Salsa

(Salsa Picante, Mexican Salsa)

Although the word salsa was invented by the Spanish people, this group of flavorful condiments has origins that date back a long time before the Spanish were even introduced to them. It is said that the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas were the first to mix chilies, spices, and tomatoes in the creation of salsa.

The Spanish encountered it after their conquest in the 16th century. Originally, the Aztecs used it as a condiment that was served over fish, venison, or turkey. Today, there are numerous salsa varieties which can range from mild to hot, and they incorporate numerous other ingredients such as corn, beans, and onions.

In Mexico, there are three basic types of salsa: roasted, chili-based, and tomatillo salsas. The most popular salsas include favorites such as guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa roja, salsa verde, salsa cruda, and different types of moles.

Some of them are puréed until smooth, some are semi-chunky, while some are uniformely chopped into tiny pieces. These days, salsa is even bottled and sold throughout the world, continuing to spice up any meal that it is added to.

Mexico

Types of Salsa

Pico de gallo

4.2

Mexico, North America

Salsa golf

3.5

Argentina, South America

Part of

Street Food

Mission-Style Tacos

These flavorful tacos originate from San Francisco's Mission district, famous for its Latin community and great burritos. Mission-style tacos are typically filled with ... Read more

Appetizer

Pulled Pork Nachos

This nacho dish is easy to prepare, but things can get quite messy when consuming it. Pulled pork nachos are made by combining nachos with pulled pork, shredded cheese,... Read more

Wrap

Enchiladas mineras

Enchiladas mineras are traditional Mexican enchiladas hailing from Guanajuato, a mining town where the women took this dish to their husbands at the end of their work ... Read more

Sandwich

Mollete (Mexico)

Mollete is a traditional sandwich from northern Mexico consisting of a halved bolillo bread roll that is topped with refried beans, cheese, and tomato salsa.&... Read more

Pairing tips

Beer Brand

Corona

Corona (Corona Extra) is the most popular Mexican beer and of the best-known beers worldwide. This golden-colored, refreshing beer is often categorized as ... Read more

Serve with

Street Food

Recipe variations

4.8
Pico de Gallo
READY IN 5min
The following gives instructions on how to prepare a basic pico de gallo salsa consisting of only tomatoes, serrano pepper, onion, coriander, lime, and salt. The recipe makes for three cups.
4.9
Jalisco-style Pico de Gallo
READY IN 15min
The following recipe gives instructions on how to prepare pico de gallo as it's made in the state of Jalisco, where they serve this dish with tequila. Unlike the basic version, jicama and oranges are used instead of tomatoes.
4.9
Yucatán-style Pico de Gallo
READY IN 25min
The following is the recipe for Yucatán-style pico de gallo or x'nipek, as it's also called, which is made with charred vegetables, habanero pepper, and sour orange juice. It's adapted from the website of the Los Dos Cooking School in Mérida, Yucatán, founded by chef David Sterling, the preeminent authority on Yucatán cuisine who published two praised cookbooks, most notably Yucatán: Recipes from a Culinary Expedition, which got two James Beard awards.
4.9
Pico de Gallo with Xoconostle
READY IN 10min
The following recipe gives instructions on how to prepare pico de gallo with xoconostle, a cactus fruit similar to a prickly pear cactus. Remove the seeds and veins from the serrano pepper if you want to cut back on the heat.

Salsa Authentic recipe

PREP 5min

READY IN 5min

The following gives instructions on how to prepare a basic pico de gallo salsa consisting of only tomatoes, serrano pepper, onion, coriander, lime, and salt. The recipe makes for three cups.

VIEW RECIPE