The Art of Salsa: 10 Ways It Can Jazz Up Your Meals

Salsa is a remarkably versatile condiment. It can be the centerpiece of an appetizer or the secret ingredient to a classic recipe. Salsa is not only versatile, but it can also reflect who we are and where we’ve been. Mexican Chef Gabriela Cámara believes that salsas “tell of specific people, places, and memories.” Read on to learn ten different ways salsa can jazz up your meals.

1. Serve salsa as an appetizer for guests

Who doesn’t love chips and salsa as an appetizer? If you’re hosting a meal, Amanda recommends making salsa in advance so your guests can munch on chips and salsa while you prepare the main dish. When you make salsa, Amanda recommends the “chip test”: test the salsa on a tortilla chip to see if you need to add any more ingredients to the batch.

Pair your homemade salsa with a tasty beverage and this simple but well-loved snack is sure to be appreciated by all your guests.

Amanda's salsa spread of salsa corriente and salsa cruda on Cinco de Mayo 2021.

2. Use different tomato-based salsas for a colorful party spread

Liven up your party table with a colorful arrangement of chips and salsa. Salsa typically comes in two colors: green (salsa verde) and red. Amanda has two family recipes for red salsa–Salsa Corriente and Salsa la que Manda. If you want to know the story behind these recipes, be sure to check out the article about Amanda’s family recipe.

For your salsa verde, you might try a tomatillo salsa or a salsa cruda. The tomatillos in tomatillo salsa provide a tangy, citrus-like flavor, while salsa cruda is a simple uncooked salsa.

Offering multiple salsas also allows you to provide different levels of spiciness for your guests. You may choose to make one salsa mild and one salsa hot, for example.

3. Add some flavor to your breakfast eggs

Spice up your morning by adding a scoop of salsa to your eggs. If you like scrambled eggs, Amanda recommends mixing in the salsa while the eggs are cooking. If sunny side up or over-easy eggs are your preference, try adding a serving of salsa on top of the cooked eggs. The combination of eggs and salsa will put some pep in your step as you begin your day.

4. Add it to a soup, stew, or chili

Adding salsa to soups, stews, as well as chili is a great way to add a subtle touch of flavor, texture, and seasoning. There is room to experiment: you may want to try different salsa types or different quantities. Salsa verde gives the dish some added acidity, for example, which can be a tasty modification. You can also adjust the overall heat of the dish by choosing between mild, medium, or hot salsas.

5. Make it into a cheese dip

Another guaranteed crowd-pleaser is chips and cheese dip. This quick and simple appetizer requires few ingredients: just melted cheese (Amanda recommends either goat or nacho) and the salsa of your choice. Using a mix of red, white, and blue tortilla chips will provide a festive splash of color to your tablescape.

6. Put it in a burrito

What better way to add a flavorful boost to your burrito than a bit of salsa? This combination is good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add a spoonful of salsa to the top or inside of your breakfast or bean burrito and your tastebuds will thank you.

7. Liven up a baked potato

If you haven’t noticed yet, salsa is not just for Mexican food. The unexpected addition of salsa to baked potatoes will delight your senses. In addition to sour cream and cheese, add a bit of salsa the next time you serve baked potatoes. If you’re making twice-baked potatoes, you can mix the salsa directly into the filling.

8. Create a zesty ceviche marinade

Experiment with this traditional Peruvian dish by combining salsa, lemon or lime juice, and cubed raw fish. Tomatillo salsa in particular adds a tangy lemon-like flavor to the dish. After the fish has marinated in the mixture, add your toppings and enjoy!

9. Get creative with shrimp

Oh no! Did you run out of cocktail sauce? Not to worry, a spicy salsa such as Salsa la que Manda makes a good substitute. If you’re looking for more tang and less heat, try pairing your shrimp dish with salsa verde instead.

10. Make a bruschetta to remember

The next time you’re making bruschetta, Amanda recommends adding a chunky red salsa as the base. If you make the salsa from scratch, you can ensure that the texture is just to your liking.

Salsa can be a great go-to whether you are in the mood for breakfast, dinner or a quick snack. Be sure to experiment with it to figure out which salsa combination excites your taste buds the most!