This Super Simple Copycat Chili's Salsa whips up in five minutes. Tomatoes, onions, a special blend of seasonings and a touch of jalapeño.
A RESTAURANT FAVORITE APPETIZER
This salsa is so easy to make and whips up quickly. Chili's Salsa has a nice, smooth flavor and consistency that doesn't drown out the flavor of whatever other food you eat it with. I think this salsa tastes a lot, if not better, than the salsa they serve at Chili's restaurants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
No. It does not need to be. If you are using fresh tomatoes, you will want to par-boil the tomatoes to remove the skins. Then you will want to gently cook them until they turn soft to make for a nice, smooth salsa.
If you are going to can salsa or you purchased jarred salsa, you will notice there is some sort of additional acid added like vinegar. This is to prevent any type of dangerous bacteria from growing. But for fresh salsa that you will be eating right away, it is not necessary.
The basic traditional salsa is simply made with tomatoes, onion, chili peppers and spices. That is the salsa base recipe and other ingredients can be added from there to suit your tastes.
If you like it really hot, add more jalapeño and include the seeds. The heat from a jalapeño comes from the seeds.
Leftover salsa should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will last up to a week. If you are going to can this salsa, you will need to add about a tablespoon of lime juice or vinegar before following proper canning procedures.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
- can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chiles)
- can of whole peeled tomatoes
- jalapeno
- yellow onion
- garlic
- garlic salt
- kosher salt
- ground cumin
- sugar
HOW TO MAKE CHILI'S SALSA:
This is easiest in a food processor but you can use a blender too. Place jalapeño and onion in the food processor.
Process it for a few seconds.
Add in the rest of the ingredients.
Process all ingredients for just a few more seconds, keeping it slightly chunky (not a puree.)
Put into a bowl with a lid (I like to put mine in mason jars). Chill for several hours (overnight is best). This step is really important because this is a salsa that just gets so much better over time. After a few hours, the flavors really blend and the flavor is enhanced. Trust me, it makes a big difference in the taste.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES? HAVE A LOOK AT THESE!
Copycat Chili's Salsa
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can tomatoes and green chiles, Rotel
- 15 ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, don't drain juices
- ½ jalapeno, cut into chunks
- ½ yellow onion, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Place jalapeno and onion into food processor. Process it for a few seconds.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients and process all ingredients for just a few more seconds, keeping it slightly chunky (not a puree).
- Put into a bowl with a lid (I like to use a large mason jar) and chill in the fridge for several hours (overnight is even better).
- Then serve with tortilla chips.
Video
Notes
- This is a salsa that just gets better over time. After a few hours, the flavors really blend and the flavor is enhanced. Also, add fresh cilantro if you enjoy the taste!
- A blender can be used in place of a food processor.
- For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño after slicing.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Originally published: April 2011
Updated & republished: December 2021
Meliisa
Going to make this on the weekend. Has anyone used fresh tomatoes?
Tammy Larson
Best Salsa recipe! Just like Chili's. Thanks for the recipe!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Woo hoo!!! Thanks so much Tammy!
Connie
Can this be made and put in canning water bath to keep for a season?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Absolutely!
Pamela
This was so easy and delicious but a bit salty for our tastes. I will switch to garlic powder next time and half the amount of Kosher salt. I love the lime juice suggestion too!
Brooke
This recipe is perfect! This was my first time ever making salsa and it was so good!! I used 1 whole jalapeño and will not be making that mistake again. I will try 1/2 jalapeño next time.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I am supersensitive to spice so I can completely understand that. Plus, some jalapeños are larger than others or spicier than others. If you remove the seeds, that really helps cut down on the heat as well. 🙂 So happy you enjoyed it!
Carly
How long does this salsa last? I made it on Tuesday, is it still good? This salsa is delicious!!