It's time to add some fire to your salsa with this Smoked Salsa recipe! Light up your smoker (or pellet grill) and bring out the smoky flavors you can't get from a jar. Three simple steps is all it takes!
We are a salsa family! If you love this one, try out our other favorites like the Three Pepper Salsa, Easy Tomatillo Verde Salsa and a Fresh and Fast Salsa!
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Why You SHould Add Citrus to Salsa
PRESERVE. Adding a citrus ingredient like limes or lemons to salsa does many things for the recipe! It not only brightens flavors by balancing them, it also helps preserve the salsa by slowing down oxidation.
BALANCE. Even though some people love the heat of the jalapeños, others may not. Citrus flavors balance the tastes so a wider range of guests can enjoy your chips and dip.
LIGHTEN UP. Lastly, citrus ingredients make a dish taste "lighter" and fresher rather than heavy and dense.
Ingredients for Salsa
To make your Smoked Salsa, here's what you'll need:
- Tomatoes
- Sweet or White Onion
- Banana Peppers
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Limes
- Salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat smoker to 215°F. Cut tomatoes and peppers in half. Remove seeds from peppers. Cut onion into thick slices.
- Step 2: Smoke the tomatoes, banana peppers, jalapeños and onion for 1 hour.
- Step 3: Add lime juice, cilantro and salt into a blender. Puree. Then, add in smoked tomatoes, banana peppers, jalapeños and onion and blend. Serve with chips and enjoy!
Equipment and Supplies
- Smoker or Pellet Grill - For this recipe I used a Traeger Timberline, my favorite grill on the deck!
- Flint and Flame Knives - These are my everyday knives that I love! Use code ChefTim40 for 40% off your set.
- Blender - I've had this ZWILLING for years and it's amazing! It's piranha teeth blend through everything!
Storage
Store your Smoked Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Additions and Substitutions
- Substitution for Cilantro
- Flat leaf parsley is the most common replacement for cilantro. Some people detect a "soapy" taste from cilantro. If this is you, try your hero, Parsley!
- Jalapeño Substitution (for the non spicy folks)
- Green Pepper, Pepperoncini, Poblano Pepper
- Vegetable Additions for the Smoker
- Corn
- Avocado
- Carrots
- Fruit Additions to Sweeten
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Peach
- Watermelon (see Grilled Watermelon Salad)
- Strawberries
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Video of Recipe
Recipe
Smoked Salsa
Equipment
- Smoker or Pellet Grill
- Blender
Ingredients
- 5 Large Tomatoes
- 1 White Onion
- 2 Banana Peppers
- 2 Jalapeños
- ½ Bunch Cilantro
- 3 Limes juiced
- 2 teaspoon Salt add more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 215°F. Cut tomatoes and peppers in half. Remove seeds from all peppers. Cut onion into thick slices.
- Smoke the tomatoes, banana peppers, jalapeños and onion for 1 hour.
- Add lime juice, cilantro and salt into a blender. Puree. Then, add in smoked tomatoes, banana peppers, jalapeños and onion and blend. Serve with chips and enjoy!
Chef Tim Clowers says
This Salsa is full of big flavor that you will really enjoy..
Jordan says
This recipe is awesome! The smoked salsa flavor really comes through.
CookitwithTim says
So glad you loved it too! Super easy right? WINNER
Kyle Kay says
As someone who’s obsessed with firing up the smoker, this recipe was an instant win. The smoky flavor takes salsa to a whole new level — way better than anything from a jar. Simple steps, incredible taste, and a must-make for anyone who loves salsa as much as I do. Total game changer!