Quick Recipe Overview

• Best For: Chips and salsa, appetizers
• Flavor Profile: Mild, tangy, tomato forward
• Skill Level: Easy no cook blend
• What Makes It Like the Restaurant: Smooth texture with classic Chili’s seasoning

Chili’s

Chili’s Grill and Bar built its identity around casual Tex Mex inspired American dining. Complimentary chips and salsa became a signature part of the experience, setting the tone before meals arrived. The salsa was designed to appeal to a wide range of guests, keeping heat levels approachable while still delivering flavor. Over time, Chili’s salsa became just as recognizable as many of the entrées, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on familiar, crowd friendly flavors.

The Salsa That Starts the Meal

American restaurant style salsa differs from traditional regional salsas by prioritizing balance over heat. These salsas are smooth, mildly seasoned, and meant for constant snacking rather than intensity. The goal is consistency and approachability. Chili’s Salsa fits this style perfectly, offering a dependable table salsa that complements chips without overpowering them.

Related Copycat Recipes

• Chili’s Honey Mustard Dressing and Dipping Sauce – Sweet, tangy honey mustard that works just as well for dipping as it does on salads
• Chi-Chi’s Chili Con Queso – Warm, creamy queso loaded with classic Tex-Mex comfort vibes
• Applebee’s Mango Salsa – Colorful, fruity salsa that balances sweetness, spice, and crunch

Questions People Ask

Is Chili’s salsa spicy
It is mild and designed to appeal to most diners.

Is Chili’s salsa chunky or smooth
It has a mostly smooth texture with minimal chunkiness.

Can I make this salsa ahead of time
Yes. It can be made ahead and refrigerated to let flavors blend.

What is Chili’s salsa usually served with
It is served with tortilla chips as a complimentary appetizer.

Chili’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Chili’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip blends spinach, artichokes, and melted cheese into a creamy appetizer designed for dipping and sharing.

Make Chili’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip at home and recreate the warm, familiar starter served with chips at the restaurant.

Make Chili’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip at Home

Chili’s Fire-Roasted Corn Guacamole

Chili’s Fire-Roasted Corn Guacamole blends creamy avocados with smoky roasted corn, fresh lime, and cilantro for a bold, slightly sweet guacamole served warm with tortilla chips.

Make Chili’s Fire-Roasted Corn Guacamole at home and recreate the popular table side dip known for its smoky flavor and chunky texture.

Make Chili’s Fire-Roasted Corn Guacamole at Home

Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa

Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa is a bright, pico style salsa made with diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime for a clean, fresh topping that adds crunch and acidity.

Make Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa at home and recreate the familiar mild salsa used across bowls, burritos, and tacos.

Make Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa at Home

Rubio’s Red Tomatillo Salsa

Rubio’s Red Tomatillo Salsa is a bold, Baja style salsa made with roasted tomatillos and dried red chiles, delivering smoky heat and tangy depth that stands up to tacos, burritos, and chips.

Make Rubio’s Red Tomatillo Salsa at home and recreate the signature smoky salsa served at Rubio’s Coastal Grill.

Make Rubio’s Red Tomatillo Salsa at Home

Salsas and Tacos: Santa Fe School of Cooking

Hot and Smoky Shrimp Tacos, Roasted Wild Mushroom Tacos with Queso Fresco, Fire-Roasted Corn and Poblano Chile Tacos-these are a few of the most taste-tempting tacos you’ll ever put in your mouth. And what to top them with-of course, it must be the perfect salsa!

This book combines mouth-wateringly unique taco recipes with tried-and-true salsa recipes that add an extra kick to any dish, from the definitive experts of Southwestern cuisine at the Santa Fe School of Cooking.

• “Hold onto Your Hat” Habanero Salsa
• Chicken al Carbon and Avocado Wrap
• Grilled Pineapple Salsa
• Apple Pie Tacos
• Grapefruit-Orange Salsa
• Baja-Style Fish Tacos with Chipotle Mayonnaise
• Roasted Pepper Relish with Raisins and Pinon Nuts
• Tomatillo-Papaya Salsa

Plus recipes for fresh tortillas, authentic Mexican sauces, techniques for roasting and toasting, info on chiles, and much more!

With inventive flavor combinations, full-color photographs, and resources for ingredients, this hot little book offers endless ideas for tacos and their perfect toppings.

Click HERE Now to Get Salsas and Tacos: Santa Fe School of Cooking