salsa

Salsa isn’t just a dip—it’s a diverse category of sauces with roots in Mexican cuisine, from tangy tomatillo salsa verde to fresh pico de gallo.

« Back to Glossary Index

The word salsa means “sauce” in Spanish, and it refers to a variety of sauces used in Mexican cuisine. While most people think of salsa as a spicy tomato-based dip, traditional salsas can be made from a wide range of ingredients, including tomatillos, avocado, mango, and even peanuts.

types of salsa

  • Salsa Roja: A red salsa made with tomatoes and chili peppers.
  • Salsa Verde: A green salsa made with tomatillos and green chilies.
  • Pico de Gallo: A fresh, uncooked salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, chilies, and lime juice.

fun fact

The term “pico de gallo” means “rooster’s beak” because it was traditionally eaten by pinching it between your thumb and forefinger, like a bird pecking.

« Back to Glossary Index