Taste Test: The Best Salsa!
We taste-tested dozens of salsas from the grocery store, local stores and online to find our favorites.
BEST MILD: Brad's Organic Salsa
The biggest complaint about most jarred salsas: processed flavor. But panelists said this chunky combo tastes "like a bowl of fresh tomatoes;" "I could eat it like gazpacho." (bradsorganic.com for stores) Read the full review »
Try it in: Baja Fish Tacos »
BEST MEDIUM: Rosa Mexicano Chile Pasilla de Oaxaca Salsa
Created by chefs at the popular restaurant chain, this salsa's "intense, smoky" flavor comes from pasilla de Oaxaca chiles (a cousin of the chipotle). (rosamexicano.com) Read the full review »
Try it in: 3-Bean Salsa Salad »
BEST HOT: Drew's Hot Organic Salsa
Testers loved the chunky, balanced mix of tomatoes, cumin, jalapeño and roasted vegetables, and the measured level of heat: Great flavor without the pain. (chefdrew.com for stores) Read the full review »
Try it in: Grilled Cola Skirt Steak Salsa Tacos »
BEST OF THE BIG GUNS: Pace Picante Mild Sauce
The recipe hasn't changed since David Pace developed it 60 years ago in San Antonio, Texas, and it still calls for handpicked jalapeños: more than 25 million pounds a year. Judges liked its "classic, no-fuss taste."(at grocery stores) Read the full review »
Try it in: Brisket Nachos »
BEST CORN: Desert Pepper Trading Company Corn, Black Bean, Roasted Red Pepper Salsa
Many brands in this category were runny or low on corn, but this one "would hold its own on nachos or burritos," one panelist said. A generous helping of lime juice supplies "just the right amount of zing." (desertpepper.com for stores) Read the full review »
Try it in: Skirt Steak Burritos with Tomato-Corn Salsa »
BEST GREEN: Santa Fé Seasons Tomatillo Salsa
Fresh tomatillos (a green relative of the tomato), jalapeños and lime juice give this light, refreshing salsa its intense green color and ripe, tangy taste. (santafeseasons.com for stores) Read the full review »
Try it in: Grilled Pork with Green Tomato Salsa »
BEST FRUIT: Santa Barbara Tangy Apple Salsa
Tomatoes and apples aren't an obvious match, but judges loved the "unique, appealing flavor," likening it to "apple chutney with a kick." One panelist said, "Forget the chips, it would be great on a pork chop." (sbsalsa.com for stores) Read the full review »
Try it in: Grilled Pork Chops with Peachy Hot Salsa »
BEST EXOTIC: Natalie's Naturals Edamame Bean Salsa
Invented by a stay-at-home mom, this salsa has added soybeans for an extra dose of protein. Panelists appreciated the "smart, healthy twist," and "appealing crunch." (natalienaturals.com) Read the full review »
Try it in: Grilled Skirt Steak with Corn Salsa and Black Beans »
By Dorothy Kraswoska | Main Image Photography by Levi Brown
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