Restaurant-Style Dipping Salsa

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Award-Winning Restaurant-Style Dipping Salsa 🌶️🍅

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered what makes restaurant salsa taste so addictive, this award-winning restaurant-style dipping salsa is the answer. Packed with smoky, charred serrano chiles, fresh cilantro, garlic, and juicy tomatoes, this salsa delivers the perfect balance of heat, freshness, and tang.

Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips at a party, spooning it over tacos, or pairing it with grilled meats, this salsa will have everyone coming back for more. The best part? It’s easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Salsa

  • Smoky & Spicy – Charred serrano chiles add depth and a kick of heat.
  • Restaurant Quality at Home – Tastes just like your favorite cantina’s salsa.
  • Quick & Easy – Comes together in under 20 minutes.
  • Perfect Texture – Smooth base with a bit of chunkiness and crunch from green onions.

Ingredients

  • 12 serrano chiles, charred (leave skins on for smoky flavor)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes (with juice)
  • Green onions, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Char the Serrano Chiles

  • Place serrano chiles directly over an open flame, on the grill, or in a hot skillet.
  • Cook until blackened and blistered on all sides, turning frequently.
  • Set aside to cool slightly. Do not peel—the charred skin adds smoky flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Base

  • Add charred serranos and garlic cloves to a blender.
  • Pour in the juice from the canned tomatoes.
  • Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Cilantro

  • Add canned whole tomatoes with their juices.
  • Sprinkle in kosher salt to taste.
  • Pulse just a few times—enough to break down tomatoes while keeping some texture.
  • Add cilantro and pulse again until evenly mixed but not over-blended.

Step 4: Final Touches

  • Pour salsa into a serving bowl.
  • Stir in thinly sliced green onions for freshness and crunch.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.

Expert Tips & Variations

  • Milder Salsa: Swap some serranos for jalapeños, or remove seeds for less heat.
  • Extra Smokiness: Roast garlic and tomatoes along with the chiles for deeper flavor.
  • Chunky Version: Blend half the tomatoes smooth, then stir in the rest chopped.
  • Make Ahead: Salsa tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld.

Important Notes

  • Serrano chiles are naturally spicier than jalapeños—adjust based on your spice tolerance.
  • Don’t skip charring the peppers—it’s the secret to that restaurant-style flavor.
  • Use a high-powered blender for the smoothest base.

Nutritional Information (per 2 tbsp serving)

  • Calories: 12
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Sodium: 50mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I store this salsa for later?
Yes! Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time.

Q2: Can I freeze homemade salsa?
Absolutely. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q3: What if I don’t have serrano chiles?
You can use jalapeños or even a mix of jalapeños and poblanos for a milder, smoky flavor.

Q4: Can I make this salsa without a blender?
Yes—use a food processor for a chunkier salsa, or finely chop everything by hand for a rustic version.

Q5: What do I serve this salsa with?
Classic tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, or even scrambled eggs—it’s incredibly versatile.

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