Right next to that delicious queso on every visit – is a bowl of their amazing salsa! And yes – I got that recipe too!!!! So now – when I go home to Iowa – I can actually try NEW places because I have the recipes for my two favorite things!!!!
You will love this salsa – it’s got a kick and it takes less than 15 minutes to put together! You should let it marinate for at least 12 hours before you serve it – so it’s best to make it the day before. I also found that using a food processor makes it so much easier. I don’t use a food processor much – so I just have a small little 3.5 cup version and it was perfect for this.
The recipe uses a large can of whole peeled tomatoes, a small onion, canned jalapenos and green chiles and some seasonings. When you’re using the food processor – be sure to pulse it and keep an eye on it – you don’t want to puree it – you still want chunkiness and texture.
Now if you don’t have a food processor – you can do this all by dicing – it’ll just be a little messier with the tomatoes. But at $40 – the mini chopper is pretty cheap! You could also probably use a blender if you chopped things in small batches. I know they make the BIG full-size restaurant version in the giant blendery thing!
I know you’re going to love this salsa recipe as much as I do! It’s not too spicy and it makes just the right amount for a party! This is PERFECT for all those March Madness parties we all have coming up!
Don’t miss out on their Copycat Chicken Fajita recipe either!
Carlos O’Kellys Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes drained
- 1/2 large onion finely diced in food processor
- 2 oz canned green chiles diced
- 1 oz canned jalapenos diced
- 2 sprigs cilantro leaves finely minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Chop onion into chunks and add to food processor – then add garlic, cilantro and salt – pulse until onion is minced and all cilantro is incorporated – you do NOT want to puree this!! pulse it on chop mode a half dozen times – and check often.1/2 large onion, 2 sprigs cilantro leaves, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- Pour onion mixture into a large bowl
- Take drained whole tomatoes and put in food processor – pulse on chop setting the big chunks of tomato are broken up. again – you do not want to puree this but you want it more than diced.1 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes
- Add tomatoes to onion mixture
- Stir in chilies & jalapeño2 oz canned green chiles, 1 oz canned jalapenos
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours
Notes
- Best if you have a food processor – I just have a small KitchenAid like this
Plain Chicken says
I am adding the ingredients to my Walmart order now! Can't wait to try this!!
Kristin says
What happened to the queso recipe?
FoodHussy says
Sorry about that – I redesigned my website and a few links are a bit wonky – here you go! https://www.thefoodhussy.com/food-hussy-recipe-copycat-carlos-2/
Kristin says
Thank you so so much!
Amy says
I wish someone could find their butter garlic recipe. We just came back from our Carlos OKelly’s vacation! Best food EVER!!!
Sandra Davis says
I have been making this Salsa for at the very least 25 yrs. I have perfected mine for our taste. To make this easier and less chopping, I use 1 can diced tomatoes and one can Ro-tel Tomatoes. Only 1 chopped jalapeño because Ro-tel has chillies. A pinch of sugar to taste.
FoodHussy says
Thanks for the idea. My recipe is from someone that worked there – so I like to keep it true to the restaurant style whenever possible.
Jared says
CARLOS had my favorite chips and salsa!!! I can’t wait to try this!!!🙌❤️ Seriously your Enchilada de Monterrey from them might be my mine and my family’s favorite recipe! Do you still have the Sancho Especial recipe?! Please release it soon!!😄 Well..anytime after healthy January😉🤣
FoodHussy says
Yes!! The salsa is perfection – I literally felt like I was back in CR when I took a bite! And yes- I do have that Sancho recipe around here somewhere – it’s a little complicated so I’m trying to figure out a way to simplify but keep the integrity. And yes – AFTER healthy January! hahahaha – make sure you come back and let me know what you think!
Betsy says
Amazing copy cat recipe – Already made 2 batches in 4 days!
Tia says
You did a great job with this one. I’m from Davenport,Ia and I hated when our Carlos O’ Kelley’s closed. I needed this recipe today so thank you. Memories
FoodHussy says
Aw thanks! A friend of mine worked there and gave me some recipes – they’re all spot on!
Rick says
Do you have a recipe for Carlos O’Kellys Fuego Queso?
FoodHussy says
No – just their regular queso – but it’s delicious! https://www.thefoodhussy.com/copycat-carlos-okellys-queso/
Sheryl Butler says
Your picture looks nothing like Carlos O Kelly’s salsa 🙁
FoodHussy says
I beg to differ – looks identical. https://www.instagram.com/p/CX3onjfLeA8/