Different Types Of Salsa & How To Make Them

If you ‘ve spent any time at all in Austin, then you know the food scene here is out-of-this-world amazing — especially if we’re talking about Tex-Mex and Mexican food!

Austin is a hub for both traditional Mexican food and modern Tex-Mex food here in the United States. The region’s rich history of culinary tradition boasts influences from ancient Mesoamerican, Spanish, African, German, British, French and Creole cultures, thanks to a long history of settlement and migration. 

One of the foods you can find in many, many forms here in Austin is salsa — and no two Austin salsas are the same! Everyone has their own recipe, their own style and their own secret ingredients, but even with such great variety there are still some tried-and-true salsas that are fan favorites. 

Here are just a few of the kinds of salsas you can find in Austin restaurants near our Austin apartments!

11 kinds of salsa and how to enjoy them

Salsa bruja

Salsa bruja, which translates to "witch sauce," is a spicy vinegar-based salsa with a pickled twist. It's typically made with a combination of jalapeños, onions, carrots, garlic and herbs, all preserved in a tangy vinegar brine. 

This salsa originated in Mexico and has roots in traditional pickling practices. Its bright, acidic flavor makes it a fantastic topping for tacos, grilled meats and even tostadas! It’s also an excellent accompaniment to fried foods, cutting through greasy richness with its sharp, zesty punch.

Salsa criolla

Salsa criolla hails from Peru and is a fresh, vibrant condiment made from red onions, lime juice, cilantro and chili peppers, though some variations also include tomatoes or bell peppers. 

The star ingredient here, though, is the onion, which is thinly sliced and lightly marinated to mellow out its bite. This salsa is a natural pairing for grilled fish, roasted chicken and Peruvian classics like lomo saltado or ceviche. Its tangy and herbaceous profile also complements rich or smoky dishes beautifully!

Salsa de aguacate

Creamy and irresistible, salsa de aguacate is essentially a silky avocado salsa with just a hint of heat. 

The base of salsa de aguacate is made with ripe avocados blended with tomatillos, lime juice, cilantro and jalapeños or serranos — perfect for drizzling over tacos, nachos or even grilled vegetables. Because of its smooth texture, it’s also ideal as a dip for tortilla chips or a spread for sandwiches and wraps. 

Salsa de cacahuate

For those who love a nutty twist on a tangy salsa, salsa de cacahuate is a must-try! 

This lesser-known salsa originating from Oaxaca combines roasted peanuts with dried chiles, garlic and an occasional touch of tomato. The result is a smoky, earthy and slightly creamy salsa that’s bold in flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables or even as a dipping sauce for crispy taquitos, as well as a surprising topping for rice bowls!

Salsa fresca

Also known as pico de gallo, salsa fresca is a raw, chunky salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice and jalapeños. It’s one of the most well-known salsas, and it has Mexican origins that trace back centuries! 

The freshness of this popular salsa makes it a perfect topping for tacos, grilled fish or scrambled eggs — it’s light, refreshing and adds just the right amount of crunch and zest to any dish. 

Salsa macha

Salsa macha is a rich, oil-based salsa with a bold and smoky flavor profile. Its main ingredients are dried chiles, garlic, nuts (usually peanuts or almonds) and oil, blended into a chunky, aromatic sauce. 

This particular salsa has roots in Veracruz and has recently gained popularity for its versatility. You can drizzle it over roasted vegetables, mix it into pasta or spoon it onto tacos or rice bowls. It’s spicy, nutty and deeply flavorful, so a little goes a long way.

Salsa molcajete roja

If you’ve ever tried a salsa that tastes as if it came straight from a grandmother’s kitchen, it was probably a salsa molcajete roja. 

Made by grinding roasted tomatoes, chiles, garlic and onions in a traditional volcanic stone mortar (molcajete), this salsa has a rustic texture and a strong smoky, roasted flavor. It’s a classic Mexican salsa often served with carne asada, grilled chicken or freshly made tortillas. The chunky, hand-ground texture gives it a homemade charm that’s hard to beat!

Salsa ranchera

Salsa ranchera, or "ranch-style" salsa, is a cooked salsa made with tomatoes, onions, garlic and smoky chiles (usually chipotle or guajillo). It’s a staple in Mexican kitchens and has a rich, savory flavor with just a touch of heat. 

This salsa is commonly used as a topping for huevos rancheros, enchiladas or even tamales. Its versatility also makes it a great companion for grilled meats or a hearty dipping sauce for tortilla chips.

Salsa roja

Salsa roja is the quintessential red salsa you’ll find on many Mexican dinner tables. Made with tomatoes, onions, garlic and chiles, this cooked salsa strikes the perfect balance between spicy and tangy. 

While its ingredients overlap with salsa ranchera, salsa roja typically has a smoother texture and a slightly lighter flavor than the ranch-style salsa. It’s a go-to for tacos, burritos or any dish that needs a touch of spice and brightness. Its simplicity makes it endlessly versatile and a great pair to any dish!

Salsa taquera

This salsa is specifically designed to complement tacos, hence its name. 

Salsa taquera is a smoky, spicy salsa made from dried chiles like guajillo or árbol, tomatillos, garlic and sometimes a bit of vinegar for tang. Its smooth consistency makes it easy to drizzle over tacos al pastor, carne asada or carnitas, the smoky flavor enhances grilled meats, and the heat adds a satisfying kick that elevates each bite.

Salsa verde

Bright, tangy, and utterly delicious, salsa verde is made with tomatillos, cilantro, garlic and green chiles — hence the name! 

This green salsa is cooked to soften the tomatillos, giving it a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Salsa verde is a classic Mexican salsa that pairs wonderfully with enchiladas, grilled chicken or even as a dipping sauce for quesadillas. Its vibrant color and fresh taste make it a favorite for adding brightness to any dish, both with color and in flavor!

If you’re a salsa aficionado, then you’ve got to give all these salsa styles a go next time you’re out at any of Austin’s restaurants. Or, try making them at home!

Enjoy!

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Featured photo by Jarritos Mexican Soda on Unsplash