This Chipotle Salsa is spicy, smoky and full of flavor. Loaded with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, chipotle peppers, garlic and lime juice.
You know when you go to your favorite Mexican restaurant and they bring out those warm chips and spicy salsa? Ah, delicious right? I KNOW.
And guess what! That style of salsa is actually really easy to make at home! All you’ll need is a handful of ingredients and food processor and you’ll be snacking on restaurant style chipotle salsa in no time.

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.
Chipotle Salsa Ingredients:
- DICED TOMATOES: It might not seem like it but to get the best, most authentic restaurant style salsa, you’re going to need to use canned diced tomatoes. They just give a totally different flavor and texture than fresh.
- CHIPOTLE PEPPERS: Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeño peppers usually packed in adobo sauce. You can find them near the diced green chiles, enchilada sauce and canned salsas in your grocery store.
- ONION: You can use yellow or white onion in this recipe.
- GARLIC
- CILANTRO: I love the addition of cilantro but if you are one of those people who have an aversion, you can leave it out and this salsa will be just as good.
- LIME JUICE: Adds a bright acidity.
- SALT
Step by Step Photos and Instructions:
This recipe is super easy to make! It can all be done right in your food processor. As you can see by the pictures, I like everything minced pretty fine but you can make this salsa as chunky as you like.

Pulse jalapeño, garlic and onion until minced fine. 
Process to desired consistency.
- STEP #1: Combine jalapeño, garlic and onion in a food processor. Pulse until they are minced fine.
- STEP #2: Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor and process until desired consistency. Season to taste with salt. Serve.
I love to serve this with my Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips or Lime Tortilla Chips (preferably when they are still warm) just like my favorite Mexican restaurant.

Looking for more spicy salsa recipes? I’ve got you covered!
If you loved this Chipotle Salsa but want something a little spicier, try my Restaurant Style Habanero Salsa.
This Cabbage Salsa is quick, refreshing and a little spicy too!
Made without tomatoes, this Jalapeño Salsa is a great way to switch up your salsa game!
Servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 1 jalapeño (stem removed )
- 3 garlic
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 (14.5 ounce) cans )
- 2 chipotle peppers
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro (loosely packed)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Combine onion, jalapeño and garlic together in a food processor. Pulse until minced fine.
Add remaining ingredients to the processor and pluse until desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary.
