If you’re looking for a salsa that’s a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy, look no further than this Pineapple Chipotle Salsa. The sweetness of ripe pineapple meets the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, creating a burst of flavor that’s perfect for dipping, topping tacos, or even serving alongside grilled meats. Trust me, this salsa will have your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for the recipe.
Ready to spice up your next meal? Let’s get started with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed salsa!
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Chipotle Salsa
This salsa isn’t just any regular dip—it’s a flavor explosion that’s sweet, spicy, and smoky all at once. Here’s why it’s a total crowd-pleaser:
Versatile: It’s great as a dip for tortilla chips, or you can serve it alongside grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish. It also makes a fantastic topping for tacos, salads, or even grilled veggies!
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable, yet the result is so flavorful. No need to break the bank for a great salsa!
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this salsa comes together in no time. Even beginners will feel like pro chefs when they make this one.
Customizable: Love a little extra heat? Add more chipotle peppers! Prefer a milder flavor? Skip the seeds for a softer kick. You can easily adjust it to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving a party or just a casual dinner, this salsa will disappear fast. It’s always a hit!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this sweet and smoky salsa:
Pineapple: The star of the show. Ripe, juicy pineapple brings the perfect level of sweetness to balance out the heat from the chipotle peppers.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These smoky, spicy peppers give the salsa its signature depth and warmth. You can control how much heat you add based on your taste.
Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness and a touch of crunch, balancing the richness of the pineapple and the smokiness of the chipotle.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the salsa.
Lime: A squeeze of lime brings the perfect amount of acidity, tying all the flavors together and giving the salsa that zesty, refreshing kick.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the pineapple with the spice from the chipotle.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this sweet and spicy salsa:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by finely dicing the pineapple, red onion, and cilantro. Chop the chipotle peppers (remove the seeds if you want a milder salsa) and set them aside.
2. Combine in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, chipotle peppers, and cilantro.
3. Add Lime and Salt: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to mix all the flavors together.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste your salsa, and if you’d like more heat, add another chopped chipotle pepper or a dash of adobo sauce from the can. Adjust salt and lime to your preference.
5. Chill and Serve: Let the salsa chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos!
How to Serve Pineapple Chipotle Salsa
This salsa is a game-changer when it comes to adding flavor to your meal. Here are a few ideas for serving it up:
Tortilla Chips: Classic and always a hit, tortilla chips are the perfect vessel for this flavorful salsa.
Grilled Meats: Serve it as a topping for grilled chicken, pork, or fish for an extra punch of flavor. It pairs especially well with tacos and grilled shrimp.
Salads: Add a spoonful of this salsa on top of a fresh salad for an added layer of sweetness and spice.
Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled corn, zucchini, or peppers for a fresh, smoky side dish.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to elevate this salsa:
Prep Ahead: Make the salsa a few hours ahead of time so the flavors can meld together. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving again.
Double the Batch: If you’re hosting a party or gathering, double the recipe to ensure everyone gets their fill of this sweet and spicy salsa.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh chipotle peppers instead of canned?
A1: Yes! Fresh chipotle peppers will work, but canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce have a smoky depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Q2: Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
A2: Yes! In fact, letting it chill for a while allows the flavors to come together. Make it a few hours before serving, or even the day before.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir before serving again.
Q4: Can I freeze this salsa?
A4: While you can freeze it, the texture of the pineapple might change slightly when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Q5: How can I adjust the spiciness?
A5: You can control the heat by adjusting the number of chipotle peppers you use, or by removing the seeds from the peppers for a milder salsa.
Q6: Can I use another type of fruit?
A6: Yes! Mango, peach, or even watermelon could work as great alternatives if you want to mix things up.
Q7: Is this salsa vegan?
A7: Yes, this salsa is naturally vegan and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Q8: How do I make the salsa less sweet?
A8: If you prefer a less sweet salsa, use less pineapple or balance the sweetness with extra lime juice and salt.
Q9: Can I use dried cilantro?
A9: Fresh cilantro adds the best flavor and color, but if you don’t have it, you can use dried cilantro—just be sure to use a smaller amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Q10: How long does this salsa last?
A10: This salsa will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits!
Conclusion
Pineapple Chipotle Salsa is one of those recipes that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re snacking on it with chips or using it to top your favorite grilled dishes, this salsa will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. So grab those ingredients, and let’s get salsa-making!
Print
Pineapple Chipotle Salsa
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Salsa
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A sweet and spicy salsa with a delightful smokiness, made by blending charred pineapple, tomatillo, onion, garlic, and chipotle peppers. Perfect for tacos, chips, or any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 7–8 tomatillos, husks removed and sliced in half
- 4 garlic cloves, kept whole
- 2 thick slices onion (about 1/2-inch thick each)
- 2 slices of fresh pineapple, cored, or 2 rings of canned pineapple (patted dry)
- 1 or 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional, plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Broil the Ingredients:
- Preheat the oven to the high broiler setting, placing the oven rack on the top rung. Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
- Add the tomatillos, whole garlic cloves, pineapple, and onion to the baking sheet and broil for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, remove the sheet, flip over all ingredients, and return to the broiler. Broil for another 5 minutes or until gently charred. Keep an eye on the ingredients, as broiler heat can vary.
- Blend the Salsa:
- Once charred, remove the sheet from the oven and transfer the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Add the chipotle peppers and blend or pulse until a chunky consistency is achieved.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the salsa and add salt if desired. Stir to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a more smoky flavor, you can add extra chipotle peppers.
- If you prefer a smoother salsa, blend it longer or strain it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg