• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Two Cloves Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Work with Me
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Informational

    Published: Apr 16, 2023 · Modified: Mar 17, 2025 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Salsa 101: The 7 Most Popular Types of Salsa

    • Facebook
    • Email

    From fruity and mild to spicy and smoky, there are so many options to choose from when exploring the world of salsa. This article will examine seven of the most popular styles of salsa, provide examples of recipes to try, and offer ideas for serving different types of salsa.

    Garden fresh salsa in a white bowl on a vintage wooden cutting board.

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you recipes & tips every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading

    Types of Salsa

    Salsa is a versatile and flavorful condiment that has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. Originating in Mexico, salsa can incorporate a variety of cooking methods and ingredients, each with a unique blend of ingredients and spice levels. 

    1. Pico de Gallo

    Pico de gallo is a salsa made entirely from fresh ingredients. Raw tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro are the hallmarks of this traditional salsa. 

    There are endless variations on this base recipe, including the addition of fresh fruit, like mango or pineapple, or fresh savory ingredients like bell peppers, jicama or beans. Ají, the Colombian-style fresh salsa with hot peppers, lime juice, cilantro and tomato, is another delicious variation on traditional pico de gallo.

    “I love making hearty salsas that can double as sides for a meal. Adding beans or fresh crunchy vegetables like jicama makes this easy. Lately, both pineapple habanero salsa and mango black bean salsa have been on rotation in my house. They both go great with anything off the grill.” 

    —Gina Matsoukas, Running to the Kitchen

    The ingredients for mango pico de gallo are stirred in a silver bowl.

    Grilled meat, fish and vegetables are perfect pairings with pico de gallo.

    2. Salsa Roja

    Salsa roja is a general term including all varieties of blended red salsa. The difference between salsa roja and the salsa taquera listed below lies in the handling of the chiles. Salsa roja uses fresh chiles whereas salsa taquera uses roasted chiles.

    While typically made with fresh ingredients, salsa roja also includes salsas made with prepared ingredients. 

    “I always keep two things on hand for surprise guests: a bag of tortilla chips and the makings for a quick blender salsa from canned tomatoes. It’s a classic everyone loves and is so easy to whip up in the blender.” 

    —Susannah Brinkley Henry, Feast + West

    3. Salsa Taquera

    Salsa taquera is one of the most popular types of salsa. Translating to “taco shop salsa,” this variety uses a roasted tomato, chile (typically chile de árbol), onion and garlic base. Often, it also includes fresh lime juice and cilantro.

    It is most commonly used for a dip with tortilla chips but is also excellent spooned over many of your favorite Mexican dishes, like enchiladas, a dish of corn tortillas wrapped around a savory filling such as shredded chicken or cheese and topped with a savory sauce.

    4. Salsa Verde

    Salsa verde is typically made with roasted tomatillos, onions and chiles. It is a bright and acidic green sauce that’s excellent for contrasting rich meaty or cheesy dishes. 

    A bowl of serrano salsa is shown with limes, chips, cilantro, and a red linen.

    "Salsa verde is the perfect choice for when you want to provide a pop of freshness and zing that serves as a nice diversion from the usual salsa fare. I love to serve it with tortilla-based dishes like tacos or quesadillas, but it's equally delicious served over simple white rice or scrambled eggs." 

    — Kristen Wood, MOON and spoon and yum

    5. Salsa Ranchera

    Salsa ranchera is made from roasted tomatoes, jalapenos or serrano peppers, onion and garlic. It’s a blended salsa that’s often served with tortilla chips or as a topping for a variety of Mexican dishes like huevos rancheros, a fried egg dish served with tortillas and salsa.

    This fire-roasted salsa can call for sugar to balance the acidity and heat. This sweetness can also come in the form of roasted tropical fruit, like in a pineapple habanero salsa or a mango habanero salsa.

    Be sure to try this homemade salsa recipe if you like salsa ranchera!

    6. Salsa de Aguacate

    This one is for the avocado lovers. Salsa de aguacate is a lightly seasoned, smooth salsa made from avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic and a bit of water to achieve a mildly flavored and velvety mixture. 

    This salsa is best when served with strongly flavored main dishes, acting as a creamy component to balance out the bold taste. It’s great with carne asada, or steak that’s been marinated in a variety of citrus juices, chiles, garlic, cilantro and beer.

    7. Salsa Criolla

    Salsa criolla is a bit of a departure from conventional salsa and is more of a condiment than a sauce and includes sliced onions, vinegar, tomatoes, chiles, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs.

    It’s usually served as a complement to a dish, such as grilled meats or tamales, a mixture of corn dough (masa) and filling steamed in corn husks.

    Final Thoughts

    Salsa encompasses a broad range of preparations. The term is most commonly associated with a combination of tomatoes, onions and peppers, and most include lime juice and cilantro. However, the base of a salsa can be anything from tomatoes to tomatillos to avocado.

    Some salsas are strictly made with chopped fresh ingredients, like pico de gallo, while others may include a variety of blended and roasted components, like salsa ranchera. 

    Whether you’re looking for a dip for chips, something to drizzle on your tacos or a more substantial accompaniment to a meal, the options are plentiful. Continue to explore the salsa recipes of different cultures and you will discover just how many unique and delicious combinations there are to try.

    This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life. 

    More Informational

    • Several glass bottles filled with olive oil are arranged together, with jars of green olives and leafy olive branches in the background.
      Choosing, Storing and Using Olive Oil
    • Penne pasta in a stainless steel pot of boiling water with a silver spoon stirring the noodles.
      The Secret to Perfect Pasta: Water, Salt and Timing
    • Grilled sockeye salmon fillet garnished with lemon slices and parsley, served with grilled vegetables including bell pepper, zucchini, mushroom, and red onion.
      How to Make Salmon
    • A glass jar tipped over with baking powder spilling onto a wooden surface, beside a cork lid and a wooden spoon filled with the powder.
      Baking Soda vs Baking Powder: What's the Difference?
    • Facebook
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Photo shows chef Gen La Rocca,  a woman with blonde hair styled in a side braid, wearing a blue sweater and yellow apron.

    Hi, I'm Gen! Welcome to Two Cloves Kitchen. I am a professional chef, lifelong recipe creator, writer, and editor. As a native Californian and a major food lover, I am constantly developing new California-inspired dishes with bold flavor to share with you here on the site.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
      The Best Turkey Smash Burgers
    • A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and cilantro.
      Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas
    • A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
      Hearty Marinara Sauce Recipe
    • Pickled serrano peppers are shown in a glass jar surrounded by garlic, serrano peppers, and a fork.
      Quick and Easy Pickled Serrano Peppers

    The Best Winter Recipes

    • A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and cilantro.
      Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas
    • lamb breast on a white platter with thyme.
      Roasted Lamb Breast Recipe
    • Two halves of a roasted chicken on a white platter with parsley and lemons.
      Roasted Half Chicken Recipe
    • Three bowls of chicken cabbage soup with parsley.
      Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

    STAY UP TO DATE!

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    for California-inspired recipes, weekly meal planning inspiration, and lots of bold, fresh flavor!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Disclosures

    Contact

    • Work with Me
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Two Cloves Kitchen

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Close