Chipotle Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa vs Red: Full Comparison
Chipotle Mexican Grill is known for its fresh and tasty dishes. Their salsas are key to the delicious flavors they offer.
Two of the most popular salsas at Chipotle are the tomatillo green chili salsa and the red chili salsa. Both salsas are tasty, but they have different flavors and use different ingredients.
We will compare and contrast the tomatillo green chili salsa and the red chili salsa to help you decide which one to try on your next visit to Chipotle.
Chipotle Red & Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa Compared
The Tomatillo [1] Green Chili Salsa and the Red Salsa have distinct flavor profiles. The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa is characterized by its tangy, slightly sweet taste with a bit of heat.
The tomatillos provide a bright and slightly acidic flavor that complements the spiciness of the jalapenos.
In contrast, the Red Salsa has a rich, tomato-based flavor with a bit of sweetness and moderate heat.
The combination of red tomatoes and onions gives it a deeper, savory taste, while the jalapenos provide a spicy kick.
Both salsas are tasty, but their flavors suit different dishes and tastes.
Main Ingredients In The Salsas
The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa includes tomatillos, which are small green tomatoes that taste a bit tart. It also has jalapenos, garlic, onion, and cilantro [2].
Tomatillos add a bright, citrusy taste. They balance the spiciness of jalapenos. Garlic and onion bring depth and complexity to the dish. The cilantro provides a fresh herbal note that rounds out the flavors.
“I am the kind of person who drive hours for a bowl of chili. I’m not a three-star restaurant kind of a person; I’m just a food person.”
– Nora Ephron, American Journalist
The Red Salsa, on the other hand, is made with red tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, garlic, and cilantro.
The red tomatoes and onions give the salsa a deeper, more savory flavor, while the garlic and cilantro provide a balance of heat and freshness.
The combination of these ingredients gives the Red Salsa its distinct taste that complements a variety of dishes.
| Read on: Chipotle Salsa Spice Levels |
Which Salsa Is Spicier, The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa Or The Red Salsa?
The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa is spicier than the Red Salsa. It uses jalapenos, which are hotter than the milder jalapenos in the Red Salsa.
However, the spiciness of the salsas can vary depending on the particular batch or location, as well as personal taste preferences.
If you’re looking for a salsa with a kick, the Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa is a great choice, while the Red Salsa is a better option if you prefer a mild flavor.
Dishes Best Paired With These Salsas
The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, and is often used as a topping for tacos or burritos.
Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with the smoky flavor of grilled meats, while the spiciness of the jalapenos adds a nice kick.
The Red Salsa, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used as a topping for everything from nachos to eggs.
Its rich, tomato flavor goes well with many foods. The moderate heat adds a nice kick, but it doesn’t overpower the other tastes.
Are The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa & The Red Salsa Both Vegan & Gluten-Free?
The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa and the Red Salsa are vegan and gluten-free.The salsas use only natural, whole-food ingredients. They have no animal products or gluten.
They are great for people with dietary restrictions or preferences. This includes vegans, vegetarians, and those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Fresh, whole ingredients make these salsas a healthier choice. They’re better than processed or packaged salsas, which often have artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Customer Favorites: What People Are Saying
Chipotle fans love their salsas and have strong favorites. Two salsas often praised are the Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa and the Red Chili Salsa.
Popular choices often depend on how much spice people can handle. Some like to mix both for the best of both worlds. A few salsa trends show diners are leaning toward bolder, spicier options lately.
| Salsa | Flavor Notes | Fan Favorite Use |
| Tomatillo Green | Fresh, tangy, mild | Tacos and Burrito Bowls |
| Red Chili | Smoky, hot, bold | Burritos and Quesadillas |
One Chipotle fan shared that the green salsa “adds just enough zest without burning your mouth,” while another said the red salsa is their “go-to for turning up the heat.”
FAQs on Chipotle Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa
What is the difference between salsa verde and salsa roja?
The main difference between salsa verde and salsa roja is the color and the primary ingredient. Salsa verde means green sauce. It mainly uses tomatillos and green chili peppers. This gives it a bright green color and a tangy, citrusy taste. Salsa roja, or red sauce, is made primarily with red tomatoes and chili peppers, giving it a rich, deep red color and a sweeter, savory flavor.
What is the mildest Chipotle salsa?
The mildest Chipotle salsa is the Fresh Tomato Salsa, also known as Pico de Gallo. It is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice and has a fresh, zesty flavor without much spiciness. This salsa is an excellent option for those who prefer a mild flavor or are sensitive to heat.
Final Thoughts
Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa and the Red Salsa at Chipotle are delicious options that add flavor and heat to any dish.
The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa is usually spicier than the Red Salsa. However, spiciness can change based on personal taste and the specific batch or location.
The Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa is best paired with grilled meats and is often used as a topping for tacos or burritos, while the Red Salsa can be used as a topping for a variety of foods.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/tomatillo
- https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/roasted-tomatillo-salsa-2/
