This Super Simple Copycat Chili’s Salsa whips up in five minutes. Whole tomatoes, special blend of seasonings, onion and jalapeño. The best!
COPYCAT CHILI’S SALSA
This stuff is easy to make and you can make it year round since it doesn’t rely on expensive supermarket tomatoes or while you wait for your garden to grow. We’re planting more tomatoes in our garden this year. But as I await my garden fresh tomatoes to come into fruition, I can still make a really great salsa. We’re salsa people. Heck, who isn’t? It’s great with chips but also really tasty with all of your Mexican favorites and burgers too.
It has a nice, smooth flavor and consistency that won’t drown out the flavor of whatever other food you eat it with. And it whips up in an instant. I think this salsa tastes a lot like the salsa they serve at Chili’s restaurants.
VIDEO INCLUDED BELOW:
CAN YOU MAKE THIS SALSA SPICIER?
And the good thing about salsa is you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like it. I make it more on the mild side so our son (and my acid reflux) won’t complain, but please feel free to put the whole jalapeno in there if you like.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
can tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel)
can whole peeled tomatoes
jalapeño
yellow onion
yellow onion
garlic salt
kosher salt
ground cumin
sugar
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.
Originally published: April 2011
Updated & republished: May 2019
COPYCAT CHILI'S SALSA
This Super Simple Copycat Chili's Salsa whips up in five minutes. Whole tomatoes, special blend of seasonings, onion and jalapeño. The best!
Print Pin RatePrep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 15kcal
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can tomatoes and green chiles, Rotel
- 1 (15 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, don't drain juices
- 1/2 jalapeno, cut into chunks
- 1/2 yellow onion, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- This is easiest in a food processor but you can use a blender too.
- 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 my mason jars) and chill in the fridge for several hours (overnight is even better).
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!
Nutrition
Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 442mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 7.6mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.7mg
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YUM- YUM Love salsa!
KAT
I made this on Saturday and couldn't wait two hours to try it…it was so good! We had some last night after it was sitting for over 24 hours and it was even better. I've been looking for a good salsa recipe and I've found it! Thanks 🙂
Question, how long do you think it stays good?
Hi Jeanne! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how much you enjoyed it!! So glad you liked it 🙂
You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. To be honest, I've probably stretched it up to a week and a half before without problems.
Super simple and super fresh…we love it! Thanks so much for sharing another winner in today's Round-Up. Be sure and enter it on our website too, if you feel like sharing. 🙂
Here's a handy link:
http://bit.ly/GBPsharearecipe
You may just find yourself in a Gooseberry Patch cookbook someday soon! Thanks again. 🙂
YUM-O!!! Will make your recipe and serve it on our "Salsa" bowl. lol – Thank you, sweet Brandie. ♥♥♥
Hi there! Was just making this and see you noted not to drain the tomatoes, but what about the Rotel chilis? I questioned it beforehand, but dumped it all in anyway. Now, this seems really thin. Lynn
That looks super good, and super easy!
Just wondering–Can you process this in jars to can, or could you freeze it to keep for later? I am wanting a recipe to use for making a large quantity to put for winter.
Yes…I would like to know if you fan freeze it also
My husband made it tonight and it was very good! Thank you, Brandie!
It seems I missed a comment or two on here – so sorry! First of all – this is a thinner type salsa. I don't drain any of the cans. This salsa was inspired by the one at Chili's restaurant. If you want a thicker salsa, then by all means, please drain the cans or just one of the cans.
This can be canned and stored up for later. It has about a 6 month shelf life if canned properly. I haven't actually tried freezing it but I don't see why it wouldn't hold up well in the freezer. If anyone has tried freezing it – please let me know!
Snowmanlover – thank you for letting me know how it turned out for you. So happy you enjoyed it!
Looks good
Don’t change a THING! This was flipping amazing!
How long can this be stored?
There is really no reason to worry about how long it can be stored in my house. It never lasts more than a couple of days. It is delicious and addictive and whenever I make it I wander why I ever buy salsa premade. I like to add chopped cilantro to it. Just a little though. This is very good and the taste is much fresher than store bought salsa.
I can't wait to try this. I have to watch my salt so I can adjust for me. I love how simple it sounds. I love salsa. I think I will leave mine a little chunky. Thanks so much.
Can we just talk about how good this salsa is? Holy crap! Best salsa ever!!
I made this for New Years this past year and everyone loved it. How long does it last after it is made?
Gah! So good Brandie. Thank you! I sent everyone to your site for the recipe! I took your advice and added a little bit of cilantro. So yummy!
I make this salsa to have along with your chicken enchiladas 🙂 My fiance loves both recipes and says that the salsa is some of the best. We will not be buying jars of salsa anymore because this is so easy to make and delicious. Can't thank you enough!
Looks like a winner Brandie!
Thank you Kathleen!! 🙂
I eliminated the jalapeno, drained the rotel, used a can of diced tomatoes, put half the cumin. It’s awesome for my palate and had just amount of kick. Yummo. My go to recipe from now on will never purchase again.
Great way to really tailor it to your tastes. I am a total lightweight when it comes to spiciness. Ha!
This recipe is super easy! We have made it so many times, it is a hit!
This recipe is my own personal crack. After making this, I have had to let my family know if they want me to make some, it has to go home with them. I don’t even need chips, just a spoon will do, lol. Totally love this recipe.
I am laughing so hard Caroline! I love it!! Thank you!