This easy, homemade Smoky Chipotle Salsa recipe is the perfect blend of smoky heat and sweet tomato. Made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, this versatile Mexican condiment delivers bold, spicy flavors in just minutes. Learn how to make this authentic salsa that's perfect for breakfast, tacos, grilled meats, or as a zesty dip.
In my house growing up, salsa de chile chipotle would always grace our table whenever we would have Molletes Mexicanos. To this day, I cannot make molletes without accompanying them with this delicious, smoky Mexican salsa.
The salsa is another great recipe passed down by my Abuelita Maria to my mom and then to me. It is simple, delicious, and not only a great complement to molletes, but to a variety of other dishes as well.
If you like chipotle chiles, check out Albóndigas in Chipotle Sauce or Sopa de Tortilla Azteca.
Jump to:
What are Chipotle Peppers?
Chipotle peppers are mature jalapeño peppers that have been smoked and dried. The word "chipotle" actually comes from the Nahuatl word "chilpoctli," which means "smoked chili."
During this process, the fresh jalapeños become dry, small and wrinkled and their flavor is transformed into a unique, smoky one. Their smoky, spicy flavor makes them a popular choice in many Mexican dishes.
Chipotles in Adobo Sauce
Today's recipe uses chipotles in adobo sauce. In this case, the chipotles are canned in a sauce made from a combination of vinegar, spices, and tomato paste. This adobo sauce not only helps preserve the peppers but also adds an extra layer of tangy, fiery flavor to dishes.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are widely available in most grocery stores. You can find them online or in the Latin American section of most grocery stores.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Chipotle Salsa Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: This recipe only requires 6 ingredients.
- Easy to Make: The only cooking needed is boiling a couple of tomatoes, then blend those with the rest of the ingredients and the recipe is complete.
- Amazing Flavor: The salsa incorporates the smokiness of chipotles with a touch of sweetness from fresh tomatoes.
- Customizable: Make it as spicy or as mild as you choose.
- Versatile: This salsa can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to eggs and tortilla chips. Look for serving suggestions in the "How to Serve" section below.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chipotles in Adobo Sauce: When using chipotles in adobo, you can control the heat level of your dish by adjusting the ratio of peppers to sauce. For a milder flavor, use more of the sauce and fewer actual pepper pieces.
- Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are more commonly used in Mexican cooking. Choose ripe tomatoes that are firm, but have a little give when pressed gently or squeezed. If you don't have Roma tomatoes, any ripe, medium-sized tomatoes will work.
- Garlic Powder: Just a little bit of garlic powder adds a savory and zesty flavor to the salsa, without overpowering.
- Salt: Add just a touch of kosher salt to enhance the flavor. You can add more at the end to adjust to your preference.
- Water: Just a little bit of water helps blend the ingredients together without making the salsa too runny.
- Oil: The salsa is sautéed in a little bit of oil at the end which enhances the salsa and really marries all the flavors of the ingredients together. Use a neutral-flavored oil such as avocado oil or mild-tasting olive oil.
Substitutions
- Instead of boiled, fire roasted tomatoes can be used for a different flavor.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, use fresh garlic instead.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Salsa de Chipotle
1. Boil Tomatoes: Boil two whole tomatoes in water until fork-tender.
2. Blend: Add the cooked tomatoes to a blender or food processor along with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and water. Blend everything together until smooth.
3. Cook Salsa: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil on medium-low heat. When hot, carefully pour the sauce into the pan. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste for seasoning and adjust salt as needed. Serve.
How to Serve
As I stated earlier, in my house this chipotle salsa is synonymous with molletes. They are the absolute perfect pair! However, this salsa is also amazing on other dishes such as:
- Huevos con Tortilla
- Papas con Huevo
- Simple Instant Pot Pinto Beans
- Pork flautas or Chicken Flautas
- Drizzled in a bowl of soup like Caldo de Albóndigas or Gluten-Free Mexican Fideo Soup.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for about 3-5 days. I can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
This salsa is best served warm. To reheat, place in a microwavable safe bowl, cover with a paper towel and reheat for 50-60 seconds.
You can also reheat in a small saucepan on the stove without the need of adding more oil.
Tips and Variations
- To Increase the Amount of Salsa Without Sacrificing Flavor: The original recipe I have provided has equal proportions of the main ingredients for the best flavor. So if you want to increase the amount of salsa and keep the flavor consistent, follow this rule:
- For every 1 tomato, use 1 chipotle pepper, 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce and 2 tablespoons of water. Adjust the salt and garlic powder accordingly.
- For a Spicier Salsa: Use 2 tomatoes and increase the chipotles to 3 or 4.
- For a Mild Salsa: Use 2 tomatoes and only 1 chipotle or half of a chipotle with more of the adobo sauce.
- Gluten-Free: This salsa is gluten-free as long as the chipotle peppers don't contain gluten. Be sure to check the ingredient label as some brands add flour to their chipotles.
FAQ
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but I highly recommend fresh ones. Canned tomatoes tend to be sweeter which will change the flavor of the final product.
Although blending alone is sufficient, simmering the salsa intensifies its flavor and thickens it slightly.
Once opened, transfer any unused chipotle peppers and sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for several weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months. You can use the leftover chipotles in other recipes such as Albondigas in Chipotle Sauce.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Recipe
Smoky Chipotle Salsa
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 teaspoon adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 4 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Boil the tomatoes in water until fork-tender.
- Add the whole cooked tomatoes to a blender or food processor along with the chipotle peppers, the 2 teaspoons of the adobo sauce, garlic powder, salt and water.
- Blend together until smooth.
- In a small saucepan, heat the oil on medium-low heat. Once hot, carefully pour the sauce into the pan.
- Simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 3-5 days.
Notes
- To Increase the Amount of Salsa Without Sacrificing Flavor: The original recipe I have provided has equal proportions of the main ingredients for the best flavor. So if you want to increase the amount of salsa and keep the flavor consistent, follow this rule.
-
-
- For every 1 tomato, use 1 chipotle pepper, 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce and 2 tablespoons of water. Adjust the salt and garlic powder accordingly.
-
- For a Spicier Salsa: Use 2 tomatoes and increase the chipotles to 3 or 4.
- For a Mild Salsa: Use 2 tomatoes and only 1 chipotle or half of a chipotle with more of the adobo sauce.
- This salsa is best served warm.
Nutrition
Originally published April 29, 2020. Updated post and photos August 2024.
Priscilla
The tomato and chipotle were a great combo!
Gemma
Hi Priscilla, I love this salsa and so glad you liked it too!
Mabel
I made this salsa for burrito night at my house. I added mine on top of my burrito with some sour cream and it took my burrito to a whole other level. Thank you for the recipe!
Gemma
Yum, it sounds like a great way to use this salsa. Thank you for the comment!
Kelly
This sounds delish! My hubby would love it!
everydaylatina
Thank you! It is so good!