Salsa is a staple in Mexican fare, but it’s also a great option for all other cuisines out there depending on the ingredients that are used to make it. Whether on a breakfast potato scramble, next to a homemade veggie wrap during your lunch hour, or on top of black bean enchiladas at dinner time, salsa offers an excellent opportunity to infuse your meals with extra flavor, texture, and nutrients.

The lycopene, vitamin C, and phytonutrients found in most fresh salsas are just a few of the nutritional benefits you can expect to take advantage of when adding a dollop of it to your meals. When making your own salsas at home you get to control what goes into it, meaning that you don’t have to put up with chemical-laden concoctions and artificial flavorings in order to take care of your salsa hankerings.

Try these five fresh salsa recipes that taste great on everything and are easy to make too!

1. Tangy Mango Salsa

Mangoes really brighten up the color, flavor, and texture of this festive salsa. It offers just a hint of sweetness and a hefty tang that works well with salads, wraps, and even as a side dish. Here’s what you will need in order to make a batch:

• 1 fresh and ripe mango, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks

• 3 large tomatoes, diced into bite-sized chunks

• ¼ cup of chopped scallions

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp minced jalapeno (add more or less depending on your spice preferences)

• 1 clove garlic

Mix all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl until well combined and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so that everything softens and the flavors have a chance to meld together.

2. Savory Chipotle Salsa

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Chipotle seasoning is a common ingredient in salsa, but the spice can be pretty overwhelming for many folks. If you’re planning to serve salsa to guests, this savory version should be a hit. It offers plenty of spice, but the savory base tones things down just enough for those who aren’t so fiery when it comes to meal time. Make a bowl full of savory chipotle salsa with these ingredients:

• 5 fresh tomatoes, diced

• ½ cup vegetable broth

• ½ chipotle pepper, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp dried crushed basil

• 1 tsp coconut sugar or date paste

Put all of the ingredients in a medium sized pot and simmer on low heat for about ten minutes or until the tomatoes break down into the vegetable broth. Let the salsa cool on your counter before serving.

3. Minty Pineapple Salsa 

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Take your taste buds to a tropical paradise with the help of this minty pineapple salsa. It’s filled with fresh flavors and just a bit of spice, making it a perfect topping for everything from breakfast scrambles to ice cream desserts. Here are the needed ingredients for this all-occasion salsa:

• ½ pineapple, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• A handful of fresh mint leaves, minced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder

Mix the pineapple and tomatoes together until well combined and let them sit in a strainer over a large bowl for about five minutes so the extra fruit juices drip into the bowl. Store the juices in the freezer to use in a smoothie! After the fruit drains, transfer it to a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Slowly stir the concoction with a spoon until thoroughly combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate in a container for later use.

4. Spicy Curried Salsa

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A great way to get a quick curry fix is to add some spicy curried salsa to a bowl of rice, a bed of lettuce, or a cup of creamy vegetable soup. With the help of three different kinds of peppers, this salsa rates high on the heat meter. Get your tongue ready for action by whipping up a batch of spicy curried salsa – here is everything you are going to need:

• 5 fresh medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
• 1 tbsp chopped onion
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp minced chipotle pepper
• 1 tsp minced jalapeno pepper
• 1 tsp mined habanero pepper
• 1 tsp liquid sweetener
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of salt

Thoroughly mix everything in a large bowl until well combined and then let the ingredients marinade for about 15 minutes before serving. If the salsa is too spicy, add a little sweetener. If you can use more heat, add some chili powder of more peppers.

5. Sweet Pepper Salsa

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Sweet peppers go great with tomatoes, and they can add lots of depth and flavor when they’re cooked before being added to the salsa. This sweet pepper salsa doesn’t have much spice, but it certainly has a lot of flavor that pairs vibrantly with just about any type of dish you can think of. The few ingredients that are needed to make a batch include:

• 3 cups of chopped red, orange, and yellow sweet peppers
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup fresh corn off the cob
• A handful of fresh basil, minced
• 1 tsp liquid sweetener
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Toss the sweet peppers with the oil and put them in an oven on a baking sheet at 500 degrees F until they soften and start to brown. Transfer the peppers into a medium sized bowl and mix in the other ingredients until well combined. Enjoy while warm or chill until it’s chow time.

You’ll find that all of these salsas can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether for a party, an intimate dinner, or a meal with loved ones, whip one or two of these recipes and you’ll surely wow your company.

Lead Image Source: Spicy Balsamic Vinegar Salsa