From restaurant-style, chunky, or charred pineapple to spicy habanero or black bean and corn, there are so many salsa jars stocked at the supermarket. Even homemade versions like our Fire-Roasted Red Salsa and Green Salsa are perfect for last-minute snacks or an easy appetizer. But what do you do when you have that extra jar staring you down after a party, or that little bit of homemade salsa left over in the fridge? You cook with it using delicious salsa recipes!
People can easily overlook the versatility of salsa. Instead of just spooning it onto nachos or dipping tortilla chips, use it as a base for a one-pot dinner or to take your breakfast to the next level. We’ve rounded up some surprising ways to cook with your go-to party dip and our favorite salsa recipes to get you started.
Serve it over proteins
Salsa can pack in loads of flavor and create a sauce-like consistency for plain proteins that act as a blank canvas, like in this baked Veracruz-Style Fish. If you have leftover fruity salsa, such as mango, or a corn salsa, simply spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or steak. Serve with warmed tortillas and sauteed precut peppers and onions for a quick and delicious dinner.
Upgrade stuffed veggies
Stuffed dishes are an easy but impressive way to get food on the table and feed a crowd. When you’re short on ingredients or time, salsa is a perfect flavor booster with no extra prep. Mix the dip with refried beans for a delicious Tex-Mex flavor profile, like these bite-sized Stuffed Mini Peppers. Or use it to infuse rice stuffing with quick flavor like these Pulled Pork Stuffed Peppers. For a lighter, no-cook option, upgrade leftover deli chicken salad, like this Avocado Stuffed with Chipotle Chicken Salad.
Spoon it onto grain bowls
When you want to balance a bowl of protein and starch, use salsa as the fresh produce to add the perfect pop of color, flavor, and texture to bring the bowl together. Try zhuzhing up store-bought mango salsa and sliced radishes for a crunchy shortcut with our Quinoa Bowl with Shrimp and Mango.
Create a base for stews, soups, and slow cooker dinners
Pre-made salsas are one of our favorite store-bought shortcuts, especially when it comes to one-pot meals. Level up your slow cooker game by gently braising chicken in your favorite salsa, like our Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. This infuses a ton of flavor, quickly without much prep needed. Or get inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month and whip up a traditional Mexican stew with one of our salsa recipes, like Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole Verde.
Bake it into enchiladas or tamales
Don’t just leave salsa for chips! Jarred or fresh salsa can infuse both the filling and the sauce of enchiladas with bold flavors, like these Salsa Verde Beef Enchiladas. Or turn tomatillos into a quick fresh salsa verde for the chicken filling in these easy Instant Pot Salsa Verde Tamales. Just be sure to make extra for later if you can’t get enough like us!
Spoon it over eggs for a savory breakfast
Salsa isn’t just for eating after noon—kickstart your day with a flavorful breakfast! Migas are a Mexican favorite made from scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, and plenty of salsa to add moisture and flavor the other ingredients. Try one of our salsa recipes, like Mexican Scrambled Eggs with Salsa for a perfect breakfast or brunch. Alternatively, mix together salsa and black beans for the base of these delicious Huevos Rancheros or dress up a five-ingredient breakfast with these Scrambled Eggs with Potato Pancakes and Salsa.
Take taco filling to the next level
Don’t get stuck in the same taco rut. Use salsa to add extra texture and flavor contrast to your filling. These one-pan Salsa Turkey Tortilla Wraps are ready in just 15 minutes. Transform jarred salsa and canned pineapple into the braising liquid for these Slow Cooker Pork Tacos al Pastor. Taco night will never be the same!
Change up burger night
Once you put salsa on a burger, you’ll never go back to ketchup and mustard. Salsa brings a Tex-Mex flair to regular burgers, like these Leftover Bean and Grain Southwestern Burgers that are veggie-based and loaded with flavor. Plus, mixing salsa right into patties adds moisture, like in these California Turkey Salsa Burgers, so you can say goodbye to dry burgers forever.
Create the perfect pasta
Pasta is a great vehicle for any kind of pantry ingredient, but especially salsa. Try skillet-loving Easy Taco Pasta for a twist on Taco Tuesday where salsa replaces marinara. Or this five-ingredient winning combination of comforting chili and mac and cheese with our Baked Chili Mac where the salsa doubles down on spice without a ton of ingredients.
Add moisture to meatloaf
Lastly, you can upgrade a retro classic like meatloaf with the flavors of salsa. These Salsa Turkey Meatloaf Muffins are so delicious and anything but dry thanks to the savory salsa. Plus, spread some extra over the top to get the perfect glossy shine. Make them part of your weekly lunch meal prep or for an easy weeknight dinner.
