Salsa: A Little History, A Lot of Flavor

Few things say summer quite like a bowl of fresh salsa and a basket of tortilla chips. Whether you like it

chunky and fresh, smoky and roasted, green and tangy or even a little sweet, there seems to be a salsa for

everyone. And salsa has a history that goes back much farther than the chips-and-salsa basket at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

A Taste with Ancient Roots

The word salsa simply means “sauce” in Spanish, but the foods we associate with Mexican salsa have roots

stretching back thousands of years. Indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America were combining

ingredients such as chiles and tomatoes long before Europeans arrived in the Americas. Chile peppers were domesticated in what is now Mexico thousands of years ago, while tomatillos—today the star of many salsa verdes—were an important food in ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Over generations, countless combinations developed using tomatoes, tomatillos, chiles, onions, herbs and spices.

Today, salsa can be fresh or cooked, smooth or chunky, mild or fiery—and we've expanded the idea even further with fruits, corn, beans and other summer favorites.

A Salsa for Every Taste

Keep It Classic — Pico de Gallo

Fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime make this the quintessential summer salsa. It's simple,

bright and especially good when garden tomatoes are at their peak.

Go Green — Salsa Verde

Tomatillos give salsa verde its signature tangy flavor and beautiful green color. Roasting the tomatillos and

peppers first adds another layer of flavor. Try it with grilled chicken, fish or tacos—or just grab the chips.

Add a Little Smoke — Roasted Tomato Salsa

Roasting or charring tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic transforms a basic salsa into something deeper

and smokier. It's a great choice for anyone who prefers a restaurant-style salsa.

Make It Sweet — Mango Salsa

Mango, jalapeño and lime strike that wonderful balance between sweet, spicy and tart. Mango salsa is

especially good alongside grilled fish, shrimp or chicken.

Think Beyond Tomatoes — Corn Salsa

Fresh summer corn makes a terrific salsa, especially when combined with lime, cilantro, peppers and red

onion. Serve it as a dip, spoon it over grilled meat or use it to top tacos and salads.

Grab the Chips!

One of the best things about homemade salsa is that there really aren't many rules. Make it mild or spicy.

Add more lime. Leave out the cilantro. Throw in peaches, pineapple or avocado. When summer produce is

at its best, it's hard to go wrong.

So before summer slips away, pick up some fresh ingredients, invite a few friends over and start chopping.

Just don't forget the chips!