June 30, 2022/Recipes

Recipe Adventure: 7 DIY Salsas to Spice Up Any Meal

You’ll say goodbye to store-bought salsas after making these creations

Blueberry Jalapeno salsa

If your secret recipe for salsa involves twisting open a store-bought jar and dumping out the contents, here’s a news flash: You’re missing out.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Homemade salsa built from fresh produce offers a satisfying zing that’ll take your taste buds to a special place. There’s also plenty of room for culinary creativity if you’re willing to get adventurous with ingredients. (Blueberries, anyone?)

Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make your own salsa and wow anyone who dips a chip. See for yourself with these recipes.

Classic salsas

black Bean corn salsa

Want to replicate the look of store-bought salsa while boosting the taste? Try this recipe, which features familiar ingredients such as tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion and green pepper in a zesty dressing.

Or mix up this lower-fat version, which adds in chickpeas and jalapenos.

Go verde

Advertisement
tomatillo, tomatillo salsa, salsa verde, salsa recipes

Tomatillo may translate to “little tomato,” but the diminutive orb carries a BIG taste. The green fruit is known for its bright, tart and almost citrusy flavor — which is showcased in this salsa verde. (For added fun, you get to “unwrap” tomatillos by removing its paper-like husk.)

Extra veggies

pepper zucchini salsa

Whipping up a batch of salsa is a perfect opportunity to empty out your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. This recipe features zucchini, yellow squash, red and green bell peppers.

Smoky goodness

Salsa with charred corn, pinto beans, onions and tomatoes

If you’re a fan of that charred grill taste, you’ll love this version of salsa. Letting ingredients such as corn, jalapenos and onions hang out on hot grates for a few minutes brings a smoky flavor that’ll have everyone scooping heavy. (Using pinto beans adds a nutritious twist, too.)

Feeling blue

Advertisement
salsa

The combination of blueberries, jalapenos and Hungarian hot peppers brings a sweet heat to this eye-grabbing salsa. Plus, the blue color — definitely not the norm in salsas — will draw some attention to the table.

Mango mania

Salmon with mango salsa

A salsa with no tomatoes? You bet. Mangoes grab the starring role in this mixture, which works great as a topping for salmon or on its own. It’s a tropical delight!

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

low-fat creamy Italian dip in bowl, with assorted veggies around
February 20, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Low-Fat Creamy Italian Dip

A low-sugar, low-fat dip perfect for snacking

Shepherd's pie casserole in cast iron pan
January 26, 2024/Recipes
10 Healthy Casserole Recipes To Try

Whether as a main dish, a side or even a dessert, casseroles are the ultimate comfort food

colorful cabbage slaw with basil in white bowl
December 27, 2023/Recipes
Herb-Friendly Recipe: Cabbage Slaw With Basil

This interesting twist on coleslaw is a taste bud delight

Cucumber dip with lemon, dill and pita
September 6, 2023/Recipes
Recipe: Creamy, Low-Fat Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Super healthy and super tasty

A bowl of eight layer mexican bean dip on a wooden table with chips in background.
August 30, 2023/Recipes
Recipe: 8-Layer Mexican Fiesta Dip

Celebrate healthy with this party pleaser

Fruit kabobs with honey yogurt dip
June 28, 2023/Recipes
Recipe: Fruit Kabobs With Yogurt Honey Dip

Healthy, sweet, delicious — and fun!

Closeup of blueberry jalapeno salsa in wooden spoon suspended over tortilla chips.
May 24, 2023/Recipes
Blueberry Jalapeno Salsa Recipe

Spicy and sweet flavors that aim to please

creamy, orange dip in bowl
February 6, 2023/Recipes
Recipe Adventure: Scoop Up These 8 Tasty Party Dips

Punch up your table with these dip options

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad