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.
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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 You’ll Love This Best Restaurant Salsa Recipe
- One step: There is only one key step required to make this easy salsa recipe. You can’t beat that for simplicity.
- Simple ingredients: You don’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, you’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.
Ingredients
- Whole peeled tomatoes: You’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 aren’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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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
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Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
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
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- 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.
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- Storage: Store the salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
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- 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.
Nutrition
*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.
Ryan Allen
This is my go to salsa for taco night. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.