Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa is a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. It’s simple to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also customizable to suit your spice preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a snack, this salsa brings a restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 60
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 220mg
Why Make Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa
Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa is not just about flavor—it’s also about health. This salsa is made with fresh ingredients, allowing you to control what goes into each bite. Say goodbye to preservatives and hello to a vibrant and nutritious option for snacking. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip, a topping, or even a marinade. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa Step by Step
Ingredients
1/4 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1- 2 jalapeños, chopped
2 tsp lime juice, plus more to taste
Kosher salt
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (can use 2 lbs ripe plum tomatoes, see note*)
Drained
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
Cayenne (optional), to taste
Directions
Place onions in a strainer and rinse under cold water, tossing around, for about a minute. Shake off excess water and transfer to a food processor or blender. Add garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, and ¾ teaspoon salt. Pulse until mostly smooth and free of big chunks. Add tomatoes and cilantro and blend until mostly smooth, but still textured. Taste and stir in more lime or salt if needed. Stir in cayenne, a pinch at a time, to reach desired spice. Serve with tortilla chips.
How to Serve Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa
Pair your Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa with crispy tortilla chips for the classic experience. It also elevates grilled chicken or fish, adding a zesty flair to your main dishes. Consider topping your favorite tacos or burritos with this salsa to bring them to life!
How to Store Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa
To store your Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should last for about 5 to 7 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it as well. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir before serving.
Expert Tips for Cooking Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor possible.
- Adjust the spice by controlling the amount of jalapeños and cayenne you add.
- For a smoother salsa, blend a little longer, but keep some texture for that authentic restaurant feel.
- Adding a pinch of sugar can balance out the acidity if desired.
- Always taste as you go—this salsa is all about your personal preference!
Delicious Variations of Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa
For those looking to switch it up, try a roasted salsa by charring the tomatoes and jalapeños before blending. A fruity twist can be achieved by adding diced mango or pineapple for a tropical flair. If you’re a cilantro fan, consider a herbed variation that incorporates parsley or mint for a unique taste!
Conclusion
Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa is easy to make and packed with flavor. Its versatility means it can complement various dishes or simply be enjoyed with chips. So grab your ingredients and whip up a batch today—you won’t regret it!

Restaurant-Style Salsa
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 onion 1/4 onion, chopped Chopped.
- 1 clove 1 garlic clove, chopped Chopped.
- 1-2 jalapeños 1- 2 jalapeños, chopped Chopped.
- 2 tsp 2 tsp lime juice, plus more to taste
- 3/4 tsp Kosher salt Use as needed for seasoning.
- 1 28-ounce can 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (can use 2 lbs ripe plum tomatoes, see note*) Drained.
- 1/2 bunch 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped Chopped.
- Cayenne (optional), to taste Adjust according to spice preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place onions in a strainer and rinse under cold water for about a minute. Shake off excess water.
- Transfer onions to a food processor or blender and add garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, and ¾ teaspoon salt.
- Pulse until mostly smooth and free of big chunks.
- Add tomatoes and cilantro and blend until mostly smooth, but still textured.
- Taste and stir in more lime or salt if needed. Stir in cayenne, a pinch at a time, to reach desired spice level.
- Serve with tortilla chips.