Go Back
Best Perfect Salsa Recipe: Easy Restaurant-Style Salsa

Best Perfect Salsa Recipe

This no-cook restaurant-style salsa combines canned tomatoes, green chiles, fresh aromatics, lime, cilantro, and spices for a bright, scoopable dip. Pulse it briefly for a classic slightly chunky texture, then chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 28-ounce can Whole peeled tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
  • 2 10-ounce cans Diced tomatoes with green chiles
Fresh Aromatics
  • 1/2 medium onion White or yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 jalapeño Jalapeño, seeded for milder salsa or left seeded for more heat
  • 1-2 cloves Garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro leaves
Seasoning
  • 1/2-1 lime, or 1-2 tablespoons juice Fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste Kosher salt
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Granulated sugar, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Add the whole peeled tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chopped onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, kosher salt, and optional sugar to a food processor or blender.
  2. Pulse several times until the vegetables are finely chopped and the salsa is pourable but still slightly chunky. Stop between pulses to check the texture, and do not blend continuously into a smooth purée.
  3. Taste the salsa with a clean spoon and adjust it with more salt, lime juice, jalapeño, or sugar as needed. Remember that the flavor will become more balanced after chilling.
  4. Transfer the salsa to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Stir before serving, and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

Fire-roasted whole tomatoes add deeper flavor, while pulsing protects the classic restaurant-style texture. Store covered in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. For a fresher version, replace the canned green-chile tomatoes with additional fresh tomatoes and adjust the jalapeño to taste.