Three Salsas and a Guac: Tastier than Chipotle Salsa and Affordable

Whenever my daughter visits Chipotle, she often complains that "the Pico and Guac are so bland." The recipes in this post are not mere copycats; they are improvements you can make at home for delicious Roasted Salsa, Pico de Gallo, Salsa Verde, and Guacamole. Each recipe takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, and you can find the ingredients for $3-4 (each) at stores like Aldi, Walmart, or similar grocery retailers. Whether you're enjoying them with chips or serving them alongside tacos or burrito bowls, these salsas are sure to impress!

Roasted Salsa. Pico de Gallo, Salsa Verde., and Guacamole.

Roasted (Charred) Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde, or "green sauce," is a zingy salsa made primarily from tomatillos. It can be fresh, boiled, or charred in the oven or grill. The roasted or charred type has a smoky and complex flavor that is slightly sweeter. The tart flavor of Salsa Verde makes it an ideal accompaniment to tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. Best of all, it's super easy to make and involves minimal cooking time. Here's how to get started:

Salsa Verde on Huevos Rancheros

Ingredients (around $4)

• 1 pound of tomatillos (Walmart, $2.25)

• 1/2 large white onion, sliced (Aldi, $0.20)

• 2 large jalapenos (Aldi, $0.25)

• 3 cloves of garlic (Aldi, $0.05)

• A bunch of cilantro (Aldi, $0.50)

• Juice of 1-2 limes (Aldi, 0.50)

• Salt to taste

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat your broiler.

   
   

2. Dehusk the tomatillos: remove the paper husk and rinse the tomatillo to remove the sticky "film" that covers the flesh. Cut the onion into wedges--the more wedges, the more charred area and the more flavor. Peel the garlic.

   

   

   

3. On a sheet tray, arrange tomatillos, sliced onion, garlic, and jalapenos. Broil until lightly charred, then flip to char the other side. Remove the garlic cloves at this point to prevent burning. Leave the remaining vegetables to char on the other side and remove from the oven. It's okay if the tomatillos and other ingredients have become charred and broken down--that is where the flavor comes from!

   

   

   
   
   

4. Once slightly cooled, peel the peppers, cut them in half, and remove and discard the seeds. Put the charred veggies in a blender. Pulse until nearly pureed.

   
   

5. Add the juice of 1-2 limes, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. Blend again, adjusting seasoning as needed.

   

   

   
   
   

This bright Salsa Verde not only pairs beautifully with chips but also enhances the flavor of Huevos Rancheros or serves as a delicious enchilada sauce.

Note: for you New Mexicans, and those who love NM food, this is not classic Green Chile Sauce. You can find that sauce in our post on NM Breakfast Burritos. It's almost green chile season, and I promise a post on processing green chile and making green chile sauce soon!

Fresh and tangy Salsa Verde ready to enjoy!

Pico de Gallo

Note: This recipe is featured on this blog, accompanied by numerous "how-to" photos, at World's Greatest Pico de Gallo.

Next is Pico de Gallo—a fresh and chunky salsa that captures the essence of simple, bright ingredients. Its refreshing crunch adds a pop of flavor to any dish, from tacos to salads, and even scrambled eggs.

Ingredients (Around $3)

• 5 Roma tomatoes, halved and seeds removed (Aldi, $1.50)

• 3-4 green onions, minced (Aldi, $0.25)

• 1 small sweet onion, chopped (Aldi, $0.25)

• 2-3 jalapenos, cut in half, seeds removed, and finely diced.(Aldi, $0.25)

• A bunch of cilantro (Aldi, $0.50)

• Juice of one lime (Aldi, $0.30)

• Salt

  
  

Instructions

1. Dice the Roma tomatoes into 1/4-inch pieces and put them in a bowl.

   
   

2. Add the diced sweet onion and minced green onion to the tomatoes.

   
   

3. Stir in the finely chopped jalapenos.

   
   
   

   

   

4. Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and taste, adjusting salt as needed.

   

   

   

Pico de Gallo not only enhances your meals with color and texture but also offers health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and new research suggests hot peppers may contribute to improved heart health. Serve with tortilla chips for a quick snack, or pile it on tacos for an extra flavor boost!

Roasted Salsa

I've a confession to make: I've won several informal salsa contests with this simple recipe, which uses mostly pantry staples. Start with fire-roasted tomatoes, if possible. If you have a crowd, put another can of fire-roasted tomatoes and a bit more spice, and it will stretch much further. For those who crave a smoky flavor, Roasted Salsa is an excellent choice. Pay attention to the balance and use more lime or cilantro (or even a pinch of sugar) to achieve a balanced flavor. It keeps well for several days, but adding a little fresh lime and chopped cilantro helps "freshen" the flavor before serving the next day.

Ingredients (Around $3)

Ingredients in Roasted Salsa.

• 14-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (Aldi, $1)

• 1 can of Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles (Rotel or equivalent) (Aldi, $1)

• 1/4 white onion (Aldi, $0.10)

• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin

• 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper (depending on your heat preference) (Aldi, $0.20)

• A bunch of cilantro (Aldi, $0.50

• Juice of 1/2 a lime (Aldi, $0.15)

  
  

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients—fire-roasted tomatoes, Rotel, onion, cumin, jalapeno, and cilantro—in a blender.

   
   

2. Blend until smooth, then add juice from 1/2 a lime.

   
   

3. Blend again and taste. Add extra lime juice, salt, or cumin, if needed. If its too bland, add some cayenne pepper.

   

   

   

Roasted Salsa is perfect for dipping chips, drizzling on burrito bowls, or topping tacos. Its deep flavors can elevate any meal! Experimenting with this salsa can add a well-rounded dimension to your dishes.

Bowl of Roasted Salsa, ready for chips!!

Creamy Guacamole

No spread of salsas is complete without creamy guacamole. This dip not only brings creaminess but also adds a delicious flavor to tacos, burritos, and salads. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make!

Ingredients (Around $4)

• 3 ripe avocados, mashed (Aldi, $3)

• 3 tablespoons of Pico de Gallo ($0.75)

• 1 roasted clove of garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Juice of one lime (Aldi, $0.30)

• 1/2 c. chopped cilantro (Aldi, $0.25)

• Salt to taste

  
  

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash the avocados until creamy but still slightly chunky.

   
   

2. Stir in 3 tablespoons of Pico de Gallo and roasted garlic or garlic powder.

   

   

   

3. Add the chopped cilantro.

   
   

4. Add lime juice and salt, mixing until everything is well blended.

   

   Creamy Guacamole ready to enjoy!

This homemade guacamole is a game-changer. Serve it with tortilla chips or spoon it generously over tacos. It's flavorful and satisfying, making it a favorite at gatherings!

Chipotle-Style Salsa at Home!

Creating your own salsas and guacamole is a fun and rewarding experience. With these easy-to-follow recipes for Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, Roasted Salsa, and creamy Guacamole, impressing your family and friends becomes effortless.

Next time you want to elevate a simple meal or host a gathering, these quick and affordable recipes will take center stage. Bring your friends together, create these delicious dips, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of a homemade fiesta! Your taste buds will be grateful.