Pork Free Smoky BBQ Salsa

Total time27 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time12 min

4.9

(20)

This salsa is built entirely on fire, smoke, and bold vegetable flavor — and it delivers in a big way. Roma tomatoes, red bell peppers, and jalapeño get charred directly in a screaming-hot cast iron pan until their skins blister and their natural sugars caramelize into something deeply savory and complex. Smoked paprika, cumin, and chipotle powder bloom in garlic-infused oil with softened scallion greens, layering on even more smoky depth before the charred vegetables ever hit the pan again. A splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of maple syrup round out the heat with just enough brightness and sweetness to keep things balanced. Every single ingredient here is plant-based and straightforward, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden additives sneaking into your condiment. Serve it warm straight from the skillet, let it cool to room temperature for a chunky dip situation, or chill it overnight — honestly, it gets better as it sits. Chips, grilled chicken, tacos, eggs — this one goes with everything.

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Ingredients

8 servings

4 medium roma tomatoes, halved
2 medium red bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 jalapeño, halved and seeded
2 tbsp garlic-infused oil, divided
4 scallions, green tops only, thinly sliced
1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp chipotle powder
½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes. Brush the cut sides of the tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeño with 1 tablespoon of the garlic-infused oil.
2
Place the tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeño cut-side down in the dry hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until the cut surfaces are deeply charred and the skins begin to blister and loosen. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more, until the skins are softened and the vegetables are tender throughout.

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