Fire-Roasted Chipotle Tomato Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky, spicy salsa featuring fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, perfect for dipping or topping your favorite Mexican dishes. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 30 minutes blends medium roma tomatoes, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 70 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your broiler to high. Place 6 roma tomatoes on a baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the skins are charred and blistered. Let cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Remove the skins from the tomatoes and roughly chop them. Place the chopped tomatoes in a blender along with 2 chipotle peppers and 1 tbsp adobo sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small diced white onion, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the blender. Pulse until you reach a chunky salsa texture, about 10-15 seconds. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the salsa to a bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fire-Roasted Chipotle Tomato Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Fire-Roasted Chipotle Tomato Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fire-Roasted Chipotle Tomato Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fire-Roasted Chipotle Tomato Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Fire-Roasted Chipotle Tomato Salsa?

Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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