Dry-Aged Steaks with Grilled Salsa opens in a new tabUntil I moved to Texas, I don’t think I fully appreciated salsa. It was there that I learned salsa’s true potential – it is about way more than chips. It’s a compilation of fresh ingredients designed to complement and enhance a wide array of fabulous food from soups to appetizers, mains to sides and even desserts.
Although basic salsa is tomato-based, like our wonderful Learn to Cook: Fresh Salsa opens in a new tab recipe, it can be made from an assortment of fixings including vegetables, fruits, legumes, various herbs and spices, and plenty of other common and unique ingredients. Salsa can make the difference between a good meal and a great meal! It makes a great appetizer even more appetizing, a meager main dish marvelous, and a side dish sensational. And the best news for chile pepper wimps like me is that good salsa can be spicy or not, depending on personal taste.
In our recipe database you’ll find an assortment of salsa recipes opens in a new tab, which I recommend approaching with a mix-and-match attitude. For example, you may love the idea of Grilled Lamb Chops with Cherry Salsa opens in a new tab but decide you actually prefer the salsa with grilled tofu or tempeh, or served over a green salad. Here are some tempting options for experimentation.
Serve vegetable-based salsas with rice, quinoa, lentils, beans and tortillas. For a satisfying vegetarian meal, try our Grilled Veggie Tostadas with Fresh Salsa opens in a new tab.
Salsa is the perfect partner to grilled and pan-seared meats and fish. Dry-Aged Steaks with Grilled Salsa opens in a new tab and Pan-Seared Swordfish with Summer Salsa and Arugula opens in a new tab are recipes you’ll return to often.
Add cubed cheese to a vegetable or fruit salsa. Chicken Kabobs with Feta Cucumber Salsa opens in a new tab is easy to prepare and the salsa would also be great with chunks of fresh tuna, swordfish or salmon.
Include a few unique ingredients like olives, radish, kiwi, slivered tarragon or basil in your next salsa experiment. Grilled Swordfish Pasta Salad with Olive Salsa opens in a new tab is a simple, summery dish and Baked Salmon with Spinach and Strawberry Salsa opens in a new tab is studded with kiwi fruit. (Tip: Serve that Strawberry Salsa with chips or grilled fish or chicken too!)
Speaking of fruit salsa, this amazing Fresh Pineapple Salsa opens in a new tab is my favorite with grilled salmon, and Fresh Melon Salsa opens in a new tab is really refreshing spooned over a leafy green salad. Mango lovers will appreciate this Avocado Mango Salsa opens in a new tab with chips, fish or as an appetizer with cheese and crackers.
This Grilled Salsa Drumsticks opens in a new tab recipe uses salsa combined with orange juice for marinating chicken drumsticks.
Are you a fan of smoky chipotles in adobo? The delicious summery salsa in Chicken with Grilled Peach and Chipotle Salsa opens in a new tab is also perfect with pork chops or grilled fish.
For a real treat, make Squash and Tomato Basil Salsa opens in a new tab and toss it with hot cooked pasta or couscous.
No time or desire to make your own salsa? No problem! Our stores carry a variety of freshly made salsas available in the Prepared Foods and Specialty Departments. And, we have a great variety on our grocery shelves as well.
If you have a favorite salsa recipe, share it in the comments section below.
