When you open a can of RoTel it might resemble salsa, but is it actually salsa? Are these two products the same thing?
The Short Answer
No, RoTel and Salsa are not the same.
The Long Answer
When you open up a can of RoTel, it could be easy to mistake it for salsa. They have a lot of the same characteristics, namely red tomatoes and green chiles.
However, salsa is more complex than your typical can of RoTel.
When you look at the label of a RoTel can, you’ll see that there are only a few ingredients. It is made from tomatoes with juice, water, chopped green chili peppers, and less than 2% of salt, citric acid, calcium chloride, spice, and natural flavor.
Salsa is far more complex. A jar of Tostitos chunky salsa includes tomato puree, diced tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and natural flavors.
While salsa has a lot more going on, if you were strapped for time, needed salsa, and all you had was a can of RoTel, you could make do. Just season it with some garlic powder and maybe a little vinegar to get the full salsa effect.
Need to find a use for that can of RoTel in the pantry? I suggest our Bacon Cheeseburger Dip or Queso with Cheddar! They both use the slow cooker and are great for parties.
Have you ever used RoTel for your salsa? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know!
Thank you for clearing up a question I had. Tonight I made tacos but realized the salsa I had was no longer good – but I have many cans of Rotel. Your recipe of garlic powder and a splash of vinegar worked really well (I added a tiny bit of onion powder too). Thanks for saving dinner and satisfying this Dad’s curiosity!
You’re welcome, Ben! I’m so glad it helped.
So just to be clear- this was an article listing the reasons ingredient list for Rotel and Tostitos Salsa?
And the difference is Garlic?
The difference is more than just garlic! Rotel is basically just tomatoes and green chilis with a bit of seasoning in it. Salsa also contains garlic, onion, and more seasoning and spices so there’s a more complex flavor.
FYI, it’s “make do,” as in “it will do okay in this case.”
You’re right, Brandy! Thanks for catching that.
Yes,today I will be adding Rotel to my “half jar of salsa” to save an unwanted trip to the market . Lol
Haha, make it work! 🙂