Zesty, fresh, spicy, or sweet, there’s a salsa out there for any occasion and you can’t go wrong with any of these time-tested recipes!
Tomatoes may be the most popular salsa ingredient, and for good reason, but there’s a long list of other ingredients that are equally versatile and can be used to add memorable flavor and vibrant color to a variety of dishes.
The following salsas (several do include tomatoes!) offer a fresh, flavor-packed way to level up simply prepared chicken, fish, and beef. Many can also be enjoyed as dips, sides salads, and toppers for a variety of green- and grain-based bowls.
Towards the bottom of the list, I’ve included a few recipes that are made easy and delicious thanks to the use of a salsa. If looking for added convenience, store-bought salsa can be used in several of those recipes.
Keep this list in mind as a low-effort way to add restaurant-worthy flare to your cooking or to simply round out a meal or appetizer spread in a uniquely delicious way.
Mango Pineapple Salsa
Sweet and savory with a hint of heat, this vibrant salsa adds flavorful appeal to fish, chicken, shrimp, and tacos, and is equally fantastic as a relish for Pork Burgers, or Mexican Flank (or Hanger) Steak.
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Restaurant Style Salsa
The very best salsa can be made in 10 minutes and will rival your favorite restaurant and store-bought salsa. The secret to achieving your ideal consistency is to drain the tomatoes but reserve the juice. We’re using canned tomatoes here, by the way, which deliver consistent flavor all year round. Try it with my Easy Chilaquiles and Pickled Red Onions.
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Black Bean Dip (or Salsa or Salad)
Enjoy this easy, endlessly versatile recipe as a dip with chips, a salsa for chicken or my Baked Tilapia, a super simple salad, or the foundation of a healthy, plant-based meal. Perfect for a potluck and can be prepared in advance!
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Scallion Salsa
Humble alliums pair with two pantry staples for a tangy, crisp salsa that adds something special to Perfectly Broiled Salmon or other protein of your choice!
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Avocado Tomato Salsa
Keep this super simple salsa recipe in your back pocket all year round to add flavor and flare to Sazón Grilled Chicken, fish, beans, salads, eggs, and in place of guacamole in your favorite south-of-the-border fare. Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, too!
See Recipe
Italian Salsa Verde
Vibrantly green and bursting with flavor, this classic sauce can be spooned over veggies, chicken, beef, Pan Seared Halibut, Pan Seared Lamb Chops, in my Salmon Verde or use as a dip for crusty bread!
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Shrimp Salsa or Salad
Serve this colorful salad as a light yet filling entree, scoop it up with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer, or try it on a Homemade Tostada. In this case, instead of stirring the avocado into the shrimp, mash it and spread a layer over the tostada–this will help anchor the loose ingredients–and then scoop the shrimp mixture over top. Any way you serve it, the pop of flavor and ease of preparation is bound to make it a keeper.
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Easy Fermented (or Fresh) Garden Salsa
Who knew how easy it is to make flavorful homemade salsa that’s full of gut-healthy probiotics? No special skills or equipment are needed, and unlike other fermented foods, salsa takes only a few days to ferment. Want more fermented recipes? Try Easy 2-Ingredient Fermented Sauerkraut, Kimchi, or Old-Fashioned Horseradish Pickles.
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Pineapple Salsa
Sweet and savory with a hint of heat, this vibrant salsa adds flavorful appeal to fish, tacos, pork, Grilled Rosemary Lamb Chops, and grilled meats of all kinds.
See Recipe
Salsa Verde
This green salsa is made with tomatillos (pronounced “toe-mah-TEE-yos”) which are small, round fruits with a pretty green color and papery husk. They’re native to Mexico and are commonly used in Mexican cuisine to make salsas and sauces. You could blend in an avocado or two for a creamy salsa verde, adding additional seasoning and lime juice to taste. Serve with tortilla chips, or anything Tex-Mex, such as these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls.
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Salsa Verde Chicken (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)
Quick to prep and brimming with flavor, this endlessly versatile chicken can be served over rice, in tacos or enchiladas, and can be customized with a variety of toppings. My family adores this chicken served as a bowl meal, using leftover rice, Pickled Onions and Cumin Lime Slaw. This is on my list of easy meals that defy expectations—and we can never have too many of those!
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Salsa Simmered Halibut (or other white fish)
Your choice of fish simmers to tender perfection for a super speedy meal that’s bursting with flavor. The simple sauce can be customized in a surprisingly simple way, making this meal a favorite with adults and kids alike. I often round out the meal with a salad or green vegetable, like Harissa Roasted Green Beans. Corn, black beans, peppers, and avocado complement nicely too.
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Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Feta Salsa
The use of feta cheese creates a tasty twist in a Caprese salad, which traditionally consists of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. (Both versions pair beautifully with a drizzle of my Favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette.) Converting the salad to a simple salsa and spooning atop this marinated, grilled chicken creates a memorable meal.
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Salsa Chicken
Quick and easy to make. Short list of ingredients. Tastes great. This flexible meal is destined to become a family favorite, and the recipes provides instructions for both chicken breasts and thighs so you can choose based on personal preference. Try on top of my hands-off Baked Brown Rice!
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I’d love to know if you try this recipe! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @fountainavenuekitchen on Instagram and Facebook. Your feedback is always appreciated. 💛
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