Fresh taco salsa is the perfect addition to so much more than just your favorite Mexican fare. It makes an ideal topping on chicken, beef, pork, or fish and is equally delicious as an appetizer with vegetables, tortilla chips, or pita bread. Our easy taco salsa recipes include black bean mango salsa, tangy tomato-based salsas, traditional Mexican salsas, and some nontraditional ideas. Whether you're looking for something with a sweet twist or want to feel the heat, you'll find a salsa recipe to satisfy your craving.
Grilled Strawberry Salsa Fresca
Sweet salsa? Why not? Instead of tomatoes, try grilling up some strawberries to make this fresh taco salsa recipe using one of summer's most readily-available fruits you can find at your grocery store or the farmer's market—or maybe in your garden. Combined with jalapeño, onion, garlic, and lime, bring the perfect amount of tang and spice to every bite. Enjoy with chips or serve alongside grilled chicken.
Salsa Picante
Picante means "spicy" in Spanish, and this tomato salsa recipe delivers the heat. Use a couple of jalapeño or serrano peppers if you really want to set your mouth on fire. All the salsa ingredients are chopped super tiny, which takes a little extra time, but the result is a taco salsa that's easy to scoop up for a big bite with your chips, so it's worth the effort. Try it on top of a baked potato for a hot side dish or an omelet for a big-flavor brunch.
Test Kitchen Tip: Chile peppers contain oils that can irritate your skin and eyes. Wear plastic or rubber gloves when working with them.
Avocado-Poblano Salsa
This colorful salsa recipe will be the star of your next taco night. It's got broiled poblanos for a nice smoky spice and avocado for a cool, creamy finish. If you want to make this homemade taco salsa ahead, leave out the avocado and stir in the fresh fruit just before serving. It makes a great topping for baked fish or grilled chicken.
Chunky Homemade Salsa
If you want to make taco salsa for the first time, this classic tomato version is the ticket. It's chunky, packed with peppers, and makes a big batch, so there's plenty to go around. This homemade recipe is cooked on the stove top to really develop the flavors. It looks and tastes like a better version of what you'll find in the jar at the store. Tailor it to a heat level that works for you.
Salsa with Dried Chiles and Tomatillos
This taco salsa recipe gets its heat from guajillo chile and chile de arbol. The tomatillos bring a bright, slightly tart flavor to the salsa. Keep a jar in the fridge for easy snacking for up to a week. Mix it up in a blender to get the smooth consistency that makes this a favorite dip to add to a party tray or build-your-own taco spread.
Strawberry Rhubarb Salsa
This vibrant red fruit salsa utilizes in-season produce. Sweet and a bit tangy, this salsa recipe makes six half-pint jars, so you can make it now and enjoy it later. Try dipping it with cinnamon-dusted baked pita chips for a perfect pre-dinner snack, or try it on top of vanilla ice cream with a side of churros for a summer dessert.
Black Bean-Mango Salsa
This fresh mango taco salsa recipe introduces tropical fruits to your family in an approachable way. It just may be their new favorite salsa recipe. As a bonus, it gets more delicious as the flavors meld, so it's an ideal make-ahead party dip.
Roasted Salsa Roja
Have a large tomato haul from the garden? Utilize three pounds of the fruit to make this roasted salsa recipe. Combine the tomatoes, garlic, and onion before popping them under the broiler for less than 10 minutes to achieve a deeper flavor. Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Salsa Mexicana
This delicious authentic Mexican taco salsa comes from Gabriela Cámara, the chef behind celebrated restaurants in Mexico City and San Francisco. The recipe calls for serrano chiles, which usually have a stronger spice than jalapeños—depending on your tolerance, you can leave the seeds in or out to boost the heat. Puree in a blender for a smooth consistency that makes this easy to spread on anything from hot dogs to sandwiches.