Mexican salsa is much more than just a dipping sauce. It is an essential part of Mexican cuisine, where fresh ingredients, acids, heat and herbs come together. From fresh and raw to deep and roasted: salsa often determines the flavor direction of a dish.
In this blog I'll take you through what salsa exactly is, which types exist and how to make a good basic version yourself. At the end we take the step to another classic: guacamole – easy to make yourself with the right spices.
What is Mexican salsa?
The word “salsa” simply means “sauce” in Spanish. In Mexican cuisine it usually refers to a mixture of vegetables, herbs and spices, often based on tomato, chili pepper, onion and lime.
What makes salsa special:
- Always a balance between fresh, sour, spicy and savory
- Often raw or briefly prepared, keeping flavors bright
- Indispensable as a topping, dip or flavor enhancer
Salsa is used with virtually everything: tacos, grilled meat, fish, vegetables, rice dishes or simply with tortilla chips.