This wicked easy restaurant-style salsa is quick, easy, and beyond delicious! You’ll never again rush to a restaurant or resort to a jar to get your fix now that you have this tasty recipe in your arsenal!
I won’t eat jarred salsa.
No way. No how.
#salsasnob
It not only pales in comparison to the fresh stuff, but fresh salsa is so stinkin’ easy to make it would be a sin to waste my money on that sub par jar of meh.
If you’re debating whether or not to finally make your own salsa… allow me to convince you!
Wicked Easy Restaurant-Style Salsa
Pick/Buy Tomatoes
Wash + place on a baking sheet.
Toss them in the oven
Set timer.
Remove from oven + toss in food processor w/ the rest of your goodies.
…and last but certainly not least…
Grab some crispy tortilla ships and get ready to shovel this delicious salsa into your face!
Homemade Salsa Tips and Tricks
For medium salsa, add a whole jalapeño. To make a mild salsa without heat, remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeno before blending.
Want it super mild? White onion has less flavor than red/purple and is a little blander for kids and sensitive taste-buds.
Want your salsa super spicy? You know what to do! Add an extra pepper or grab a habanero even!
When it comes to choosing amounts of cilantro, onion, and pepper to add, start with a little of each and then taste and add as you go. The ratio in this recipe, to me, tastes exactly like the salsa my favorite Mexican restaurants serve.
It’s so good I’ve been making a fresh batch every week!
For thicker salsa, add the onion, pepper, garlic and cilantro to the food processor first, blend, then add the cooked tomatoes and pulse just a few times.
Here are the detailed instructions for those of you ready to get your salsa on:
Easy Restaurant-Style Salsa
This wicked easy restaurant-style salsa is quick, easy, and beyond delicious! You’ll never again rush to a restaurant or resort to a jar to get your fix now that you have this tasty recipe in your arsenal!
Ingredients
- 6 Roma tomatoes (approx 1.5 lb)
- ¼ medium red onion or white onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1 TBSP white vinegar or fresh squeezed lime juice
- ½-1 tsp salt
- fresh chopped cilantro to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to broil on high.
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Line a baking sheet with foil and roast tomatoes, halved or whole, for 10-15 minutes on the center rack of the oven.
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Don't be alarmed when the skin of the tomatoes peels back a bit during cooking; some will bubble, some may turn inside out, but its totally normal!
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Once they're nice and toasty, remove from oven and allow your tomatoes to cool a bit.
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Decide if you want mild, medium, or spicy salsa. For mild, use a spoon to scoop out the insides from the jalapenos (ribs + seeds) entirley. For medium, leave some of the seeds in tact. For spicy – leave all the goodies in your jalapenos (minus the stem of course) and feel free to add extra if you'd like!
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Roughly chop your onion and jalapeño. Smash, peel, then mince garlic. Start with one clove as extra can always be added after.
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Toss everything but the cilantro in the food processor and pulse a few times and blend to your favorite level of smoothness or chunkiness.
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Once blended, add some finely chopped cilantro to taste.
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Allow to cool to room temperature and dig in face first with some chips or veggies!
Recipe Notes
Feel free to serve with a side of fresh lime wedges to add burst of citrus to your salsa!
Recipe yields 1 heaping cup of salsa or approx. 4 quarter-cup servings.
Nutrition facts below are an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed! xo
Favorite uses for homemade salsa
As if you’ve ever doubted it, it’s awesome on everything!
Since the oven was already hot, I topped some chips with organic cheddar and fridge pickled jalapeño peppers and made some impromptu nachos for the salsa.
It’s also amazing drizzled on top of my famous Sheet Pan Nachos!
The next morning the salsa went on my eggs and, as soon as I finish this post, the remainder is getting mixed into an avocado to make some guacamole.
There’s no right or wrong way to make salsa.. and with tomatoes so deliciously in season right now, there’s no reason not to make at least one bowl this summer!
more sensational salsa recipes
- Black Bean Salsa
- Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
- NEW! Avocado Corn Salsa
- Pineapple Salsa via The Gunny Sack
- Spicy Salsa Verde
- Fun + Fruity Strawberry Salsa
- Cherry Tomato Pico de Gallo
If you get a chance to try this Wicked Easy Restaurant-Style Salsa, let me know!
You can leave me a comment here (LOVE checking those daily!) or tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your creations. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
Terry
I have been experimenting with different Salsa recipes.
I am done. Yours is the bomb. Thanks for the great recipe.My Hubby said this is the one.
Jenn
Ahhhh yay! So so glad y’all love it!
Shiho
Thank you for the easy and delicious restaurant style salsa! My favourite food.
Jenn
Thank you Shiho!
April
This is my favorite salsa! I love the addition of vinegar, it makes it just perfect!
Jenn
It adds that little something extra! Lime juice can be used as a swap if needed too as both work fantastic!
Diana
Love the rich flavor from roasting the tomatoes! I think it’s better than restaurant salsa!
Jenn
Thank you Diana!
Nancy Buchanan
Homemade salsa is always the best since you can “spice it up” anyway you like it!
Jenn
Totally agree!
Sherry
So you don’t peel the skins off the tomatoes befor blending the?
Jenn
I leave the skin in tact. It’s a great source of fiber and the skin has wonderful flavor once it’s “fire” roasted in the oven on broil. I adore it this way!
Noelle
i’m totally late, but i’m making this!! I had already made salsa from scratch, but roasting the tomatoes must take it to a new level!!! Yum!!
Jenn
Thanks Noelle! It turns it into an entirely different salsa! =) Hope you fall in love with it like I did!
Gail
I love salsa. Love!!! I have not, however, ever heard of roasting the tomatoes first. I learn something new everyday. 🙂
Kris
OMG it was amazing!!!! i did lime juice instead of vinegar. hubby and i ate the whole bowl with dinner 🙂 I am making more tomorrow. I am singing your praises for this salsa on my blog tomorrow. hubs goes away in a few weeks for work and i am looking forward to it so i can eat the salsa and not share 🙂 it seriously tasted like authentic mexican restaurant salsa. you rock!!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Yessss! Hope you love it!!! <3 You’ll have to give me your expert opinion
when you try it! =) hehe
kris
i finally got enough tomatoes to make this and the tomatoes are in the oven right now!!!!
Erika
Ooh yummy, I might have to try this! So glad I found your blog and I am now your newest follower! Oh, and I’m also a fellow military wife…HOLLA! 🙂
Leah
I love *all* salsa, especially when it’s made with tomatoes from the garden.
Amanda @ Serenity Now
Thanks for the recipe!!! I have a ton of Romas growing right now, and was hoping to make some salsa this summer. Thanks for sharing!!
Heather
There is nothing like homemade salsa! Love it!
Kris
This looks fantastic!!! i am so hungry right now 🙂 i have many green tomatoes in my garden this is the first thing i am making with them. after i eat one right off the vine of course 🙂
Marie
I’m making this! I’m a salsa freak! Also, if you happen to have On the Border’s queso recipe…bring it on! haha!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn
I may have missed this in the shuffle, but do you live in New England? I grew up in New Hampshire and we used “wicked” as an adjective for EVERYTHING. Hahahah I miss it so much!!! I can’t wait to make this salsa I hate buying store bought all the timeeee
Megan
YUM!! Anything Mexican related is the key to my heart! : )
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
Mmmmmm…we always have a Mexican night on vacation, and we have nachos JUST like these. I might have to make this salsa to go along with them 🙂
Lauren
I love salsa. I go to Cosco and buy the biggest freaking jug and finish it in like a week. Your recipe will defs save me some money 🙂 love it!!
Parita
YUM! I love me some good homemade salsa!
Cait's Plate
That looks perfect! I definitely want to try this.
I really like any kind of salsa – as long as there’s a chip to dip it in 😉
Chandeen @ Designed by Chance
Oh yum, I’ve got to try this! Guacamole too!
Momnivoresdilemma
Thanks for linking up, Jenn. I’ll be back in full force at WIAW next week. We’ve been going rogue with meal plans and such… Your salsa looks amazing…can’t wait til my tomatoes come in!
jane @ The Borrowed Abode
Oh yay, I’m not the only one who likes to make fresh salsa! I like it a little differently, though – I prefer fresh raw tomato flavor to roasted. So I just toss’em in the blender with some peppers and stuff.
Hmm…I think I feel a WIAW coming on. 🙂
Did you get your hair cut?
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
This recipe for salsa looks wonderful! I don’t like things too spicy, so I bet this one would be ideal for me
I like mango and pineapple salsas a whole lot. The sweet flavor adds a nice subtle touch
Cait @ Beyond Bananas
That does look super easy! I think salsa is an awesome summer dish!!
Sunny & Star
Thanks for sharing! I LOVE salsa.
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit
I’m a traditional salsa girl, in fact I just made some tonight for dinner!
Andrea @ Vegvacious
I have tomatoes and jalapenos just starting on my plants — I am SO excited for homemade salsa!!!
Katy
I’ve never liked salsa. I’m weird, I know…
Jessie
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fresh salsa! I can’t wait for our romas to grow!! (and our jalapenos, onions and garlic) My mouth is watering already! Thanks for the yummy pics and recipe:)
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, an
I love just regular fresh salsa! Nothing beats the fresh tomato taste!
P.S. Your new pic on here is super cute! 😀
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I love when salsa is served warmed. It really brings out the flavors for me!
For cold salsa, I like it hot, tomato-based, with chunks of PEACHES.
Christine (The Raw Project)
Om my, the salsa sounds just perfect! Thank goodness I just planted more tomatoes! 🙂
bananas.
oh lady i like my salsa habanero hot so add a few ghost peppers and then we’ll talk 😉
ps. congrats on the new cam!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish
NO salsa beats homemade salsa!! I took a cooking class while I was living abroad in Mexico during college, and we made fresh salsa every day. I seriously could have eaten BOWLS of that stuff. Thanks for reminding me that even though there are tons of pre-made salsas for sale in the grocery store, taking the time to make it yourself is totally worth the extra effort.
I love adding fruit to salsa–mango, pineapple, strawberry, peach…mmm!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
I love GOOD salsa. Some salsas are just so meh and super runny. I like it hearty. Yours looks perfect!
Anastasia
Yum! My husband is a salsa addict and I am totally making this for him. Thanks!
Faith
So exciting that your homegrown tomatoes are ripe…waiting is the hardest part, right? 😉 The salsa looks perfect!
Ashley @AlmostVegGirlie
Yum, I love salsa! I have made my own strawberry salsa before which was amazing! My favorite kind is anything with fruit or the good old poco de gallo.
Sam {fitnessfoodandfaith.blogs
oh my yum. great recipe!!
justabouthome
We make fresh salsa weekly at my house! For a little more heat I like to use serrano peppers. Mmmmmm.
Anne [email protected] Weigh of Life
I need to try this asap! I love hot salsa. The hotter, the better!
[email protected]
That’s the cutest pic of you with the tomatoe!!!! Haha so glad they finally turned red!!
xoxo
[email protected]
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
This looks delicious girl! Can you believe I’ve never made my own salsa?! What the heck am I waiting for?? I’m jealous of all your tomatoes! Frankie G’s only given me one eensy weensy one so far!
[email protected] eco friendly homemakin
Jen this really does look delicious and really easy. Just the kind of recipes that I like!!
Maridith @ Strictly Homemade
I love a good salsa recipe. I am book marking this to make next week. Thanks so much for sharing!! I would of never thought to put tomatoes in the oven. Brilliant!!
ladybehindthecurtain.com
Your recipe looks so good. I would love it if you came over to my party “Cast Party Wednesday” tomorrow and shared some of your recipes with us.
Thanks,
I hope to see you there!
Nicolette @ Momnivore's Dilemma
xoxo.
Can’t wait til I start getting tomatoes…that’s usually August in Chicago…
Thanks for linking up and being first in show at the linky!
🙂 Love ya, Jenn!
Maridith @ Strictly Homemade
I love a good salsa recipe. I am book marking this to make next week. Thanks so much for sharing!! I would of never thought to put tomatoes in the oven. Brilliant!!
Melinda
I need to try this recipe asap- I have TONS of tomatoes out of my garden this year! I love the idea of roasting the tomatoes first- I have never made salsa that way- can’t wait to try it out!
made-to-travel.com
YUUUUUUUUUM, bookmarking!
Chandeen @ Designed by Chance
Oh yum, I’ve got to try this! Guacamole too!
[email protected] eco friendly homemaking
Jen this really does look delicious and really easy. Just the kind of recipes that I like!!
iheartvegetables
yummmmy!!! Chips and salsa is like my favorite thing EVER! and my favorite salsa is probably spicy black bean!
owlmazing
Lucky!! Home grown tomatoes are heavenly. I can’t wait for mine to grow!! I’m still at the flowering stage…bit of a late bloomer over here (haha). I’ve never made homemade salsa before, which is ridiculous! Especially when it looks this good.
Kate (What Kate is Cooking)
The salsa looks great and so does your hair! So pretty 🙂
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
This looks delicious girl! Can you believe I’ve never made my own salsa?! What the heck am I waiting for?? I’m jealous of all your tomatoes! Frankie G’s only given me one eensy weensy one so far!
Chelsea Elizabeth
I am obsessed with any kind of mexican food. I love salsas with chips. I am really craving this now!!
[email protected]
That’s the cutest pic of you with the tomatoe!!!! Haha so glad they finally turned red!!
xoxo
[email protected]
simplynutritiouskate
oooh that looks so good theres nothing better than restaurant salsa with fresh salty chips!
Jenny
I love salsa! This is making me want some chips and dip lol 😀
pawsitivelife
I tried some mango salsa this weekend and it was FANTASTIC..I feel like I have been missing out all my life. PS my ferrets are big fans of tomatoes. They try to hunt them down when they are out and about
Kayla @ Small Town Life
I love homemade salsa!! Yours sounds pretty tasty!
Anne [email protected] Weigh of Life
I need to try this asap! I love hot salsa. The hotter, the better!
Erin @ UntilYouTri
Haha, I love this post title and your green tomato face:). So glad they finally turned red for you!
Sam {fitnessfoodandfaith.blogspot.com}
oh my yum. great recipe!!
Hannah @ The New Black
Yummers! That gray and yellow plate is so cute…where did you get it?
Cait's Plate
That looks perfect! I definitely want to try this.
I really like any kind of salsa – as long as there’s a chip to dip it in 😉
Lisa @ Healthful Sense
Love nachos! Love salsa! Just made a “salsa salad” with jalapeno peppers I’ll post tomorrow for WIAW. It was a little too HOT for me though. Next time I’m gonna tone it down a little.
Val
Ya know, when I see the word wicked it just makes me happy!! I can not wait to fresh this wicked awesome salsa.
justabouthome
We make fresh salsa weekly at my house! For a little more heat I like to use serrano peppers. Mmmmmm.
Errign
I love just plain medium spice salsa. Bonus points if it’s the kind in the deli that’s refrigerated because those ones usually have lime and cilantro added too!
Sunny & Star
I love traditional salsa. I eat it several times a week. Yum!
forgottenbeast
Yuumm, I love homemade salsa! And yours is so pretty! I don’t go for the funky salsas, I like traditional (and HOT).
Ashley @AlmostVegGirlie
Yum, I love salsa! I have made my own strawberry salsa before which was amazing! My favorite kind is anything with fruit or the good old poco de gallo.
EA-The Spicy RD
Love making something that’s “wicked easy” ! I’ve always made my salsa by chopping everything up, which tastes great, but can be very time consuming!!! Your version with roasted tomatoes looks great!
WillJogForFood
Your salsa looks so delish! i’m putting up my classic guac recipe up today…i bet they would be good together 😉
I love tomatillo salsa…so tangy & refreshing
KT @ KT's Refinishing School
That looks delicious! Our favorite salsa involves habaneros and pears–the pear cuts the heat so you get the flavor of the habaneros without melting your face off 🙂
Faith
So exciting that your homegrown tomatoes are ripe…waiting is the hardest part, right? 😉 The salsa looks perfect!
Laura @ Adventures In WIC
Yum! I’ve never made my own salsa before. We usually make a ridiculous amount of sauce and freeze it for pasta dishes. Now if only my tomatoes would cooperate! They keep turning red ooonnneee atttt a tiiiiiime 😉
Leanne
I must say that I have that same plate (the one with the lovely tomatoes on it), only mine is in miniature “appetizer” size! I love them!
Anastasia
Yum! My husband is a salsa addict and I am totally making this for him. Thanks!
Paula
I should have what I need to make this ready in my garden very soon. Your recipe sounds great and I do plan to try it. I like your version with roasted tomatoes to make it smooth.
radiomomrhetoric
Weird growing season this year leaves me waiting for my 12 tomato plants to produce something. I know they will, I just wish I was more patient!!! Looks Yummo jenn!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
I love GOOD salsa. Some salsas are just so meh and super runny. I like it hearty. Yours looks perfect!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish
NO salsa beats homemade salsa!! I took a cooking class while I was living abroad in Mexico during college, and we made fresh salsa every day. I seriously could have eaten BOWLS of that stuff. Thanks for reminding me that even though there are tons of pre-made salsas for sale in the grocery store, taking the time to make it yourself is totally worth the extra effort.
I love adding fruit to salsa–mango, pineapple, strawberry, peach…mmm!
Lindsay
1. Delish. This looks so good!
2. Where are you from? Nobody says wicked unless they’re from New England! 🙂
Christine @ Merf In Progress
I’m so jealous of your tomatoes! I can’t wait for mine to ripen!
bananas.
oh lady i like my salsa habanero hot so add a few ghost peppers and then we’ll talk 😉
ps. congrats on the new cam!
Aleyta
Stop, its late and you are making me hungryyyy! For me the spicier the better. And I’ve been known to save taco bell hot sauce for later uses. Terrible I know.
Christine (The Raw Project)
Om my, the salsa sounds just perfect! Thank goodness I just planted more tomatoes! 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I love when salsa is served warmed. It really brings out the flavors for me!
For cold salsa, I like it hot, tomato-based, with chunks of PEACHES.
Meri
Mmmmm I haven’t made any homemade salsa this year but I can’t WAIT!
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
I love salsa. I go to Cosco and buy the biggest freaking jug and finish it in like a week. Your recipe will defs save me some money 🙂 love it!!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
Mmmmmm…we always have a Mexican night on vacation, and we have nachos JUST like these. I might have to make this salsa to go along with them 🙂
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food
I love just regular fresh salsa! Nothing beats the fresh tomato taste!
P.S. Your new pic on here is super cute! 😀
Ashley
wow jen…..you are truly one of those “natural beauty” people!!!
Dorry
DELICIOUS! I love homemade salsa, and this looks amazing from those fresh garden tomatoes. I like a traditional spicy red salsa. 🙂
Megan
YUM!! Anything Mexican related is the key to my heart! : )
Courtney B
Oh you have NOO idea how excited I am about this!! As much as I LOVE salsa… I’ve never made it! But I am so making this! This week!! Ah I can’t wait! Thank you thank you for posting Jen!!!
P.s. CUTE hair!! 😉
Swirls of Happy
Easy and delicious!!! Thanks for posting 😉 MMMM
Jessie
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fresh salsa! I can’t wait for our romas to grow!! (and our jalapenos, onions and garlic) My mouth is watering already! Thanks for the yummy pics and recipe:)
Young and Fabulous
making this tomorrow 🙂
but it wont look as nearly as pretty as yours with your fancy lil dipping bowls!
xoxox
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn
I may have missed this in the shuffle, but do you live in New England? I grew up in New Hampshire and we used “wicked” as an adjective for EVERYTHING. Hahahah I miss it so much!!! I can’t wait to make this salsa I hate buying store bought all the timeeee
jessica
yummy! looks so easy and delish!
i’ve never made my own, so i will definitely have to try this soon!
Katy
I’ve never liked salsa. I’m weird, I know…
Lizzy
Yum! I never would have guessed salsa would be so easy to make! We’d have to make two versions–the get the fire extinguisher ready for me and hubby and a mild one for the kiddos! I think I will be trying to make some salsa soon! + we love it on eggs too! =)
In Katrina's Kitchen
Anything that is “wicked easy” is on my must-make list! lol