Name: Pineapple Chipotle Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 if desired)

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Get ready to scoop up pure sunshine! Pineapple Chipotle Salsa is a flavor-packed delight that brings together sweet, smoky, and tangy notes in every single bite. Imagine juicy pineapple mingling with charred tomatillos, roasted garlic, and a gentle kick of chipotle all whirled together into a seriously addictive salsa. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, jazzing up your weeknight tacos, or just need an excuse to eat more chips, this salsa turns even the simplest snack into a celebration. Trust me, you’ll want to put this on everything!

Pineapple Chipotle Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pineapple Chipotle Salsa is how a handful of vibrant, easy-to-find ingredients transform into a salsa that’s bursting with personality. Each simple piece plays a unique role, delivering bold pops of flavor, color, and texture you’ll crave again and again.

Tomatillos: These little green gems add a zesty, tart backbone to the salsa and give it a gorgeous color.
Garlic cloves: Roasting keeps their bite mellow and lets a subtle, earthy sweetness shine through.
Onion: Thick slices of onion develop caramelized edges under the broiler, adding depth and a little savory kick.
Pineapple: Whether you use fresh or canned, pineapple brings a sweet tang and juicy bursts to every spoonful.
Chipotle peppers in adobo: The secret to that signature smoky heat! Start with one, taste, and add more for extra kick.
Kosher salt: Helps tie everything together and brightens all those fantastic flavors—add to taste.

How to Make Pineapple Chipotle Salsa

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first: set yourself up for salsa success. Remove the papery husks from your tomatillos and slice them in half, peel the garlic cloves (but keep them whole for roasting!), and cut the onion into two thick slices. If you’re using fresh pineapple, core and slice it; with canned, just be sure to pat those rings nice and dry, so the salsa stays thick and punchy.

Step 2: Broil for Maximum Flavor

Set your oven to the high broiler setting and move a rack to the top position. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the tomatillos, garlic, onion, and pineapple on the sheet in a single layer. Slide the pan under the broiler and let everything roast for about 10 minutes. This first blast of heat will start to caramelize the veggies and fruit, giving you that irresistible smoky-sweet base.

Step 3: Flip and Char

Take the baking sheet out, carefully flip all the ingredients, and then pop it back under the broiler for another 5 minutes. Keep a close eye—they can go from perfectly toasty to burnt pretty fast! You want those tomatillos bubbly, the garlic golden, and the pineapple with some nice dark spots; it’s all about building flavor here.

Step 4: Blend to Chunky Perfection

When everything’s beautifully charred, transfer it all to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the chipotle pepper or peppers (start with one, you can taste and adjust later). Give everything a few quick pulses—you want a semi-chunky salsa, not a purée. This is where Pineapple Chipotle Salsa starts to really come together with all those toasty bits swirled in.

Step 5: Taste and Season

Spoon out a taste and see how you like the heat! Add salt (and an extra chipotle if you want it smokier or spicier), then give it a gentle stir to combine. Scrape it into a bowl, and get ready for the best flavor fiesta your chips have ever seen.

How to Serve Pineapple Chipotle Salsa

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way for extra color and freshness. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a few diced red onions for crunch, or thinly sliced radishes for a peppery bite. A squeeze of lime brings brightness and looks beautiful, too! Garnishing isn’t just for show—it adds fresh aromas every time you dip in.

Side Dishes

Pineapple Chipotle Salsa practically begs for chips, of course, but don’t stop there! It’s amazing spooned over grilled chicken, nestled alongside roasted veggies, or layered into fish tacos. For an ultra-refreshing summer meal, serve it with simple rice and beans and let the salsa add all the pizzazz.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your next get-together into a salsa showcase! Serve your Pineapple Chipotle Salsa from a hollowed-out pineapple for tropical vibes, or pair it with a trio of different salsas in colorful bowls. Drizzle it on flatbread pizzas, top with avocado slices, or present it in tiny jars as part of a salsa sampler board. It’s such an eye-catcher!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any (good luck!), transfer the leftover salsa to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep fresh for 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen as it chills, making day-two snacking even more exciting!

Freezing

Pineapple Chipotle Salsa freezes surprisingly well. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little breathing room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving to perk everything back up.

Reheating

This salsa is all about brightness and zesty texture, so reheating isn’t necessary—in fact, it tastes best cold or at room temperature. If you like it a little warmer for certain dishes, set it out for 15 minutes before serving, or gently microwave it in short bursts just to take the chill off. Stir before enjoying!

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pineapple works wonderfully in Pineapple Chipotle Salsa—just make sure to drain it well and pat the rings dry. This keeps the salsa from getting watery and helps concentrate that delicious sweet-tart flavor.

How spicy is this salsa?

The heat level depends on how many chipotle peppers you toss in. Start with one for a mild, smoky warmth, then taste and add a second if you want more kick. Remember, chipotles pack a punch, so a little goes a long way!

Can I make Pineapple Chipotle Salsa ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a few hours ahead gives the flavors extra time to blend and mellow. Store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve for the best results.

What if I can’t find tomatillos?

If tomatillos are hard to come by, try subbing in green tomatoes and a squeeze of lime juice for a similar tang. It won’t be quite the same, but you’ll still get that refreshing, bright flavor profile Pineapple Chipotle Salsa is known for.

What dishes pair best with this salsa?

Pineapple Chipotle Salsa shines on tacos, grilled fish, and roast chicken, but don’t be afraid to spoon it over rice bowls, eggs, or even grilled corn on the cob. It’s a game-changer wherever you want a touch of sweet, smoky heat!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your salsa game, Pineapple Chipotle Salsa is truly a must-try. The balance of sweet, spice, and charred goodness will keep you coming back for more! I hope you love it as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to salsa for every gathering and craving.

Pineapple Chipotle Salsa Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A zesty and smoky Pineapple Chipotle Salsa with a perfect balance of sweet and heat. This salsa is great for dipping with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomatillo Mixture:

7–8 tomatillos (husks removed and sliced in half)
4 garlic cloves (kept whole)
2 thick slices onion* (about 1/2-inch thick each)

Pineapple Mixture:

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 if desired)

Instructions

Broil: Preheat oven to the high broiler setting. Place an oven rack on the top rung and line a baking sheet with foil. Add the tomatillos, whole garlic cloves, pineapple, and broil on high for 10 minutes.
Broil Again: Remove the baking sheet, flip over all ingredients, and broil for an additional 5 minutes or until gently charred.
Blend: Transfer the charred ingredients to a blender or food processor, add chipotle peppers, and blend until a chunky consistency is achieved.
Season: Taste the salsa, add salt to taste, stir, and serve.