.

Ingredients

  • Whole peeled tomatoes: Youโ€™ll need one can of whole peeled tomatoes, undrained. 
  • Aromatics: We added white onion and fresh garlic for depth of flavor.
  • Cilantro: Cilantro adds an herbaceous flavor to the salsa, but if you arenโ€™t a fan you can leave it out or substitute with parsley. 
  • Jalapeno: This mild-to-moderately spicy chili pepper adds a touch of heat to the salsa. Leave the seeds in for a bit more heat or remove them to keep it at a medium spicy flavor.
  • Seasonings: We added salt, sugar, and cumin to give the salsa more flavor.
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds another layer of flavor to the salsa. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

  • Fresh tomatoes: Substitute the canned tomatoes for fresh ones. Make sure to blanch the tomatoes and then peel them before adding them to the food processor.
  • Roasted tomatoes: Use a can of roasted tomatoes for a deeper, slightly smoky flavor.
  • Chipotle salsa: Mix in some chipotle in adobo sauce to transform this salsa into a chipotle salsa recipe. It will be equally spicy but have a smoky flavor.
  • Spicy salsa: For a spicier salsa, swap the jalapeno for a habanero.
  • Mild salsa: For a more mild salsa, omit the jalapeno. 
Salsa in a blue bowl with tortilla chips around it.

How to Make Salsa with Canned Tomatoes

Get your ingredients ready and pull out the food processor to make this easy salsa that's as good as your favorite restaurant.

Salsa ingredients in a blender.

Step 1:  Combine the ingredients. Place all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Salsa ingredients that have been blended and are ready to go in the fridge.

Step 2: Refrigerate Store the salsa in the fridge overnight so the flavors have time to develop. Serve with restaurant-style chips.

Hint: Make a Chunky Salsa

If you like your salsa to have more texture it's so easy to do. Instead of blending simply pulse it a few times in the food processor to give it a bit more texture.

Serving Suggestions

This tomato salsa complements the flavors of so many dishes. Here are some ideas for serving it.

  • Pair it with these our 7 Layer Taco Dip, Steak Tacos or these Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, and prepare this Mexican Rice on the side.ย 
  • Make chips and salsa for a game day snack along with some guacamole, a plate of nachos, and our Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders.
  • Drizzle some salsa on Roasted Potatoes or use it as a dip for these Air Fryer Tater Tots to add some spice to your meals.

Expert Tips

  • Jalapeno handling: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after chopping the jalapeno, as the capsaicin can cause burning and irritation. This is especially an issue if you accidentally touch your face or eyes. You can also wear food-safe gloves to avoid any contact with your skin.
  • Storage: Store the salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
  • Allow the flavors to develop: The flavor will taste best if you allow this salsa recipe with canned tomatoes to sit in the fridge overnight. 
A hand dipping a tortilla chip into restaurant style salsa.

Recipe FAQs

Is this salsa spicy?

This salsa has a touch of spice from the jalapeno, but if you prefer you can leave it out or just use half as much.ย 

Can you freeze salsa?

Yes, you can freeze the salsa for up to 3 months. We recommend freezing it in ice cube trays, so you can just pull out one portion at a time.

More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Dishes

  • Creamy chicken fajita pasta in a skillet.
    Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
  • Taco soup with ranch packet in a white bowl and garnished with Fritos, cheese, and sour cream.
    Easy Taco Soup with Ranch
  • Close up of a taco Joes sandwich on a wood cutting board.
    Taco Joes
  • Sheet pan chicken fajitas with fresh squeezed limes and tortillas.
    One Pan Chicken Fajitas

We would love it if you would leave a 5 Star โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ rating below. Then follow me onย Facebook,ย Instagram,ย andย Pinterest! Share your favorite recipes or ask questions in myย Facebook Group.

Restaurant style salsa in a bowl with tortilla chips around it.

Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe

Author: Ryan Allen
This simple restaurant salsa recipe shows how easy it is to make your own delicious salsa at home, just like the kind served at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings
Calories 27 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes undrained
  • ยพ cup white onion roughly chopped
  • ยผ cup cilantro roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno roughly chopped and seeded
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ยฝ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Refrigerate overnight for best results, then serve with restaurant-style chips.

Notes

    • Jalapeno handling: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after chopping the jalapeno, as the capsaicin can cause burning and irritation, especially if you accidentally touch your face or eyes. You can also wear food-safe gloves.
    • Storage: Store the salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
    • Allow the flavors to develop: The flavor will taste best if you allow this salsa recipe with canned tomatoes to sit in the fridge overnight.ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 434mgPotassium: 223mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 172IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg

*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.

Keyword Restaurant Salsa Recipe, Restaurant Style Salsa
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Appetizers

  • Crescent roll pigs in a blanket on a basket with a bowl of ketchup.
    Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket
  • A glass dish of 7 layer taco dip with the different layers visible and colorful toppings on the top.
    7 Layer Taco Dip
  • Three chicken crescent rolls on a plate.
    Chicken Crescent Rolls
  • Cranberry brie bites scattered on a piece of parchment.
    Cranberry Brie Bites

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 1 vote

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





  1. Ryan Allen

    September 17, 2024 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    This is my go to salsa for taco night. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Ryan and Shanna owners of thecookingduo.com.

Hey there, we are Ryan and Shanna!

As food bloggers and parents, we share easy, delicious recipes with simple ingredients to make mealtime easy and yummy. Come join us on our culinary journey!

More about us

Popular Recipes

  • Marry me chicken tortellini in a skillet.
    Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
  • Healthy turkey sloppy Joes on a piece of parchment paper
    Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe
  • Overhead look at sheet pan breadsicks on parchment paper
    Quick & Easy Sheet Pan Breadsticks
  • Overhead look at Instant Pot baked ziti on a plate with a salad in the background.
    Easy Instant Pot Baked Ziti with Meat
  • The Best Cheeseburger soup in a black bowl and garnished with cheddar cheese.
    Best Cheeseburger Soup with Potatoes
  • Reese's pieces cookies stacked on top of each other on a white background.
    Reese's Pieces Cookies

Dinner Recipes

  • Two racks of smoked baby back ribs on a wood cutting board.
    Smoked Baby Back Ribs
  • Marry me chicken pasta in a bowl with more in a skillet.
    Marry Me Chicken Pasta
  • Ground beef stroganoff in a blue bowl with parsley in the background.
    Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
  • Taco mac and cheese in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.
    Taco Mac and Cheese
  • Sheet pan shrimp boil on parchment paper garnished with parsley and lemons.
    Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
  • Pepper steak in a skillet ready to be served.
    Pepper Steak Recipe

Footer

โ†‘ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Let's Connect

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Punchfork

Contact

  • Contact

The Cooking Duo is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Copyright ยฉ 2025 The Cooking Duo

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.