Here comes the copycat recipe for spicy, smokey, and rich Chipotle tomato salsa that will leave you wanting more. This Chipotle tomato salsa is something out of the box. I remember the first time I tasted it. I was out on lunch with my friends, and that tangy and smoky salsa was a revelation.
I was instantly hooked and knew I had to bring this magic into my kitchen. This salsa is popularly called pico de gallo due to its Mexican origin. Its beauty lies in its balance of simplicity and complexity of flavors.
It packs a punch with fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, lemon, peppers, cilantro, and smoky chipotle peppers. Their flavors complement each other perfectly.
An interesting fact that sets this salsa apart from every other salsa is its chunky texture. It makes for a delectable pairing with nachos and even as a topping.
So, I decided to try this recipe after countless visits to Chipotle, which left me craving that distinct taste. With a few tweaks, I managed to recreate it in my kitchen. Now, every time I make this chipotle tomato salsa, I am reminded of those laid-back afternoons with friends and great food.
Trying to nail this recipe was like a culinary adventure for me. The smoky undertones of this salsa and a fresh burst of flavors make it a special addition to any of my meals. It’s that taste of Chipotle that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Keep reading to learn more.
Equipments RequiredÂ
- Cutting Board: I start by chopping off all the ingredients on a chopping board.Â
- Knife: You need a sharp knife to cut the tomatoes, onions, and pepper.Â
- Mixing Bowl: I keep a mixing bowl handy to assemble everything in one place.Â
- Measuring Cups And Spoons: I suggest using these to measure the ingredients properly.Â
- Spoons Or Spatula: I use a spoon or rubber spatula to mix the ingredients.
Chipotle Tomato Salsa Ingredients And Substitutions
Note– The ingredients that i have listed below will help you serve 3 people. However, you can adjust the amount of ingredients according to the number of people you wish to serve.
- 1 Cup Tomato: Use firm tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. They are ideal for making salsa.
- 2 Tablespoons Onion: Out of onions? Shallots or scallions will also work well.
- 2 Tablespoon Jalapeno: Fresno or Serrano can also be used.Â
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice: You can opt for bottled lime juice or rice vinegar if you run short of lemon juice.Â
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro: I substitute cilantro with herbs like parsley, Thai basil, or dill whenever I’m out of cilantro.Â
- Tortilla Chips To Serve: You can also serve this delicious salsa with potato chips, Doritos, or any other chips of your choice.
Preparation And Cooking TimeÂ
Preparation time | Total time |
15 Minutes | 15 Minutes |
How To Make This Chipotle Tomato Salsa At Home
Step 1
Take a mixing bowl and add onions to it.
Step 2
Then add finely chopped tomatoes to it.
Step 3
Now add jalapenos to this mixture.
Step 4
Add lemon juice and mix well.Â
Step 5
Now season it with salt and pepper.
Step 6
Put fresh parsley to garnish.
Step 7
Your Chipotle Tomato Salsa is ready.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- To give a deep smoky flavour to my salsa, I roast my chipotle pepper before adding it to the salsa. They add a richness to my salsa.Â
- I also sometimes add a pinch of sugar to my salsa to balance the acidity.Â
- I recommend adding a hint of cumin to give the salsa an extra earthy depth. This will complement the smokiness of the chipotle peppers.
- I also prefer removing the jalapeno’s seeds and membranes before chopping them to control the heat of the salsa.
- I ensure that all ingredients are chopped uniformly to maintain a consistent texture and even flavor distribution.
- I let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes before serving it to allow the flavors to meld.
- I also make sure to season the salsa gradually and taste as I go. This helps me achieve a perfect balance of flavors and prevent over-seasoning.
- Sometimes, I use freshly chopped cilantro instead of dried or pre-chopped to ensure a vibrant flavor. Fresh herbs provide a more aromatic and impactful taste.
FAQs About Chipotle Tomato SalsaÂ
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Chipotle tomato salsa is considerably healthy because it is packed with nutrient rich ingredients like tomatoes, onions and jalapenos. Although this salsa provides vitamins and antioxidants, it is rich in sodium.
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for your reference.
Calories | 48 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 11g |
Protein | 2g |
Fat | 0.5g |
Saturated fat | 0.1g |
Polyunsaturated fat | 0.2g |
Monounsaturated fat | 0.1g |
Sodium | 10mg |
Potassium | 479 mg |
Fibre | 3g |
Sugar | 6g |
Vitamin A | 1595 IU |
Vitamin C | 65mg |
Calcium | 27mg |
Iron | 1mg |
Chipotle tomato salsa is low in calories and fat so it is well suited for a low calorie diet. Also, people on a vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan diet can also consume this salsa without any worries because every ingredient is plant based.
Recipe Variations For Different DietsÂ
- Low Sodium: To make this recipe low-sodium friendly, I use low-sodium salt or a small amount of salt-free seasonings.Â
- Keto-friendly: For a keto-friendly version of this tomato salsa, I had to substitute onions with scallions and tortilla chips with pork rinds or zucchini chips. You can also look for El Sabroso baked tortilla chips or Smart Carb Tortilla chips as other alternatives.
Storing This RecipeÂ
- Refrigerator: After I prepare my tomato salsa, I transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. This helps to keep the salsa fresh and prevents it from absorbing any other smell from the fridge. This way, it stays good for up to a week.Â
- Freezer: If you wish to store your salsa for a longer period of time, you can easily freeze it by storing it in a freezer-safe container. This way, it can be enjoyed for up to 3 months. But make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.
What To Serve With This RecipeÂ
When I serve my tomato salsa, I love pairing it with a variety of dishes. I use it as a zesty addition to my grilled chicken or a flavourful boost. For a lighter option, I enjoy it with fresh veggie sticks like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots.Â
It even works as a topping on my scrambled eggs or mixed with quinoa salad. Whether I serve it with meat or keep it vegetarian, this salsa always adds a kick to any meal.Â
Printable Version
Chipotle Tomato Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Tomato
- 2 Tablespoons Onion
- 2 Tablespoon Jalapeno
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro
- Tortilla Chips To Serve
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Spoons Or Spatula
Notes
- To give a deep smoky flavour to my salsa, I roast my chipotle pepper before adding it to the salsa. They add a richness to my salsa.Â
- I also sometimes add a pinch of sugar to my salsa to balance the acidity.Â
- I recommend adding a hint of cumin to give the salsa an extra earthy depth. This will complement the smokiness of the chipotle peppers.
- I also prefer removing the jalapeno’s seeds and membranes before chopping them to control the heat of the salsa.
- I ensure that all ingredients are chopped uniformly to maintain a consistent texture and even flavor distribution.
- I let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes before serving it to allow the flavors to meld.
- I also make sure to season the salsa gradually and taste as I go. This helps me achieve a perfect balance of flavors and prevent over-seasoning.
- Sometimes, I use freshly chopped cilantro instead of dried or pre-chopped to ensure a vibrant flavor. Fresh herbs provide a more aromatic and impactful taste.
Nutrition
More Chipotle Recipes That You Can Try
ConclusionÂ
With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation, this salsa brings a taste of Chipotle into your home kitchen. It is a go-to recipe for adding a burst of flavor to your everyday meal. Its tangy and smoky flavor perfectly elevates the eating experience.
So, this tomato salsa is just a hit whether you have it with a salad or pair it with your favorite scrambled eggs. Gather your ingredients, follow the tips, and enjoy a homemade salsa that’s both delicious and satisfying. Till then, happy cooking.