Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? We’re about to turn your kitchen into flavor paradise with this epic Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa! This sensational fusion dish is the ultimate in sweet heat, combining the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin with the explosive kick of chipotle peppers. Get ready for your taste buds to be absolutely thrilled and your friends to be incredibly jealous when they see this insane creation.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa with Tortilla Chips

This revolutionary salsa is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with the natural sweetness of pumpkin and the mouth-watering heat of chipotle peppers. It’s an irresistible flavor explosion that will leave you craving more with every irresistible bite. The smooth, velvety texture of the pumpkin salsa pairs perfectly with the crispy, crunchy tortilla chips, creating a sensational textural contrast that will have you devouring this dish in record time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – serve it as an appetizer, a topping for tacos or burgers, or even as a dip for your favorite snacks. Trust me, once you try this legendary salsa, it’s going to become a permanent fixture in your culinary arsenal.

Ingredients

To create this explosive Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa, you’ll need a few simple, yet incredible ingredients. Grab some ripe, juicy tomatoes, a can of pure pumpkin puree, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. These powerful flavors will come together to form a salsa that’s absolutely massive in both taste and texture.

  • 3-4 Roma tomatoes (diced) – roasted to add flavor
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree – the star of the show
  • 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped – for the heat
  • 1 medium onion, diced – adds sharp, savory notes
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – for an herbal punch
  • 2 tbsp lime juice – brightens the whole dish
  • 1 tsp cumin – earthy, warm spice
  • 1 tsp chili powder – for extra smoky heat
  • Salt and pepper to taste – to balance the flavors

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Cilantro: Substitute with fresh parsley or green onions for a similar herbal flavor.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to suit your desired heat level.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this epic Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa!

Step 1: Roast the Veggies

Start by roasting the tomatoes and onions until they’re slightly charred and bursting with flavor. This will add an incredible depth to the salsa. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before dicing them up.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the roasted tomatoes and onions with the pumpkin puree, chipotle peppers (finely chopped), lime juice, and your blend of spices. Stir everything together until it’s well-incorporated and the flavors are perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Fold in the fresh cilantro, and then it’s time to let the salsa chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld and intensify, creating an absolutely epic taste sensation. When you’re ready to serve, grab your favorite tortilla chips and get ready to devour this insane creation. The sweet, creamy pumpkin and the explosive heat of the chipotle peppers will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Step 4: Enjoy the Flavor Explosion

This Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa is the ultimate fusion dish, blending bold, intense flavors into one sensational, irresistible creation. Get ready to smash this salsa and leave your guests completely amazed.

Recipe Variations & Tips

  • Roast the Pumpkin: For an extra twist, you can try roasting the pumpkin before pureeing it, which will add an incredible depth of flavor.
  • Crank Up the Heat: Experiment with different types of peppers, like jalapeños or habaneros, to crank up the heat even more.
  • Add Some Extras: Try adding some diced avocado or roasted corn for an even more dynamic texture and flavor profile.
  • Grill the Chips: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, try grilling or baking the tortilla chips.
How to make Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa with Tortilla Chips — key cooking step
Step image showing preparation of Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Serving & Storage

Serve with: Your favorite tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos or burgers, or even as a dip for other snacks.

Storage: Keep the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will only continue to develop and intensify, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dish.

Reheat: No need to reheat – just give it a good stir before serving.

Make-Ahead: This salsa actually gets better the longer the flavors have a chance to meld, so feel free to make it up to 5 days in advance.

Nutrition Information

This Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The pumpkin provides a rich source of beta-carotene, while the tomatoes and cilantro are loaded with vitamin C. The chipotle peppers bring a boost of capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. And let’s not forget the healthy fats from the avocado or roasted corn, if you choose to include them. With all these incredible ingredients, this salsa is not only a flavor explosion, but a nutritional explosion as well.

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Carbs: 15 g
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salsa actually gets better the longer the flavors have a chance to meld. You can make it up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely! If you want a milder salsa, start with just 1-2 chipotle peppers and add more to taste. For an even spicier version, feel free to add more peppers or try using a hotter variety like habaneros.

What can I serve this salsa with?

The possibilities are endless! This salsa is delicious as a dip for tortilla chips, but it also makes a great topping for tacos, burgers, grilled chicken or fish, and even eggs. You can even use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Is this salsa vegan/gluten-free?

Yes, this Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it the perfect allergy-friendly appetizer or side dish. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free tortilla chips or veggie sticks.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin on hand, you can roast and puree it yourself. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different than using canned pumpkin puree.

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Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa with Tortilla Chips — restaurant-quality recipe photo

Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa with Tortilla Chips

  • Author: Maxine Delarue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Sweet Heat Fusion
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Salsa is a perfect blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of pumpkin with the heat of chipotle peppers. Enjoy it with crispy tortilla chips for a delightful snack or appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup diced red onion

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Tortilla chips for serving


Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, diced red onion, cilantro, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and honey.

2. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips.


Notes

For extra heat, add more chipotle peppers.

This salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Great as a topping for tacos or grilled chicken!


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: salsa, pumpkin, chipotle, spicy

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