It’s a pretty good bet that whenever there’s a party — be it a potluck, a cocktail party, a backyard BBQ or even a kid’s birthday party — there will be at least one tub of salsa alongside a bag of tortilla chips. And there are so many different kinds of salsa these days! From classic mild salsa dips and pico de gallo salsa dips, to gourmet versions like watermelon salsa or mango salsa, nearly everyone can find a variety of this delicious appetizer that appeals to them.
There’s so much more you can do with salsa, besides just dunking your chips in it. Recipes using salsa abound. Given how versatile the dip is, and how high the level of salsa nutrition, it’s easy to use your imagination to incorporate salsa as an ingredient into your favorite meals. Here are some ideas to kick-start your culinary creativity:
Use salsa as a topping for baked potatoes or as a salad dressing.
Mix salsa with prepared cheese sauce for a scrumptious queso dip.
Blend salsa into your favorite guacamole to give it a little extra zing!
For an easy, no-fuss chicken dish, pour classic mild salsa dip over chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Let them gently cook until the chicken can be shredded with a fork. This mixture can be used to fill tacos, burritos or quesadillas, or is great on a salad.
To give your chili recipe some pizzazz, add salsa along with the beans and meat. Similarly, try including a container of salsa in a batch of black bean soup, for extra flavor and texture.
Southwestern salsa recipes are a great way to get your family excited about dinner. Burritos, empanadas, tostadas, and enchiladas are all dishes that people love to pile salsa on.
Vegetarian, but still love tacos? No problem. Simply mix salsa with cooked, lightly-mashed lentils for a healthful and delicious taco filling.
Recipes using salsa are easy to find online, in cookbooks, or in your own imagination! Any time you think a dish could benefit from the fresh flavors of salsa, try adding a spoonful — or more!
