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THE BEST Copycat Chili’s Salsa Recipe

December 27, 2016 by Emily Hill 58 Comments

This copycat Chili’s salsa recipe is the closest to the original and highly addictive. It’s super easy to make and has the perfect consistency and flavor!

Copycat Chilis Salsa -- After comparing other copycat Chilis salsa recipes and making a few tweaks, this version is by far the closest to the original...and extremely addictive. #salsa #copycatrecipe #copycat #chilis #chilissalsa #appetizer #halfscratched #mexican #mexicanfood

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Nathan would live on chips and salsa if he could, and my kids would live on nachos with a side of salsa mixed with ranch. (Don’t knock it until you try it.) I enjoy the chips and salsa thing as well, though I prefer to mix in other foods now and then.

Twix is a food, right?

Copycat Chilis Salsa -- After comparing other copycat Chilis salsa recipes and making a few tweaks, this version is by far the closest to the original...and extremely addictive. #salsa #copycatrecipe #copycat #chilis #chilissalsa #appetizer #halfscratched #mexican #mexicanfood

While we love Jack’s salsa from Costco, sometimes I spoil the family and make a batch of homemade salsa. Our favorite is this fire roasted salsa, but I’d already made that homemade salsa recipe for a previous progressive dinner.

I talked about our annual Relief Society progressive dinner in last week’s coconut poke cake post.

That’s when I went on a hunt for the perfect copycat Chili’s salsa recipe.

Copycat Chilis Salsa -- After comparing other copycat Chilis salsa recipes and making a few tweaks, this version is by far the closest to the original...and extremely addictive. #salsa #copycatrecipe #copycat #chilis #chilissalsa #appetizer #halfscratched #mexican #mexicanfood

I found a lot of copycat Chili’s salsa recipes on the Interweb, so I did a bit of comparing and tweaking and came up with what my entire family feels is the absolute most delicious copycat recipe ever made. It was the perfect consistency and the perfect flavor.

Most important, it paired well with our favorite tortilla chips!

And yes, I’m tempted to buy that pack of 12 from Amazon…

Copycat Chilis Salsa -- After comparing other copycat Chilis salsa recipes and making a few tweaks, this version is by far the closest to the original...and extremely addictive. #salsa #copycatrecipe #copycat #chilis #chilissalsa #appetizer #halfscratched #mexican #mexicanfood

Make sure you make this copycat Chili’s salsa early enough so it has plenty of time to refrigerate. I suggest preparing it a day ahead, allowing hours and hours for those yummy salsa flavors to marinate together.

Believe me when I say it gets even better a day or two later.

Also, do NOT puree the salsa. You don’t want large chunks—one reason I love Chili’s salsa—but you don’t want soup.

This is when a food processor comes in handy. I also love my food processor for this yummy fire roasted salsa recipe. Mmm…

If you don’t have one, treat yourself to a New Year’s Eve gift and pick one up. This Hamilton Beach food processor is a bestseller and less than $25!

Not a fan of super tomato-y salsa? Try this super easy mango salsa. Bet you didn’t know canned diced mangoes were a thing!

You can also whip up a batch of this cowboy caviar—it’s awesome when serving a crowd.

Printable copycat chili’s salsa recipe below. Enjoy!

Copycat Chilis Salsa -- After comparing other copycat Chilis salsa recipes and making a few tweaks, this version is by far the closest to the original...and extremely addictive.

Copycat Chili's Salsa

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

After comparing other copycat Chili's salsa recipes and making a few tweaks, this copycat recipe is by far the closest to the original... and quite addictive.

Ingredients

  • 1 can Rotel Original Diced Tomtaoes & Green Chilies, (14.5-oz)
  • 1 can whole tomatoes plus juice, (14.5-oz)
  • 1 T canned diced jalapenos
  • 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 to 2 T chopped fresh cilantro, (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp sugar
  • 1 T fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Place jalapenos and onions in a food processor and pulse for a few seconds.
  2. Add both cans of tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, salt, cumin, sugar and lime juice and process until well blended. Do NOT puree.
  3. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Notes

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 26Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 252mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
© Emily Hill
Cuisine: Mexican / Category: appetizers



If you like homemade guacamole and salsa, try these delicious appetizer recipes. They’re definitely crowd pleasers!

Fire roasted salsa recipe


Fire roasted salsa

Cowboy salsa (aka cowboy caviar)


Cowboy caviar

Homemade guacamole


Homemade guacamole

Filed Under: appetizers, food & recipes Tagged With: appetizer, appetizer recipe, chili's salsa, Chili's salsa recipe, copycat, copycat Chili's salsa, copycat recipe, homemade salsa, salsa recipe

Previous Post: « Coconut Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. camila

    May 26, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    love this recipe! Looks so full of flavor! I’ve never been to Chili’s as far as I remember, but if their salsa looks like this then they must be good!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      May 29, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      It really is one of the best homemade salsas, especially for those who don’t like the chunkier salsa.

      Reply
  2. Roxana

    May 26, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    I really like salsa and chips. I would definitely make this. Nice to have a made from scratch recipe.

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      May 29, 2018 at 2:20 pm

      From-scratch salsa tastes soooo good!

      Reply
  3. EA The Spicy RD

    May 26, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    I will confess that I although I usually make guacamole, I tend to buy my salsa. This looks so easy and delicious though, that I definitely want to give it a try! Your fire roasted salsa looks fabulous as well!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      May 29, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      We buy salsa too and especially love the Jack’s salsa from Costco. But it’s fun to make your own!

      Reply
  4. Caroline

    May 26, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    Looks good. I never seem to get round to letting my salsa chill, but I can see how it would help the flavor.

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      May 29, 2018 at 2:17 pm

      It definitely helps the flavor!

      Reply
  5. Leslie

    May 26, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    It certainly looks like it came from Chili’s! I want to have a salsa and chip party with all of your salsa recipes. I love the variety.

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      May 29, 2018 at 2:20 pm

      A chips and salsa party sounds like an awesome idea!

      Reply
  6. Paige

    June 26, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    I made this last night and it was perfect! Chili’s is my favorite salsa and this was definitely on point. Thank you so much for this recipe.

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      June 26, 2018 at 8:51 pm

      I’m SO glad you liked it! Thank you so much for leaving such a nice comment and rating the recipe. You’re the best!

      Reply
  7. Nicole

    August 3, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    Do you drain the rotel too?

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      August 3, 2018 at 12:48 pm

      Nope! You don’t drain the Rotel or the canned tomatoes.

      Reply
  8. Michael Wurm Jr

    September 7, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    Love Chili’s salsa! Can’t wait to try this recipe! Yum!!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      September 7, 2018 at 9:43 pm

      I love it to. It’s my fave! Hope you like it!

      Reply
  9. Katerina @ diethood .com

    September 8, 2018 at 2:50 am

    Homemade salsa is the BEST!! I can’t wait to give this a try, it looks incredible!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      September 8, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Homemade salsa really is the best. I hope you like it!

      Reply
  10. Sabrina

    September 8, 2018 at 10:10 am

    I’m with Nathan, I could easily make chips and salsa my meal most nights of the week! I love a good copycat so I can’t wait to try this one, thanks!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      September 8, 2018 at 10:11 am

      I could make it my meal lunch and dinner most every day!

      Reply
  11. Carolyn

    September 10, 2018 at 11:10 am

    That is the perfect salsa!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      September 10, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      I like to think so!

      Reply
  12. Paige

    April 28, 2019 at 12:43 am

    I know this might sound stupid but does the T for the lime juice and jalapeno mean tablespoon? I really want to make this but want to do it right!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      April 28, 2019 at 8:47 am

      That doesn’t sound stupid at all–it’s a great question! Yes, the T stands for tablespoon. Hope you like the recipe!

      Reply
  13. Lori

    May 1, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    WOW! I made it and it was a hit! Had to make two more batches and although it was good,chilling it for awhile is a taste difference. I browned some ground beef and grated some mild cheddar and Munster cheese…. instant nacho bar!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      May 6, 2019 at 9:15 am

      That sounds delish! And yes, I’m a fan of making it the day before and chilling it overnight. :)

      Reply
      • Ortac

        August 27, 2019 at 12:55 pm

        Hi. What does T stand for?

        Reply
        • Emily Hill

          August 30, 2019 at 9:21 am

          Sorry! It stands for tablespoon. :)

          Reply
  14. Sam G

    May 7, 2019 at 12:00 pm

    Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I can only find whole canned tomatoes in 28oz cans. Is the 14.5 oz you have listed correct? If so any idea how much of the 28 pz can’s juice to use?

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      May 7, 2019 at 7:54 pm

      Not a stupid question! It is correct so I’d say go with about half the can and juice. You may have to pour the juice into a measuring cup to see about how much is in there. Sorry!

      Reply
    • Toni

      May 10, 2020 at 3:58 am

      Or u could simply DOUBLE the rest of the recipe… just sayin. 😉

      Reply
  15. Chili fanatic

    June 17, 2019 at 9:16 am

    Made this salsa on Saturday for Sunday evening. It was horrible!! Nothing like Chili’s. Followed all instruction and amounts.

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      June 17, 2019 at 5:28 pm

      Oh no! Every time we’ve made it–or my daughter’s made it–it’s been a hit. I’m so sorry!

      Reply
  16. Louise Jablonski

    July 9, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    I made this..and had Chilis Salsa at home too…it tasted nothing like Chilis Salsa. It was way too tomato yyyyy.

    Reply
  17. Mel Meloche

    August 5, 2019 at 12:05 pm

    Can this be made doubling the recipe ? Would it work if canning it for future use? Just thinking I could make a big batch and canning it then grab a jar when family is in mood for salsa.

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      August 5, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      I’m no canning expert but I would think you could double it and can it. Maybe do a little research on canning homemade salsa just to be safe?

      Reply
  18. Wren

    November 30, 2019 at 9:33 pm

    I don’t have a food processor. I only have VitaMix. Would that be okay to use?

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      December 2, 2019 at 11:01 am

      That should totally work!

      Reply
      • Haley

        March 4, 2020 at 2:45 pm

        Can u use a ninja blender

        Reply
        • Emily Hill

          March 5, 2020 at 12:34 pm

          I say give it a shot! I bet it would work!

          Reply
          • Haley

            March 5, 2020 at 8:20 pm

            How long and what setting on the ninja blender should I blend or pulse or crush ?

          • Emily Hill

            March 6, 2020 at 4:05 pm

            I don’t own a Ninja blender so I can’t answer that. I would see if there’s another salsa recipe out there that uses the Ninja and compare. Hope that helps!

  19. Sean Garcia

    January 6, 2020 at 1:15 pm

    This is great salsa !! I made this and really enjoyed it..definitely will be making again. Thanks for sharing 😊😊

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      January 6, 2020 at 2:53 pm

      Yay! So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  20. Steve M.

    April 10, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    I make this in double batches, which makes 2 quarts. .I’ve been using Aldi’s fire roasted tomatoes and their version of RoTel. One change I have made is a punch up the heat by using Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of jalapeno. In a double batch I use one full can of only the peppers. And then only add the sauce in as I need more heat. A double batch I used to use 1 medium sized onion instead of measuring it all out. Into the Vitamix it goes and pulse it until it is the consistency that I like. This is a winner every time!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      April 11, 2020 at 10:01 pm

      Oh my goodness! The tweak of using Chipotle peppers sounds amazing!

      Reply
  21. Sheri W.

    August 30, 2020 at 11:56 am

    I always can my made from scratch salsa. I doubled the recipe, but I used San Mariano tomatoes, fresh jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, plus some fresh lime juice and fresh grated garlic and it came out amazing. I had enough salsa for 3 quart jars of salsa. I want to make 5 more double batches to can so our family has enough salsa for the winter. I live in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, I’m Pennsylvania Dutch and we can everything and I’ve been looking for a good salsa recipe and I found it. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      September 2, 2020 at 10:46 am

      Yay! That makes me so happy!

      Reply
  22. Allen

    January 9, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    So I made a first batch of this a let it sit overnight in the fridge. It was good but it wasn’t Chilis as it was missing something.

    I made a second batch and added 4 drops of Colgin Liquid Smoke Hickory. Initial taste from the food processor is very promising. Time will tell tomorrow after a night in the fridge.

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      January 11, 2021 at 1:23 pm

      I love this idea! I’ll have to try that next time!

      Reply
  23. Jess

    February 28, 2021 at 8:18 am

    Hello! What size mason jar would this recipe fit in? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Emily Hill

      February 28, 2021 at 8:55 am

      That’s a good question. I haven’t made it in a little while and I’ve never put it in a mason jar. It makes at least 28 oz of liquid if that helps!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 20+ Delicious Salsa Recipes You Will Love! - landeelu.com says:
    April 23, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    […]  “After comparing other copycat Chili’s salsa recipes and making a few tweaks, this version is by far the closest to the original…and extremely addictive.”  Copycat Chili’s Salsa Recipe | Is This Really My Life […]

    Reply
  2. 5-Minute Spinach Salsa Queso - Is This Really My Life | Is This Really My Life says:
    May 4, 2017 at 10:25 pm

    […] Copycat Chili’s salsa […]

    Reply
  3. Cowboy Caviar (Cowboy Salsa) - Is This Really My Life | Is This Really My Life says:
    May 9, 2017 at 12:43 am

    […] of this salsa you’re going to inhale. Because as much as I love this fire roasted salsa and copycat Chili’s salsa, there’s something highly addictive about the variety of tastes and textures in cowboy […]

    Reply
  4. Skinny Ranch Dip - Is This Really My Life | Is This Really My Life says:
    August 30, 2017 at 11:19 pm

    […] Copycat Chili’s salsa […]

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  5. 25 Healthy Mexican Recipes - Be Forever Healthier says:
    April 12, 2019 at 12:40 am

    […] 16.  Copycat Chilis Salsa from Half Scratched […]

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  6. 50+ Copycat Restaurant Recipes - Over The Big Moon says:
    April 24, 2019 at 9:52 pm

    […] Best Copycat Chili’s Salsa Recipe at Half-Scratched […]

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