Easy No-Cook Salsa Recipes to Add Spice to Your Snacking

If salsa isn't its own food group, it totally should be. With endless varieties and tons of fresh flavors, salsa is the ultimate condiment.

Updated February 3, 2024
Salsa

There's just something about a fresh salsa when paired with your favorite foods (I especially love it on seafood and fish). It adds a ton of fresh, vibrant flavor to so many dishes. And because it isn't cooked, it's super easy and fast to make. So grab your fruit, veggies, and a knife, and let's make some delicious fresh salsa. 

Basic Salsa

salsa

I call for heirloom tomatoes in this recipe because I love the vibrancy they bring to this salsa. It will taste best if the tomatoes are in-season and purchased fresh and locally. Feel free to substitute your favorite tomatoes here, too. 

Ingredients

  • 2 heirloom tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, ribs and seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ cup chopped, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend before serving.
Quick Tip

If you prefer your salsa saucier, put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse for 10 one-second pulses. 

Sweet and Spicy Mango Salsa

mango salsa

I love the combo of sweet and spice. This calls for red chilis, but choose your own chili depending on how spicy you want the salsa. 

Ingredients

  • 2 mangos, peeled, pitted, and cubed
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red chili, seeded and diced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Related: How to Make Guacamole + Endless Variations

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

This salsa is a little heartier. It's really good with chips, and we love it on tacos (or even as a side for tacos). 

Ingredients

Black Bean and Corn Salsa
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained (or 1 cup fresh corn)
  • ½ cup canned black beans, drained
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons chopped, fresh cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing well.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Variations

I made these salsa recipes fairly mild. But to be honest, I like a super hot salsa that sets my mouth on fire. You can vary the heat levels and change it up in other ways, too. 

  • You can add milder or hotter peppers to any of the above salsas. For hotter salsa, try a pepper like a habanero or leave a few of the seeds in. Remove seeds completely to downgrade the heat slightly.
  • Milder chilis you can use for the salsa include Anaheim or banana peppers. Hotter chilis include habanero and serrano. 
  • Chop half an avocado and add it to any of the salsas above to make them slightly creamier with a more herbal flavor.
  • Add a dash of cayenne or chipotle chili powder to add a bit of heat and flavor.
  • Replace the lime juice with another citrus juice, such as lemon, grapefruit, or orange, to vary the flavor.

Add Some Sizzle to Your Snacks

Salsa is a great way to add fresh flavors and, if you like it, heat to your favorite foods. I like salsa on a lot of savory foods — eggs, chicken, salads, and, of course, as a dip for chips. With our salsa recipes, you'll have endless options for snacks and meals. 

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Easy No-Cook Salsa Recipes to Add Spice to Your Snacking