Copycat Chili’s Salsa

Whenever we’re out to eat, at least one food item gets added to our “figure out how to make this at home” list. Our copycat Chili’s salsa recipe was the latest addition. We’re not sure what it is about the restaurant’s salsa recipe—perhaps it’s simply nostalgia—but the unique blend of ingredients leaves us asking for more chips every time.

We were prepared to track down a slew of special herbs and spices. Instead, we realized we needed only a handful of kitchen staples to get the flavor right. To make a copycat Chili’s salsa recipe, you don’t even need fresh, in-season tomatoes. You can re-create this budget-friendly restaurant copycat recipe with canned tomatoes from your local grocer.

Simply toss everything in a blender or food processor, and you can replicate Chili’s salsa recipe in under 15 minutes. With something so easy, you’ll have time to whip up another restaurant recipe to round out your menu.

Copycat Chili’s Salsa Ingredients

Ellie Crowley For Taste of Home

• Onion: White or yellow onions are the best types of onions for this copycat Chili’s salsa recipe. They have the perfect balance of sweetness and zesty onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the salsa.
• Diced tomatoes: For a little extra spice, use regular diced tomatoes as well as diced canned tomatoes that include green chiles, such as Rotel.
• Jalapeno peppers: A tablespoon of finely diced jalapeno brings just the right amount of heat.
• Dried cilantro: Cilantro adds some herbaceous flavor and freshness to the flavor of the salsa. If you think cilantro tastes like soap, leave it out or reduce the amount to suit your taste preferences.
• Lime juice: Lime juice adds a little acidity to brighten the salsa’s flavor. Always opt for fresh lime juice rather than bottled lime juice for the best taste. (The same rule applies when making a pitcher of classic margaritas.)
• Sugar: Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Spices: No need to buy anything too special. We found a simple blend of garlic powder, cumin, salt and black pepper was all we needed to replicate the flavor of Chili’s salsa recipe at home.

Directions

Step 1: Pulse the onion

Place the onion in a food processor or high-powered blender, and pulse until finely chopped.

Editor’s Tip: We especially love these mini food processors for small-batch recipes. They’re the perfect size to get the job done.

Step 2: Blend the remaining ingredients

Add both cans of tomatoes, the diced jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, sugar, salt, pepper and optional ground cumin. Process until you reach the desired consistency.

Editor’s Tip: Chili’s salsa has a fairly smooth consistency. However, if you prefer a chunky salsa, process the ingredients for less time. The taste will be the same, but the texture will have more body.

Ellie Crowley For Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

• Opt for fresh cilantro: If you keep fresh cilantro on hand, you can use it in this recipe instead of dried cilantro. To make the swap, use this handy fresh-to-dried herb conversion guide.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes: For a smoky-tasting roasted tomato salsa, use one can fire-roasted tomatoes in place of the regular diced tomatoes.
• Add black beans and corn: This copycat Chili’s salsa recipe makes an excellent base for mix-ins. Try one of our favorites: Stir in 1/2 cup corn kernels and 1/2 cup rinsed and drained canned black beans.

How to Store Copycat Chili’s Salsa

This copycat Chili’s salsa recipe (and just about any salsa recipe) should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.

How long does copycat Chili’s salsa last?

This copycat Chili’s salsa will stay fresh for up to four days if stored properly.

Copycat Chili’s Salsa Tips

Ellie Crowley For Taste of Home

Can you use fresh tomatoes to make this copycat Chili’s salsa recipe?

Yes! This copycat Chili’s salsa is a genius way to use fresh tomatoes. However, if you use fresh tomatoes, you may want to add extra salt to the recipe since many canned tomatoes contain sodium. You will also want to add 2 tablespoons canned diced green chiles to the recipe.

How can I make this copycat Chili’s salsa recipe spicier or milder?

If you like spicier salsa, add extra jalapeno, or omit it altogether if you prefer a mild salsa. You may also play around with other types of peppers to adjust the salsa’s taste and heat. Habaneros, serranos or ghost peppers (if you dare) would considerably increase the heat. Conversely, poblanos, Anaheim or Hatch chiles can offer a milder taste.

How do you serve copycat Chili’s salsa?

Serve this easy copycat Chili’s salsa recipe with the best tortilla chips from the store, or try making homemade tortilla chips. Or, enjoy Chili’s salsa with your favorite taco recipes or as a mashup with some of your favorite Chipotle copycat recipes. You can enjoy this salsa over spicy carnitas huevos rancheros at breakfast, on top of your favorite nachos, or with other Mexican and southwestern recipes.