Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa at Chipotle: Nutrition Facts and Ingredients

Chipotle Mexican Grill offers a variety of salsas to enhance its customizable menu. Among them, Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa stands out for its bold, spicy flavor. This guide provides detailed nutrition facts, ingredients, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this popular salsa, based on verified sources

Ingredients in Chipotle’s Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

According to Chipotle’s official ingredient lists and reputable sources, the Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa contains the following: tomatillos, red chili peppers (including chile de árbol), water, salt, garlic, cumin, black pepper, and distilled vinegar. These combine to create a tangy, spicy, and smoky flavor profile. The salsa is vegan and gluten-free, containing no animal products or gluten-based ingredients.
Tomatillos provide a citrus-like tang, while red chili peppers, particularly chile de árbol, deliver a significant heat level. Garlic and cumin add depth, and distilled vinegar enhances the tangy kick. The ingredients are sourced seasonally, which may cause slight variations in heat intensity due to differences in chili crops.

Nutrition Facts for Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

A 2-ounce (oz) serving of Chipotle’s Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa provides the following nutritional content, based on data from FastFoodNutrition.org and FatSecret.com:
Calories: 30–40 calories
Total Fat: 0–1 grams (g)
Carbohydrates: 4–8 g (3 g net carbs)
Protein: 0 g
Sodium: 260–550 milligrams (mg)
Weight Watchers Points: 1–2 points
The calorie range depends on portion size and slight recipe variations. Carbohydrates contribute 65% of the calories, with no significant fat or protein content. The salsa is considered healthy by 78% of voters on FastFoodNutrition.org due to its low calorie and fat content.

Health Considerations

The Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa is a low-calorie, low-fat option, making it suitable for health-conscious diners. It contains no allergens like egg, fish, gluten, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, or wheat, though cross-contamination is possible due to shared kitchen equipment. The sodium content (260–550 mg) may be a concern for those monitoring salt intake.
The salsa’s heat level, driven by chile de árbol, ranges from 2,730–3,420 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), comparable to jalapeños (2,500–8,000 SHU). This moderate-to-high spiciness may be too intense for children or those sensitive to heat. Combining it with cooling ingredients like sour cream or cheese can balance the spice.

How to Enjoy Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Chipotle offers this salsa as a free topping for any menu item, including burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads. It pairs well with proteins like chicken, steak, or barbacoa. Free salsa refills are available, allowing customers to add more as desired. The salsa’s smoky and spicy profile also complements tortilla chips as a dip.

FAQs About Chipotle’s Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa