Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

This tangy roasted Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa Recipe is made with fresh tomatillos, jalapeños, and lime juice, ready in just 20 minutes. The magic happens when the blistered, charred tomatillos blend with the crisp red onions and cilantro to release a vibrant, zesty aroma. I always keep a batch in the fridge to scoop up with salty tortilla chips.

Better Than Takeaway

Recreating restaurant salsas at home used to intimidate me. I thought there was a secret technique, but the truth is it comes down to roasting the vegetables properly.

The biggest surprise was realizing how much flavor comes from simply letting the tomatillos char in the oven. It creates that signature smoky depth you expect from a great taco joint.

Jump to Recipe

Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 medium red onion, roughly chopped
• 2 jalapeños, stems removed
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt

How To Make Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

1. Roast The Veggies: Preheat your broiler to high. Place the tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until charred.
2. Cool And Peel: Remove the pan from the oven and let the vegetables cool slightly. The tomatillos should look blistered and burst open.
3. Blend The Base: Transfer the roasted vegetables and their juices into a food processor or blender. Pulse three times to break them down.
4. Add Fresh Ingredients: Toss in the red onion, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, cumin, and salt.
5. Pulse To Finish: Pulse the mixture a few more times until it reaches a chunky but scoopable consistency.

Recipe Tips

• Rinse the tomatillos: Tomatillos have a sticky residue under their husks that needs to be washed off before roasting.
• Control the heat: If you prefer a milder salsa, slice the jalapeños open and remove the seeds before roasting.
• Let it rest: The flavors meld together beautifully if you let the salsa sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

What To Serve With Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa

This tangy salsa pairs beautifully with warm tortilla chips or drizzled over freshly grilled chicken tacos. I also love spooning it into a hearty burrito bowl for an extra punch of acidity.

How To Store

Keep the salsa in an airtight mason jar or container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months, though the texture may become slightly thinner once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatillos?

Yes, but fresh tomatillos provide a much better texture and brighter flavor for this recipe.

Why is my salsa too watery?

Tomatillos hold a lot of water, so be careful not to over-blend or it will turn into a thin liquid.

Can I use serrano peppers instead?

Absolutely, serranos are traditional and offer a sharper, slightly hotter bite than jalapeños.

Nutrition

• Calories: 25 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
• Protein: 1 g