Chipotle Pepita Salsa Recipe (2024)

Not your beloved (and familiar) restaurant-style “salsa,” my Chipotle Pepita Salsa is a little zippy, a little smoky, and a lot flavorful! We love it on grilled or roasted vegetables, and brushed on pork chops and salmon steaks. This is a versatile and super flavorful salsa!

👩🏻‍🍳 Tamara Talks – What is Salsa?

Salsa translation: Sauce.It really is that simple. So, while the “salsa” on the table at your favorite Mexican restaurant is familiar (probably a pico de gallo or salsa roja), you’re missing out if you venture no further. BTW, guacamole is a salsa too. 😉

Is salsa limited to Mexico and Mexican food? Nope! Salsa is a staple in nearly all Latin American countries, and of course you’ll find them in Spain as well. Argentina may be known for chimichurri (yes, it’s salsa!), and Peru for aji verde, but each country/region has its own salsas that complement their cuisines. And. It. Isn’t. Just. For. Chips. Lol.

🌶 About Chipotle Pepita Salsa

This salsa was inspired by Rick Bayless’ Salsa Macha, and evolved over time. Salsa Macha is a traditional salsa from the state of Veracruz that is based on fried dried chiles. I do keep dried chiles – guajillo, ancho, piquin – and that is where I started.

I love the flavors of salsa macha, but I really wanted to create something a little different. I landed on the smoky flavor of chipotle packed in adobo. I’ve always been a sucker for the chipotle chile (smoked jalapeños) in any form, whether it be canned in adobo, dried, or dried and ground.

Every cook has a different version of salsa macha, but to my knowledge, they all contain seeds and/or nuts. I think that is a major draw with this recipe. The combination of chile and seeds (both pepitas and sesame seeds) packs a lot of flavor.

Achiote paste finds its way into this salsa recipe as well. Have you used it? If you are not familiar with this somewhat obscure ingredient, achiote (or annatto) is the seed from the Bixa orellana shrub native to tropical areas of the Americas including Mexico and the Caribbean.

Achiote paste is a spice mix rather than just achiote seeds, and includes cumin, Mexican oregano, coriander seeds, garlic, and more. You can make your own, but I buy the deep red bricks of achiote paste pre-made at my local grocery.

📋 Ingredients

• 3/4 olive oil1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon achiote/annatto paste (see notes)
• 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
• 1 tablespoon good vinegar (I like sherry vinegar)
• 1 chipotle with 1 tablespoon adobo
• sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 4 – 6 scallions, chopped

• Once you gather/prep the ingredients, you should find Chipotle Pepita Salsa comes together quickly. This is an oil-based salsa, and you’ll start with the oil (olive oil and grapeseed oil are good choices) in a sauté pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the seeds, and let them sizzle in the oil for several minutes before adding the garlic and achiote paste. Stir often to avoid burning the garlic!
• Turn off the heat, then add the Mexican oregano, sherry, chipotle and adobo, and a few grinds of sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Allow the mixture to completely cool before pulsing it to desired consistency.
• I cannot over-emphasize the importance of checking the seasoning. This is your chance to perfect the flavor of your salsa! Lastly, stir in the optional chopped scallions.

🎥 “How To” Video

💭 Tips Variations and FAQ

How long does this salsa keep? The recipe makes 1 to 1 1/2 cups of salsa, and keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days (if it lasts that long). I do recommend serving this salsa at room temperature or heated up…

How hot is this salsa? The only heat in this salsa is the chipotle. I think it’s a somewhat mild salsa, but if you’re uncertain, use less chipotle (half). Alternatively, you can just use the adobo and omit the chipotle entirely. You’ll still get the smoky flavor.

🌮 How to Use Chipotle Pepita Salsa

• Fantastic on simple roasted and grilled vegetables.
• Brush it on grilled salmon, pork chops, and chicken.
• Serve with eggs cooked any style.
• Stir it into rice for a quick and easy side dish.
• In vinaigrettes and marinades.
• On your favorite tacos like carne asada… yum!

🍅 More Salsa Recipes

• Fermented Peruvian Red Pepper Salsa
• Red Chile and Toasted Pumpkin Seed Salsa
• Easy Mango Salsa
• Roasted Tomatillo and Hatch Green Chile Salsa (Salsa Verde)
• Peruvian Ají Verde Recipe (Green Chile Sauce)
• Mexican-Inspired Hummus with Avocado
• Fresh Pico de Gallo Salsa

So, you’ve got 8 new salsa recipes (vegetarian, gluten free, delicious) from my blog alone. 🙂 Isn’t it time to get to know salsa in a whole new way?