Go Beyond Chips & Dip with These Sweet, Spicy & Smoky Ideas

Salsa isn't just a sidekick for tortilla chips - it's a bold, versatile ingredient that can transform your meals from basic to brilliant. And when you go beyond the traditional tomato variety, the possibilities get even more exciting.

Here are 8 delicious ways to cook with unique salsa flavors like Bacon, Apple, Strawberry, Fire Roasted Tomato, and more!

1. Bacon Salsa Breakfast Hash

Salsa used: Bacon Salsa

Dice up potatoes, peppers, and onions and pan-fry until crispy. Stir in a few generous spoonfuls of bacon salsa and top with fried or scrambled eggs. It's smoky, savory, and perfect for brunch.

2. Apple Salsa Pork Chops

Salsa used: Apple Salsa or Flamin' Apple Salsa

Sear thick-cut port chops, then spoon apple salsa over the top and finish in the oven until juicy. The sweet heat of apple salsa is the perfect pairing for pork.

3. Strawberry Salsa Chicken Wraps

Salsa used: Strawberry Salsa

Grill or roast chicken breasts, slice thinly, and wrap in a tortilla with mixed greens, goat cheese, and a spoonful of strawberry salsa. It's fresh, fruity, and totally unexpected.

4. Fire Roasted Taco Bowls

Salsa used: Fire Roasted Tomato Salsa

Cook up seasoned ground beef or plant-based crumbles and mix with fire roasted salsa for rich, smoky flavor. Spoon over rice or lettuce, add toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream for the ultimate taco bowl.

5. Corn Salsa Street Corn Salad

Salsa used: Corn Salsa

Mix grilled corn kernels, chopped cilantro, cotija cheese, and a scoop of corn salsa for a quick version of Mexican street corn salad. Serve chilled as a side dish for BBQs or taco night.

6. Pineapple Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos

Salsa used: Pineapple Mango Salsa

Toss cooked shrimp with lime juice and pineapple mango salsa, then serve in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of chipotle mayo. Sweet, tangy, and tropical perfection.

7. Famin' Apple Salsa Queso Dip

Salsa used: Flamin' Apple Salsa

Add a kick to your classic queso by stirring in a few spoonfuls of flamin' apple salsa. The sweet heat pairs surprisingly well with creamy, cheesy dips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

8. Salsa Pasta Bake

Salsa used: Your Choice!

Swap marinara for salsa in your next baked pasta dish. Stir cooked pasta with salsa, black beans, and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbling. Taco Tuesday meets Italian night.

Let Salsa Do the Work

With so many bold, sweet, smoky, and spicy varieties, salsa is one of the easiest ways to add instant flavor to your dishes. Whether you're spicing up breakfast, dinner, or party apps, flavored salsas can turn everyday recipes into something unforgettable.