Chili’s Salsa

If you love the bold, fresh flavor of Chili’s famous chips and salsa, this homemade version will become your new go-to recipe. It takes only five minutes to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers that perfect balance of acidity, spice, and savory depth. Whether you’re hosting taco night, planning a game-day spread, or simply craving a restaurant-quality snack at home, this Chili’s Salsa copycat is sure to impress. It’s fresh, zesty, and ideal for dipping tortilla chips or spooning over your favorite Mexican dishes. This recipe yields a generous batch, making it perfect for parties or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, drained
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 large jalapeno, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor
• Process until everything is smooth and well blended
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve with chips

SERVING AND STORAGE TIPS

Serve your Chili’s Salsa chilled for the best taste. Pair it with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, or grilled meats. For a party platter, place the salsa in a wide shallow bowl to allow easy dipping. For storage, keep salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving as ingredients may settle. For freezing, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and blend again if needed to restore texture. Avoid freezing in glass jars to prevent cracking.

VARIATIONS

1. Roasted Salsa: Roast the tomatoes, jalapeno, and onions before blending to add depth and smoky flavor.
2. Fire-Roasted Salsa: Use fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a restaurant-style charred flavor.
3. Mild Salsa: Remove jalapeno seeds and membranes or replace jalapeno with mild green chiles.
4. Extra-Spicy Salsa: Add a serrano pepper or two for added heat and intensity.
5. Chunky Salsa: Pulse the processor lightly to keep chunks of tomato and onion instead of blending smooth.
6. Cilantro Salsa: Add 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves for brightness and herb flavor.
7. Salsa Verde Twist: Swap red tomatoes for tomatillos and add more lime for a tangy green salsa.
8. Smoky Chipotle Salsa: Add one chipotle pepper in adobo and reduce jalapeno for a smoky, spicy flavor.
9. Sweet Corn Salsa: Stir in 1 cup charred corn after blending for added sweetness and crunch.
10. Black Bean Salsa: Mix in 1 cup black beans for added protein and texture.
11. Tropical Salsa: Add diced pineapple or mango for a sweet and spicy combination.
12. Garlic Lovers Salsa: Add one extra clove of fresh garlic or increase garlic salt slightly.
13. Low Sodium Salsa: Reduce salt and use no-salt canned tomatoes to control sodium levels.
14. Pico de Gallo Style: Replace canned tomatoes with fresh chopped tomatoes and skip blending.
15. Creamy Salsa: Blend in 2 to 3 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy, dip-style salsa.

FAQS

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, but canned tomatoes create a smoother, more authentic Chili’s-style texture.
2. How do I adjust the heat level? Add or remove jalapeno seeds, use serranos for more heat, or use green chiles for less heat.
3. Can I make this without a food processor? Yes, use a blender or finely mince everything by hand.
4. Why add sugar? Sugar balances acidity and enhances tomato flavor.
5. Can I make this salsa ahead of time? Yes, the flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge.
6. Does this salsa get watery? If using fresh tomatoes, it may get watery. Strain excess liquid before blending.
7. Can I freeze this salsa? Yes, but texture may change slightly. Blend again after thawing.
8. Is this salsa gluten free? Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten free.
9. What type of onion is best? White onion gives the most authentic restaurant-style flavor.
10. How long does the salsa last in the refrigerator? Up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Homemade Chili’s Salsa is incredibly easy to make and delivers the same fresh, restaurant-style flavor you love. With a short prep time and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect dip to keep on hand for gatherings, snacks, or weeknight meals. This versatile salsa pairs beautifully with chips, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and so much more. Make a batch today and enjoy bold, zesty salsa anytime you want.

Print