Salsa

Sauce, Condiment

Salsa Sauce, Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce, Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"The ultimate flavor amplifier, transforming simple dishes into vibrant culinary experiences."

Definition

A vibrant condiment typically made from chopped tomatoes, onions, chilies, and herbs, served as a dip or topping.

Global Usage Over 50% of US households consume salsa regularly.
pH Range Typically 3.5-4.6 (acidic)
Shelf Life (Opened) 1-2 weeks (refrigerated)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Salsa are:

Fresh Zesty Spicy (variable) Tangy Savory

Chef’s Secret

For a richer salsa, roast tomatoes and chilies before dicing. The char adds depth and sweetness, making a significant difference.

Best Substitutes

Picante Sauce

Ratio 1:1

Diced Tomatoes with Chili

Ratio 1:1

Marinara Sauce

less spicy
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for fresh ingredients, check heat level, avoid excessive additives. Fresh salsa from refrigerated section often has better flavor.

Recipes Using Salsa

Time To Make One Dish Meal Course Preparation

Beefy Tex Mex Skillet

Craving a quick and flavorful Tex-Mex meal? This Beefy Tex-Mex Skillet is ready in under an hour and bursts with authentic south-of-the-border taste. Tender beef, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices combine for a satisfying dish the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Course

10 Minute Cheesy Mexican Rice

Craving cheesy Mexican rice but short on time? This 10-minute recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal in a flash! Inspired by Kraft, this recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal effort for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty side dish. Get ready for a burst of cheesy, Mexican goodness!

See Complete Recipe
Technique Course Appetizers Dietary

9 Layer Mexican Dip

This vibrant 9-Layer Mexican Dip recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or a family gathering! Tailored for dietary needs (allergies, migraines), it uses lower-fat, natural ingredients, and is vegetarian-friendly. Get ready to experience a fiesta of flavors with layers of creamy refried beans, zesty salsa, and crunchy toppings. Easily customizable to your spice preference and dietary restrictions – make it your own!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Preparation Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Main Ingredient

Angels Easy Breakfast Burritos

Inspired by a Sonic favorite! These hearty breakfast burritos are packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, crispy tater tots, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe is designed for make-ahead convenience. Simply assemble, freeze, and reheat for a quick and satisfying breakfast any day of the week. Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll leave you feeling full and energized!

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course

Beany Burritos

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Beany Burritos, a flavorful and healthy recipe adapted from Leanne Ely's 'Saving Dinner'. Each burrito boasts only 317 calories and 3g of fat, making it a guilt-free weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked beef, offering a quick and easy dinner solution packed with protein and fiber. Top with your favorite garnishes for a customizable and satisfying experience!

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Time To Make Pasta Ground Beef

Beefy Noodle Roll Ups

These savory Beefy Noodle Roll-Ups are a quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love! Tender lasagna noodles are filled with a flavorful ground beef and taco seasoning mixture, then baked in a rich salsa and cheese sauce. A dollop of sour cream and black olives adds the perfect finishing touch.

See Complete Recipe
Occasion Mexican Beef Oven

Baked Tacos

Say goodbye to taco Tuesday chaos and hello to these amazing Baked Tacos! A little prep work goes a long way with this incredibly satisfying recipe. Double the batch and freeze half for a quick and easy weeknight meal – perfect for busy families. These baked tacos are bursting with flavor and are sure to become a new family favorite!

See Complete Recipe
Chicken Black Beans Chicken Time To Make

Bean Chicken Baked Taco Filling

This award-winning recipe, featured as 'Recipe of the Month' in our local newspaper and created by Elke Marsh of the renowned Elke's Market Cafe, delivers a hearty and flavorful taco filling perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun fiesta! This updated version includes a delicious blend of spices and tender chicken for a truly unforgettable taco experience.

See Complete Recipe
Equipment Cuisine Crock Pot Slow Cooker Poultry

9 To 5 Mexican Crock Pot Chicken

Need a delicious and easy weeknight dinner after a long day? This 9 to 5 Mexican Crock-Pot Chicken recipe is your answer! Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender chicken simmers in a rich, zesty sauce, perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice and lettuce. Minimal prep, maximum flavor – get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!

See Complete Recipe
Holiday Event Omelets And Frittatas European Equipment

Bacon Potato Frittata

This hearty and flavorful Bacon Potato Frittata is a delicious twist on a classic breakfast dish! Crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a creamy egg base combine for a satisfying meal any time of day. Perfect for brunch, a weekend breakfast, or a quick weeknight dinner.

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Poultry 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Betty Crocker's Spicy Mexicali Drumsticks

Fire up your taste buds with Betty Crocker's Spicy Mexicali Drumsticks! This recipe, inspired by her classic cookbook, delivers juicy, flavorful chicken drumsticks with a crispy cornmeal crust and a zesty kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day, these drumsticks are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a fiesta of flavor!

See Complete Recipe
Tex Mex Easy Chicken Main Ingredient

A True Texan's King Ranch Chicken

Craving authentic Texan comfort food? This King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe delivers the ultimate feel-good experience! A treasured recipe from a renowned Humble, Texas caterer, this dish is bursting with cheesy, creamy goodness and tender chicken. Easily adaptable for a low-carb lifestyle by substituting your favorite low-carb tortilla chips (like R.W. Garcia) for the traditional Tostitos. Prepare for a taste of Texas that will leave you wanting more!

See Complete Recipe
Eggs Dairy Dietary Vegetarian Inexpensive

Bell Pepper And Cream Cheese Quesadillas Vegetarian

Craving a cheesy, veggie-packed meal? These Bell Pepper & Cream Cheese Quesadillas are a vegetarian delight! Easy to make and customizable, this recipe features sweet bell peppers, creamy cream cheese, and melty cheddar cheese all nestled in warm tortillas. Feel free to add cooked chicken or beef for extra protein. Make the filling ahead of time and bake these quesadillas to golden perfection in under 20 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend snack.

See Complete Recipe
Course Baja Sandwiches Lunch

Biggest Loser Fish Tacos

Flame up your taste buds with these ridiculously delicious Biggest Loser Fish Tacos! Packed with 18g of protein and only 140 calories per serving, this recipe is a guilt-free indulgence. We've amped up the spice for maximum flavor, so get ready for a flavor explosion! Enjoy 8g of fiber and satisfying protein to keep you full and energized. Perfect for a healthy and exciting weeknight meal.

See Complete Recipe
Equipment One Dish Meal Cuisine Course

Barley Black Bean And Corn Burritos

This crowd-pleasing recipe, adapted from a slow cooker magazine favorite, delivers a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort! Skip the burrito rolling and create a customizable burrito bowl bar for a fun and interactive dining experience. Tender barley, savory black beans, and sweet corn combine in a delicious slow-cooked base. Easily adjust the calories by using light sour cream, cheese, and tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings! (Cilantro optional)

See Complete Recipe
Dietary 15 Minutes Or Less Low Fat Main Ingredient

15 Minute Vegetarian Chili

This incredibly quick and cheap vegetarian chili recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Made with simple ingredients (for about $3!), this hearty chili simmers in just 15 minutes. Enjoy it solo, as a burrito filling, or top it with your favorite fixings. Easily made vegan by omitting the cheese – perfect for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.

See Complete Recipe
Course Copycat Cuisine Course

Bahama Breeze Tostones Con Pollo

Escape to the tropics with this vibrant Bahama Breeze-inspired Tostones Con Pollo recipe! Imagine crispy, golden-fried tostones piled high with savory chicken, sauteed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all melted together with cheesy goodness. This dish is like a delicious fusion of Spanish chicken nachos and Caribbean flavors – a truly unforgettable culinary experience! Easily made with pre-cooked frozen tostones (available at most grocery stores), this recipe is quicker and easier than you think. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

See Complete Recipe
Kid Friendly Casseroles Oven Potluck

Beef Taco Bake

Craving a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? This Beef Taco Bake is your answer! A simple one-pan wonder packed with seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, creamy soup, and melty cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.

See Complete Recipe