Mexican salsas are a delicious and versatile addition to many different types of dishes. Their versatility goes beyond just Mexican food, as they could complement dishes from other cuisines.
Salsas can add a bright, bold, and spicy flavour to everything from tacos and burritos to grilled meats and vegetables. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular types of Mexican salsas and explore how to use them to enhance your favourite Mexican and non-Mexican dishes.
This is a high-level list, but if you are looking for more information on specific types of Salsas, feel free to check out our 101 guide on Mexican Salsas.
Now, let’s take a look at this list:
Salsa Roja
Salsa Roja is a classic Mexican salsa made with only a few ingredients, including ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chilli peppers. It’s perfect for adding a touch of heat and acidity to everything from tacos and burritos to scrambled eggs and grilled chicken. Remember that this is a classic salsa, so you can try to mix it with sour cream to create a creamy dip for chips or vegetables.
Casa Bonita also offers a delicious take on red salsa with the Fiery Roasted Chipotle Salsa. Perfect if you want to add a smoky and spicy taste to your favourite snacks or foods.
Salsa Verde
Salsa Verde is a tangy and fresh salsa made with tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeño peppers. Just like the Salsa Roja, this is just another staple with essential ingredients and is straightforward to prepare. It’s delicious, drizzled over grilled meats or spooned onto your favourite tacos or burritos. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken or fish or mix it with avocado and lime juice to shortcut yourself to prepare quick guacamole. Tip: looking for the best Guacamole recipe? We got you covered right here.
Habanero Salsa
Habanero salsa is a fiery and fruity salsa made with fresh habanero peppers, onion, and lime juice. It’s perfect for adding heat and flavour to any dish beyond your favourite Mexican plates. You can add it to grilled meats, and it’s also delicious mixed with mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy salsa. Tip: Do you like Mangos and other tropical fruits with a bit of spice? Try Tajin Habanero to add some heat to your fruits or salads quickly.
Want another suggestion to avoid crafting your own salsa at home? Try the Roasted Habanero Salsa by Casa Bonita Foods.
Salsa Negra
Salsa Negra is a dark and smoky salsa. This salsa is made with dried chilli peppers, garlic, and vinegar. It’s perfect for adding a real depth of flavour to meats and vegetables (ideally grilled), and it’s also delicious mixed with mayonnaise as a sandwich spread or served with chips as a dip.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a true classic that has been incorporated or adopted by other cuisine styles. Pico de Gallo is chunky salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers. It’s a great topping for tacos, burritos, and meats, and it’s also delicious spooned onto eggs or mixed with avocado.
Salsa de Chile de Arbol
Salsa de Chile de Arbol is a spicy, vibrant red salsa made with dried Arbol chilli peppers, garlic, and tomato. It’s perfect for adding an enjoyable level of heat and rich flavour to many dishes. Many people use it mainly for grilled meats like beef and chicken, vegetables, and even seafood. It’s also delicious mixed with avocado or sour cream for a creamy dip.
Incorporating Mexican salsas into your favourite dishes is easy and delicious. Whether you’re looking to add heat, acidity, or depth of flavour, there’s a salsa out there that’s perfect for you. So next time you’re in the kitchen, grab a jar of your favourite salsa and get creative!
