· FoodHussy · 18 Comments
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So for those that don’t know – I’m originally from Iowa and every time I go home – I force my friends to go to Carlos O’Kellys. It’s a completely not-authentic Mexican place that I adore. They have the VERY BEST QUESO and I’ve been obsessed with it for 30+ year. And then I got the recipe!!!
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 versionand 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
Carlos O’Kellys is my absolute favorite restaurant in Iowa – it’s American Mexican food but I love it! Their queso and salsa is the best! And I have the authentic recipes for them and am sharing them with you!!!!
5 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
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 & jalapeño
2 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 asmall KitchenAidlike this
Keyword copycat, mexican, salsa
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Reader Interactions
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Comments
Plain Chicken says
I am adding the ingredients to my Walmart order now! Can't wait to try this!!
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Kristin says
What happened to the queso recipe?
Reply
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!!!
Reply
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.
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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😉🤣
Reply
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!Reply
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. MemoriesReply
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?
Reply
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 🙁
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FoodHussy says
I beg to differ – looks identical. https://www.instagram.com/p/CX3onjfLeA8/
Riana says
This was amazing! Our Carlos closed and it’s so heartbreaking. Do you have the pasta diablo recipe by chance?? I’ve seen some copy cat ones but if you have an an ex-employee, seems that would be more authentic 🙂Reply
FoodHussy says
im checking on it for you!
