For about 2 years now, the only salsa I've been eating is my Homemade Salsa, or whatever random salsa a Mexican restaurant happened to be serving. I completely stopped buying my usual salsa at Sam's, which was my go-to salsa for about 2 years. Then, randomly, I bought a jar while stocking up on my normal groceries. It was so delicious. It was then that I realized I was getting tired of my salsa. Stop the presses. Tired of my homemade salsa? How could that be? Well, homemade is the same as everything else. Eat it everyday and you will get tired of it. Flash forward to vacationing in Oregon. Craving chips and salsa. On one trip to the local Market of Choice, I was standing in front of a wall of salsa's. More brands that you could shake a stick at. I picked one at random. It looked nicely chunky and didn't include "sugar" in the list of ingredients. There isn't anything in the world I hate more than sweet salsa. Yuck. The salsa I picked? It was gross. Typical. I shook my fists at the sky, and the chips-and-salsa-cravings continued until... I found myself in Eugene at El Torito, stuffing my face with their awesome salsa. El Torito is a chain, but I've never seen another restaurant except for the one in Eugene. I love their salsa, and I've had the notion to copy their salsa for a couple of years now. I figured since I was in a salsa slump, now was the time to try a new recipe. The main difference I found between my salsa and the copycat recipes of El Torito's was that their's contains Serrano chilies, green onion, a pinch of raw spices, and most surprisingly, a small amount of canned tomatoes. I was surprised, but definitely willing to give it a go. The ratio of fresh veggies to canned tomatoes is high, so the salsa really does taste fresh. I added more than the recommended amount of fresh veggies, mainly because I like a thicker, chunkier salsa vs a thinner salsa. Really, I just added a couple more fresh tomatoes than the recipe called for. In comparison to the fresh veggies, you only use 1/2 cup of canned tomatoes. I'm thinking I'll use the rest of the can for a batch of Spanish Rice. Perfection. Grab a basket of chips, and you are good. to. go. The hubby has been on a juice fast all week, so tonight I'm thinking... Mexican pizza Spanish Rice Guacomole Salsa Chips Maybe a margarita?? Oh yes. Tonight's gonna be a good night. Tonight's gonna be a real good night :) Happy Wednesday everyone! Ingredients (serves 8-10): 5-6 plum tomatoes, deseeded, quartered 1/2 yellow onion, roughly chopped 2 green onions, roughly chopped 1 serrano chile, seeds and membranes removed 1 jalapeno, with seeds and membranes 3 tsp fresh lime juice 1 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp Mexican oregano 1/4 cup fresh cilantro 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, with liquid 1/3 cup water Directions: 1. Combine plum tomatoes through Mexican oregano in a food processor. Pulse until chunky. Move mixture into a large mixing bowl. 2. Combine cilantro and canned tomatoes in food processor. Pulse until pureed. Add water. Pulse until well combined. Add mixture to the large bowl. Stir throughly to combine. 3. Place mixture in an airtight container, and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Printable Recipe Recipe adapted from Food.com. If you liked this recipe, you may enjoy these- Easy Homemade Salsa Fresh Guacamole Homemade Taco Seasoning Linked to: Create It Thursday, Weekend Potluck, Foodie Friday, Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party, Snickerdoodle Sunday, Treasure Box Tuesday

This flavor-packed creamy cilantro pepita dressing is an El Torito copycat recipe, ideal for salads, dips, tacos, slaw, and burrito bowls.

For about 2 years now, the only salsa I've been eating is my Homemade Salsa , or whatever random salsa a Mexican restaurant happened ...

This recreation of the Mexican Caesar Salad from El Torito Restaurant has crispy romaine lettuce tossed with a tangy cilantro-pepita dressing, and is topped with toasted pepitas and crispy tortilla strips, for a bright and refreshing salad with lots of texture and flavor.

I love this dressing at El Torito. I could sit there and just eat it with a spoon. I found this copy-cat recipe and I wanted to post it so I can make it myself, and secretly eat it straight from the jar :-)

This flavor-packed creamy cilantro pepita dressing is an El Torito copycat recipe, ideal for salads, dips, tacos, slaw, and burrito bowls.

For about 2 years now, the only salsa I've been eating is my Homemade Salsa , or whatever random salsa a Mexican restaurant happened ...

I love this dressing at El Torito. I could sit there and just eat it with a spoon. I found this copy-cat recipe and I wanted to post it so I can make it myself, and secretly eat it straight from the jar :-)

Looking for a delicious new cocktail to try? Why not give the peanut torito cocktail a go. Popular in the state of Veracruz, this Mexican drink is made with peanut butter and 2 different types of milk. It is sweet, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

Make chicken tortilla soup like El Torito at home with this easy copycat recipe.

Peanut and Vanilla Aperitif recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 1, Episode 12 “Vanilla”

This flavor-packed creamy cilantro pepita dressing is an El Torito copycat recipe, ideal for salads, dips, tacos, slaw, and burrito bowls.

Try this creamy cilantro and roasted pepper dressing on your next salad for some Mexican-style flavors.

Looking for a delicious new cocktail to try? Why not give the peanut torito cocktail a go. Popular in the state of Veracruz, this Mexican drink is made with peanut butter and 2 different types of milk. It is sweet, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

This is a creamy cilantro flavor that you will find unique and refreshing. The melody of cilantro, lime, and chilies adds a unique flavor to any salad. Recipe below. I first had this cilantro-type dressing at California-based restaurants El Torito and El Pollo Loco. They quickly became my favorite salads. At El Pollo Loco, the dressing is on their chopped salads. At El Torito, the dressing is served on their Grilled Chicken Mexico Caeser.

Make chicken tortilla soup like El Torito at home with this easy copycat recipe.

A great salad dressing truly makes a salad. This Copycat El Torito Mexican Caesar Dressing is one dressing recipe you should always have on hand.

Everyone else is posting cookie and candy recipes, but for me, Christmas Eve means Mexican food- and has for the better part of the last decade. I make this salad once a year, and I make a bucketlo…

I always order this soup when I visit El Torito Restaurant . It’s delicious, flavorful, healthy, and freezes well. I always double or qua...

Everyone else is posting cookie and candy recipes, but for me, Christmas Eve means Mexican food- and has for the better part of the last decade. I make this salad once a year, and I make a bucketlo…

Te decimos cómo preparar un torito de cacahuate, una deliciosa bebida que se prepara en el estado de Veracruz.

Make chicken tortilla soup like El Torito at home with this easy copycat recipe.

This recreation of the Mexican Caesar Salad from El Torito Restaurant has crispy romaine lettuce tossed with a tangy cilantro-pepita dressing, and is topped with toasted pepitas and crispy tortilla strips, for a bright and refreshing salad with lots of texture and flavor.

For about 2 years now, the only salsa I've been eating is my Homemade Salsa , or whatever random salsa a Mexican restaurant happened ...

Looking for a delicious new cocktail to try? Why not give the peanut torito cocktail a go. Popular in the state of Veracruz, this Mexican drink is made with peanut butter and 2 different types of milk. It is sweet, creamy, and absolutely delicious!