Authentic Chipotle Salsa Recipe for Smoky, Flavorful Dips

This chipotle salsa combines fire-roasted tomatoes, red onion, chipotle peppers in adobo, cilantro and lime juice to create a smoky, slightly spicy salsa that’s ready in minutes. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that also makes a flavorful topping for grilled chicken, steak or fish.

Salsas span a wide range of flavors, from bright and fruity to tangy tomatillo-based sauces. This chipotle version stands out for its smoky depth from the roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers. With just a handful of pantry staples and a blender, you can have a smooth or slightly chunky salsa in minutes.

Chipotle Salsa Ingredients

The salsa is made with a 14-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes (do not drain), diced red onion, garlic, fresh cilantro leaves, kosher salt, canned chipotle peppers and a bit of adobo sauce from the can, and lime juice.

How Do You Make Chipotle Salsa?

Place the fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained), diced red onion, chopped garlic, chipotle peppers, a couple teaspoons of adobo sauce, lime juice and salt into a blender or food processor. Pulse or blend until you reach your preferred texture — smooth or slightly chunky. Taste and adjust salt, lime or chipotle to suit your heat preference. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Tips For The Perfect Salsa

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth—there’s no need to drain the can before blending.
• If you don’t have a blender, a food processor works just as well.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo are found in the international or Mexican aisle. Start with two peppers and the recipe’s adobo, then add more if you want extra heat.
• Store the salsa covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as thawed salsa can become watery.
• Use this salsa with chips, or as a finishing sauce for tacos, carne asada, grilled fish or roasted vegetables.

Recipe FAQs

Flavor Variations

This recipe is excellent on its own, but you can customize it:

• Chilies: Add a can of roasted green chiles or roast anaheim/poblano peppers. Fresh minced jalapeño adds bright heat.
• Vegetables: Blend roasted tomatillos for a tangy twist, or fold in corn kernels after blending for texture.
• Beans: Stir in a cup of cooked black beans for added protein and body.
• Avocado: Fold in diced avocado just before serving for creaminess.

Serve a big bowl of chipotle salsa with tortilla chips at your next gathering or use it to dress up tacos, bowls, grilled meats and more.

More Great Salsa Recipes

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips

30 mins

Mango Salsa Recipe

11 mins

Salsa Chicken

40 mins

Peach Salsa

10 mins

Salmon with Avocado Salsa

25 mins

Chipotle Salsa Video