My favorite part when going to Mexican restaurants is the complimentary chips and salsa. Seriously though, that combo of crunchy tortilla chips and salsa is so simple, yet so delicious. So, why not make this easy restaurant style salsa recipe at home to have when you are craving some chips and salsa. Homemade salsa is a must in our fridge at all times. It taste fresh and does not have the extra additives from the store bought ones. It’s super easy and flavorful and always so satisfying.
This recipe makes about a cup, which last about 3-4 days in our fridge. Its no surprise we really love our salsas here. If we're craving a green salsa this roasted tomatillo salsa is our go-to or when we want something more of an everyday salsa then this red spicy salsa is a must! For a smoky salsa then you must try morita salsa. For that extra heat then this roasted habanero salsa is a must!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Only fresh ingredients are needed
- It's super easy to make
- The spice level can be adjusted to your taste
- Super addicting with tortilla chips
- A crowd pleaser
Ingredients you will need
- Tomato - 2 large ripe tomatoes
- Cilantro - 3-4 sprigs to add that extra freshness
- Jalapeño - seeds and membranes removed
- Chile de árbol - seeds removed
- Oregano - a little dash of oregano
- Kosher salt - for taste
- Onion - white or yellow onion work here
How to make restaurant style salsa
Start by roasting tomato, garlic clove, jalapeños and árbol chiles for about 5 minutes. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and add 3-4 cilantro sprigs, ¼ cup white onion and salt and blend until smooth. If salsa is too thick add ¼ cup of water or more until you have reach desire consistency. Add more salt if needed and serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
Substitutions
Tomato - You can certainly replace the tomatos with can of 14 oz whole tomatoes.
Storage suggestions
You can store in the fridge in airtight container for up to seven days. You can also freeze for up to 4 months but it will lose it's freshness over time.
How to serve this salsa
You can serve with tortilla chips, but can also be used in tacos, burritos, and any of your favorite Mexican dishes.
Variations
Mild - Use one jalapeño and one chile de árbol and remove all the seeds and membranes
Hot- use 1 ½ jalapeños and 2 chile de árbol and remove all the seeds
Spicy - Use 2 jalapeños and 3 chile de árbol and keep some of the seeds
Easy Restaurant Style Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 Medium tomatoes
- 1 ½ Jalapeño pepper (seeds and membranes removed)
- 3 Chile de árbol (seeds removed)
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ cup sliced white onion
- 3-4 cilantro sprigs
- ¼ tablespoon olive oil
- kosher salt to taste (I use ½ teaspoon)
- Pinch of oregano
Instructions
- Pan-roast the chilies, garlic clove and tomatoes with olive oil (about 5 minutes)
- Then set aside to cool down for a couple minutes.
- In a food processor or blender add cilantro, onion, salt, oregano and the pan-roasted ingredients
- Blend until smooth. Add ¼ cup of water if consistency is too thick.
- Ready to serve
Notes
Nutrition
If you make this salsa please don't forget to leave a review and let me know how you like it!
Sam @ SugarSpunRun
Yum! Ana this looks so good, I am DYING for my tomatoes to finally turn red in my garden so I can start experimenting with homemade salsa recipes. Yours looks like a winner for sure! 🙂
Ana
Thanks Sam! Can't wait to see what salsa masterpiece you come up with 🙂
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen
What a stunning looking salsa! Looks absolutely delicious! Thanks for this lovely share! 🙂
Ana
Thanks Anu! 🙂
Kelley
I adore salsa and chips, especially fresh salsa with LOTS of cilantro like this one! Think I'll try some out today 🙂
Ana
Thanks Kelley! Let me know how you like it 🙂
Mary
On the instructions you indicate to pan roast the chilies, garlic and tomato. Do the tomatoes need to be cut up?
Ana
Hi Mary, I do not cut the tomatoes. Just pan-roast whole tomatoes and keep turning about a minute per side. Please let me know if you have any further questions. 🙂
Christopher Box
I am always looking for a good salsa recipe. This one looks super easy. I think I am gonna add a little more heat! I am growing habanero's in my garden. Hopefully, I will survive!!
Ana
Thanks Christopher! The habaneros will definitely add some heat. Let me know how it turns out 🙂
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries
Yum! I love salsa too :). I love how easy this is!!
Ana
Thanks Annie! 🙂
Krista
Great recipe! I love salsa!! And I love how versatile it is and its my favourite accompaniment to fish! Looks fab Ana!
Ana
Thanks so much Krista!
felicia@ingredient1
There have been so many great recipes for Mexican inspired-dishes lately - a Mexican themed dinner party is on the to-do list! For this recipe, will I be able to find chile de arbol in any supermarket spice section?
Ana
Felicia, you can find chile de arbol in most supermarket hispanic/international aisle. If you can't find at grocery stores, you can get some on Amazon 🙂
Ami@NaiveCookCooks
I wish I had a bowl of this right now!! Looks so delish!
Ana
Thanks so much Ami 🙂
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks
Yum - love the idea of pan roasting the veggies before turning into a salsa!
Ana
Thanks Dani! you need to try pan-roasting, taste delish 🙂
Tori
I've always wanted to make this type of salsa! It looks super delicious!
Ana
Thanks Tori! You need to try it. It really adds that extra oomph to a lot of dishes. Let me know if you try it out 🙂
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat
This salsa looks so tasty! This is a great recipe for this time of year!
Ana
Thanks Shelby! 🙂
Mary @ Cooking Reporter
Yum! This salsa looks so good! Great recipe!
Ana
Thanks Mary! 🙂
Amanda
I LOVE homemade salsa. I can't stop eating it once it's made. Usually my salsa to chip ratio is pretty crazy. I can't wait to give this recipe a try. 🙂
Ana
Thanks Amanda! Im the same way, chips and salsa can be really addicting, and once you start you just can't stop. Let me know if you give it a try 🙂
Inês Vieira
salsas just make everything better, either if it is as a dip or just a sauce, I will definitely try to make this sometime 😉
http://loadsof-joy.blogspot.com
xx
Ana
They do! My tacos and burritos always have to have salsa 🙂 Let me know if you try it out. Thanks for stoppig by Ines!
J @ A Hot Southern Mess
I am a chip and dip girl at heart. Salsa, pico de gallo, you name it, I'm eating it. This recipe would be no exception. I am pretty sure I would devour this salsa in seconds!
Ana
Thanks J!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy
This sounds fantastic! Looks super easy to make too! Can't wait to give this a try!
Ana
Thanks Kelley! 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali
homemade is always so much better, isn't it? 🙂 looks yum!
Ana
Thanks Manali 🙂 Homemade salsa is the way to go!
kushi
I love salsa and this looks so delicious!