Bold & Smoky Chipotle Salsa: A Flavor-Packed Favorite

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Chipotle salsa is like a party on your taste buds—smoky, spicy, and irresistibly vibrant. The chipotle pepper’s signature warmth pairs beautifully with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, creating a sauce that effortlessly transforms everyday meals into something special. Let’s dive into our Bold & Smoky Chipotle Salsa recipe, a quick and satisfying way to perk up your taco night or liven up a snack spread.

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Ingredients

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  • 4 ripe tomatoes (Roma or plum), roughly chopped
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (plus an extra spoonful of sauce for added heat)
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped, if you like it extra spicy

Instructions

Start by warming a small skillet or pan over medium heat. Lightly toast the chopped tomatoes and onion for a few minutes to bring out their sweetness. Next, transfer the tomatoes, onion, chipotle peppers (and a spoonful of that rich adobo sauce), and minced garlic into a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients, then add the cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. If you’re craving more heat, pop in the chopped jalapeño.

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Blend briefly, stopping to scrape down the sides so everything incorporates easily. You’re aiming for a sauce that’s mostly smooth but still has a hint of texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lime as you like. Once you’ve found your perfect balance of smoky and spicy, pour the salsa into a serving bowl. Enjoy immediately or let it rest in the fridge for an hour to deepen in flavor.

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This Bold & Smoky Chipotle Salsa is fantastic for anyone who loves a little heat—spoon it onto tacos, drizzle it over nachos, stir it into scrambled eggs, or serve it alongside fresh tortilla chips. The chipotle peppers add depth and smokiness without overwhelming your palate, and you can easily dial back the spice level by using fewer peppers or adding a bit of sugar. Consider tossing in roasted corn for a sweet crunch or stirring in diced avocado for extra creaminess. However you choose to make it your own, this lively salsa is sure to become a new staple in your kitchen.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.