Name: Chipotle Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes; 1/2 small onion, quartered; 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This smoky and spicy chipotle salsa is a vibrant addition to any meal, perfect as a dip or a topping. Made with fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers, it offers a rich, smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with chunky reddish-orange salsa that has visible pieces of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, giving it a textured and slightly glossy look. Behind it, a white bowl holds several large, crisp, pale yellow tortilla chips which are stacked loosely and spread out, showing their rough, uneven edges. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes
1/2 small onion, quartered
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the fire-roasted tomatoes, quartered onion, chopped garlic, chipotle peppers, lime juice, fresh cilantro, and kosher salt in a high-power blender or food processor.
Step 2: Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired salsa consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
Step 3: Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, lime juice, or chipotle peppers to suit your preference.

Tips & Variations

For milder salsa, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or remove the seeds before blending.
Roasting the onion and garlic beforehand adds a deeper smoky flavor.
Add a small amount of honey or sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
Use fresh tomatoes if fire-roasted canned tomatoes are unavailable; roast them in the oven before blending for best results.

Storage

Store the chipotle salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will deepen over time. Before serving, stir well and you can enjoy it chilled or let it come to room temperature. Reheat gently if using as a sauce over warm dishes.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with chunky red salsa showing visible bits of tomato, onion, and green herbs, with a slightly shiny, moist texture. Above the bowl, there is a stack of light golden-yellow, crisp tortilla chips arranged neatly on a clear plate. The background is a smooth white marbled surface with a soft grey cloth glimpse in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salsa less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the number of chipotle peppers or remove their seeds to lower the heat without sacrificing the smoky flavor.

Can this salsa be frozen?

While you can freeze chipotle salsa, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in small portions and thaw in the refrigerator before use.