Name: Restaurant Style Salsa
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients: 14 ounce canned tomatoes 1 can whole or chopped; 4 ounce green chiles 1 can; 3 teaspoons garlic minced; 5 green onions coarsely chopped; 1 handful fresh cilantro coarsely chopped, about 1/2 cup or to taste; garlic salt to taste; freshly ground black pepper 4 or 5 turns or to taste; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Restaurant style salsa is as easy as layering all your ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitzing to dippable perfection, all in under 10 minutes total!

dipping a tortilla chip in Restaurant Style Salsa

Why this recipe works

I usually make homemade salsa using fresh tomatoes, even better when they are straight from the garden. However, in the colder months, there’s no garden to pick fresh tomatoes from and the tomatoes available from the grocery store are not always up to par. So I decided to use canned tomatoes, the ingredients I usually use in my salsa fresca, and my food processor. Boy am I glad I did!

It’s super simple to throw together and always a hit at gatherings. Layer the ingredients and run them through your food processor. That’s all! This is one of the easiest food processor recipes you will ever make.

Restaurant Style Salsa in a bowl with tortilla chips

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

TOMATO – I prefer the flavor of Hunts Fire Roasted for my canned tomatoes. You can use whatever brand you like or use your own homemade canned tomatoes. Rotel tomatoes with green chiles (omit the additional green chiles called for in the recipe card if so) would be a nice substitute.

How to Make Restaurant Style Salsa

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Layer ingredients in the food processor in the order they are listed.
Pulse a few times to get the ingredients mixed together. You can continue using the pulse feature if you like your salsa a little chunky. I process mine for about 30-45 seconds or until it looks fairly smooth with small chunks.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I use a blender if I don’t have a food processor?

Yes, absolutely. The blender will do the trick just fine for this salsa.

How long does this salsa last?

This salsa will keep well when sealed in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I can restaurant-style salsa?

A good rule of thumb when using canned tomatoes or anything pre-canned – is to not recan it again. If you would like to can this recipe, your best bet is to go the traditional route and blend up your own fresh tomatoes and green chiles. My salsa fresca recipe uses fresh tomatoes and virtually the same ingredients as this salsa. You can blend/food process it all together and can it as you wish.

Is this salsa mild or spicy?

This salsa is on the milder side. If you would like to add more spice, feel free to add in a freshly chopped jalapeno, leaving some of the rib and seeds intact.

Serving Suggestions

When isn’t a good time for restaurant style salsa? Serve at potlucks, football parties, cookouts, or bring as an appetizer for game nights. Serve with tortilla chips, layered into burritos, drizzled over tacos, enchiladas, walking tacos, or nachos.

More Salsa Recipes

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!

This post originally appeared here on Jan 13, 2011 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.