Molé in the Wall’s iconic 7 Mexican salsa recipes: pico de gallo, habanero(stupid hot), mild salsa verde, charred tomato chipotle(medium), spicy mango salsa, salsa roja(mild), and chimichurri.
One of the beautiful things about Mexican cuisine is the delicious salsas that are paired with each meal. Each one is as unique as a finger print – holding its own flavor, consistency and spice level that complement and enhance the specifically chosen pairing.
Read on to learn the specifics of each of the 7 Mexican salsa recipes.
1. Pico de Gallo
This popular salsa is made with simple, raw ingredients, and it’s known for its bright colors, robust flavors, and refreshing taste. The main components of Pico de Gallo include: Tomato, white onion, jalapeños, cilantro, lime, and salt. This is the go-to salsa if your main dish is need something refreshing and hydrating to balance heavier flavors.
The ingredients are best served immediately to enjoy its crispness and freshness. Pico de Gallo is often served as a condiment alongside various Mexican dishes, such as tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, and grilled meats. Its light and zesty nature make it a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, adding a burst of flavor and texture. Additionally, it can be a great topping for salads, grilled fish, and even as a dip with tortilla chips.
Pico de Gallo is a popular choice for those who prefer a more raw, refreshing and vibrant salsa that showcases the natural flavors of the raw vegetables. It’s a versatile and beloved condiment that has found its way into various cuisines beyond Mexican, making it a delightful addition to any meal that could use a fresh or hydrating element.
Check out this recipe for air fried avocado boats filled with pico de gallo salsa.
2. Habanero
The BEST salsa for transforming your meal into a truly spicy experience. You can moderate the amount of spice by using it sparingly – even a little goes a long way! The heat and flavor of habanero go perfectly with all meat and vegetables but these peppers pair particularly well with steak. Check out this flank steak burrito that features this salsa.
This habanero salsa incorporates onions, garlic, salt and citrus juice from limes, which contribute a tangy brightness to the intense heat.
Caution is advised when handling habanero peppers, as their spiciness can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. It’s recommended to use gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling them.
If you are into the heat, this is the salsa for you!
3. Mild Salsa Verde
A versatile green salsa that is widely adored for its milder and more gentler flavor profile, making it an accessible and enjoyable choice for a wide range of palates.
The main characteristic that sets mild verde salsa apart is its use of green ingredients, particularly green tomatillos. Tomatillos are small, tart, and firm fruits with a papery husk that imparts a unique tangy taste to the salsa. They are the key ingredient in salsa verde, lending it its vibrant green color and distinctive flavor.
With its bright green color and captivating flavors, mild verde salsa adds a touch of freshness and authenticity to any meal, mild verde salsa is sure to impress with its delightful blend of mild heat and mouthwatering taste.
Some of the best tacos on the planet are pork carnitas tacos and authentic carnitas are always exclusively topped with mild salsa verde.
Check out this recipe for these gorgeous squash blossom quesadillas that also feature this salsa!
4. Spicy Mango
Spicy mango salsa is a tropical and zesty salsa that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the kick of spicy pepper. This special salsa combines the vibrant flavors of juicy mangoes, tangy citrus, aromatic herbs, and fiery habanero peppers, creating a fusion of tastes that bring the sweet heat to your meal.
At the heart of this salsa lies the star ingredient: ripe mangoes. Their succulent, tropical sweetness provides a luscious and refreshing base for the salsa. When combined with a medley of fresh ingredients, such as red onions, cilantro, and lime juice, the salsa takes on a bright and zingy character.
The contrast between the sweet mango and the fiery chili peppers makes spicy mango salsa a unique and addictive addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of exotic flair to your meals or simply want to savor the perfect harmony of flavors, this spicy mango salsa is sure to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
My favorite way to enjoy this salsa is inside a cumin roasted sweet potato and black bean burrito. The main flavors together are a true trifecta that can’t be beat.
5. Chipotle
At the core of this salsa lies the fire-charred tomatoes. By cooking the tomatoes on open flames or a hot grill, they develop a distinctive smoky flavor that enhances their natural sweetness. This charred essence adds a depth and complexity to the salsa, setting it apart from traditional tomato salsas.
To infuse the salsa with its characteristic heat, chipotle peppers are incorporated. Chipotle peppers are dried and smoked jalapeño peppers, imbuing the salsa with a robust spiciness that ends yet another layer of depth that is smoky and rich. The combination of charred tomatoes and chipotle peppers creates a captivating balance of flavors.
The artful marriage of smoky, charred tomatoes and fiery chipotle peppers makes this salsa a true standout, perfect for those who crave bold and daring flavors. If you’re seeking an unforgettable salsa that ignites the senses and leaves a lasting impression, fire charred tomato chipotle salsa is the ideal choice for your culinary adventures.
This is my all-time favorite salsa for when I’m eating chips and salsa. I also recommend this salsa for: healthy taco salad.
6. Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a vibrant and tangy green sauce that originates from Argentina and Uruguay. This beloved condiment is renowned for its fresh and herbaceous flavor, making it a delightful companion to a variety of dishes.
The main ingredients that form the heart of chimichurri are parsley, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar. These elements come together to create a lively and aromatic base, which is further enhanced by the addition of olive oil, giving the sauce a smooth and glossy texture.
In South American cuisine, chimichurri is an essential condiment, often served at barbecues and as a staple accompaniment to various meals. Its simplicity and robust taste make it a favorite among food enthusiasts, offering an enticing experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs.
I love using this recipe for the New England breakfast eggs and corned beef hash.
7. Roja
Salsa roja, or “red salsa,” is a classic and flavorful sauce that originates from Mexico. As its name suggests, this vibrant condiment boasts a rich red color and a robust flavor that embodies the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine.
The key ingredient that gives salsa roja its characteristic hue and kick is the ripe and juicy tomatoes. These tomatoes are typically roasted or cooked to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the depth of flavor in the salsa.
Complementing the tomatoes are other staple ingredients such as onions, garlic, lime, chili peppers, cilantro, salt and sugar. The choice of chili peppers can vary, ranging from milder varieties like jalapeños to spicier ones like serranos or even dried chili peppers, depending on regional preferences and individual taste preferences. The combination of these ingredients results in a well-balanced condiment.
Salsa roja is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dip for tortilla chips, a topping for tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, or as a condiment to accompany grilled meats and other dishes. Its bold tomato, subtle sweetness and tangy taste enhances the flavors of any meal it accompanies, making it an indispensable element of Mexican cuisine.
I LOVE this salsa on these crispy chicken tacos!
I hope you enjoy these 7 Mexican salsa recipes!
