We Tried 10 Brands to Find the Best Store-Bought Salsa
Whether you’re topping your tacos or munching on tortilla chips, salsa provides the perfect blast of flavor to many dishes and snacks. Even if you make a mean homemade salsa, it’s nice to have a solid store-bought salsa on hand for those times when you just want to crack open a jar and dig in.
To find the best jarred salsa among the numerous options on grocery store shelves, our Test Kitchen blindly tasted salsas from 10 different brands—here were their top three favorites.
What Makes the Best Salsa
To keep a level playing field, our Test Kitchen tried the medium-spice variety of each salsa brand. They kept these criteria in mind as they tasted:
Flavor: Our Test Kitchen was looking for freshness, spice and a little bit of heat!
Consistency: The best salsa shouldn’t be too watery or thick—somewhere in the middle is ideal.
Appearance: Since salsa can add a pop of color to dishes and snack trays, we looked for salsas that looked bright and full of real ingredients.
Want to learn more about how our Test Kitchen chooses their favorite products? Check out our product testing methods.
Our Test Kitchen’s Preferred Store-Bought Salsa
After dipping countless tortilla chips into 10 different salsas, our Test Kitchen agreed that these three salsas stood out among the rest.
Freshest Salsa: Newman’s Own
The best salsa is a homemade salsa (learn how to make restaurant-style salsa at home!), so it stands to reason that the best jarred salsa should taste as close to homemade as possible. That’s where Newman’s Own Medium Salsa comes in. Our testing panel immediately noticed that this salsa has an incredibly fresh flavor with a touch of heat at the finish—it doesn’t taste like it’s from a jar at all! Combine that with its perfectly dippable consistency and excellent appearance—a vivid red with chunks of jalapeño, onion and tomato apparent throughout—and it’s obvious why Newman’s Own was a winner.
Best Texture and Consistency: Que Vida!
Another top contender in this test was Que Vida! This salsa has a lot going for it, including the perfect consistency: loose enough for easy dipping and dunking, but thick enough that you never have to worry about waterlogging your tortillas. This salsa also got big points for flavor. Many of the ingredients are roasted, which gives this salsa a bit of a smoky flavor that pairs well with the stellar tomato taste.
Best Flavor: Pace
For a medium salsa with just a bit more heat, Pace is a great option. This salsa has a nice, subtle spice that the panel could taste from the very first dip. Appearance-wise, this salsa also received high marks for its authentic look; this one is chock-full of onion, pepper and tomato chunks for added flavor.
What to Make with a Jar of Salsa
We fully support popping open a jar of salsa, dumping it into a bowl and serving it with tortilla chips. But there are so many other interesting ways to use salsa in the kitchen. Spoon some over your breakfast burrito, stir it into your a favorite Tex-Mex casserole or enjoy it with cornbread.
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Fajita-Style Shrimp and Grits
Don't limit your salsa consumption to just a snack with chips! You can combine a good jar of salsa (storebought or homemade) into comforting yet spicy dishes like this fiesta shrimp and grits. Not sure which brand of salsa to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.
Simple Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chilis to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
Slow-Cooked Southwest Chicken
With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. This deliciously low-fat dish gets even better served with reduced-fat sour cream and chopped cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Fiesta Ravioli
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, Michigan
Appalachian Cornbread
On this westernmost ridge of the Appalachians, we get abundant rain and sunshine, which allows our children to grow a super sweet corn crop. With staggered plantings, there is enough to eat from mid-July through August, plus plenty to freeze for the long winter. This cornbread is just one way we use some of the bounty! —Anne Wiehler, Farmington, Pennsylvania
Breakfast Pizza Skillet
I found the recipe for this hearty stovetop dish several years ago and changed it to fit our tastes. When I served it at a Christmas brunch, it was an instant hit. —Marilyn Hash, Enumclaw, Washington
Beef & Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.—Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota.
Waffle Fry Nachos
My husband and two grown sons really enjoy these fun nachos—they can devour a platter of them in no time. They're also fun to make when friends come over. —Debra Morgan, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Salsa Bean Burgers
I created these based on a turkey burger recipe and wanted to make them even better for you. Use a favorite salsa with just the heat you like to make it your own. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio
Lamb and White Bean Chili
I created a fresh take on chili using lamb and Moroccan seasoning with a feta and almond garnish. It was so exciting and tasty to my husband and son, I made a second batch almost right away. If you like a spicier chili, add harissa paste or use medium salsa instead of mild. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
We still can’t settle on our favorite salsa, but, honestly, why bother? There are so many fantastic options! We love trying them all in this twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days—perfect for meat loaf sandwiches topped with a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
Enchilada Casser-Ole!
My husband loves this casserole, but it never lasts too long. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and plenty of Southwest flavor, it's an impressive entree that's as simple as it is simply delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida
Black Bean Tamale Pie
Corn bread mix speeds the preparation of this Southwestern entree with beef and black beans. My husband really likes it, and guests seem to enjoy this unique Mexican dish. For a change of pace, try topping it with lettuce, guacamole or extra salsa. —Laura Morris, St. Joseph, Missouri
Tex-Mex Summer Squash Casserole
Mild-flavored yellow squash gets a big boost from flavor-packed chiles, jalapenos and red onion. This side dish also works with zucchini. —Tommy Lombardo, Euclid, Ohio
Creamy Seafood Enchiladas
Shrimp and crab plus a flavorful sauce add up to outstanding enchiladas. I made them for an annual fundraiser, and now they’re always in demand. Spice up the recipe to your taste by adding more green chiles and salsa. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
Fiesta Turkey Tortilla Soup
I'm always thankful when I can pull such a delicious soup together in under 30 minutes. —Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
Nacho Salsa Dip
This zesty dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
Salsa Rice
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
Chorizo & Egg Breakfast Ring
People go crazy when I bring this loaded crescent ring to parties. I can bake it at home and take it anywhere. Of course, everyone's happy when we have it for dinner, too! —Frances Blackwelder, Grand Junction, Colorado
Refried Bean Tostadas
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cheesy Mexican Chicken Alfredo
I was hosting a baby shower and wanted to serve something everyone would enjoy. I created this recipe on a whim, so I was totally surprised that it turned out to be such a hit. —Tia Woodley, Stockbridge, Georgia
Salsa & Scrambled Egg Sandwiches
Power up with a breakfast that keeps you going all morning long. In my humble opinion, this sandwich tastes so much better than anything that comes from a drive-thru! —Marcia Conlon, Traverse City, Michigan
Skillet BBQ Beef Potpie
Beef potpie is a classic comfort food, but who's got time to see it through? My crowd-pleaser is not only speedy but an excellent way to use leftover stuffing. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Layered Taco Salad
I invented this taco salad to make my kids happy. Make it with ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken and it's equally good. —Betty Nickels, Tampa, Florida
Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Melts
After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. Personally, I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl
I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Quinoa & Black Bean-Stuffed Peppers
I get a kick out of trying new-to-me foods like quinoa. Stuff green peppers with it, or use red ones. For the holidays, you could even do both red and green. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Low & Slow Pork Verde
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri
Turkey Posole
I love making this soup because it makes good use of leftovers from Thanksgiving. And it's quick, easy and tasty. No one feels as if they're eating leftovers because this soup is nothing like traditional turkey with gravy. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Grilled Beef Chimichangas
I created this recipe when I didn't have the ingredients for my go-to dish. After making this, it became my new favorite! —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington
Cheesy Chicken Taco Dip
We're huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn't missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California
Chili-Rubbed Steak with Black Bean Salad
Busy weeknights don't stop my husband from firing up the grill. This meal-in-one comes together fast. Try it with chimichurri and cotija cheese. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Tex-Mex Breakfast Haystacks
I love haystacks and wanted to make a fun Tex-Mex version for my family. Adding panko crumbs and cheese to the hash browns before cooking gives them a wonderful golden brown color and crisp texture. —Donna-Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Tilapia with Fiesta Rice
I often use my husband’s fresh-caught bass or catfish for this recipe, but tilapia, salmon and even chicken will do. —Tarin Hauck, Minneapolis, Kansas
Fiesta Cornbread & Sausage Strata
I like to break away from traditional breakfast bakes, so I experimented and came up with this sweet-savory cornbread and sausage egg bake. It's easy to prepare and a wonderful make-ahead morning meal.—Ellen Woodham-Johnson, Matteson, Illinois
Chipotle Manicotti Bake
I found this recipe while searching for a vegetarian dish that I could use as a main course. This rich manicotti has the added spiciness that I love in Mexican cuisine. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Black Bean Chicken with Rice
This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon
Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Fresh flavor with a flair describes this quick and easy recipe. Fajitas are just right for hot summer evenings when you want to serve something fun and tasty, yet keep cooking to a minimum. Try topping them with sour cream, guacamole or both. —Lindsay St. John, Plainfield, Indiana
Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Black Beans
As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
Sweet 'n' Spicy Chicken
My husband and three children love this tender, sweet and spicy chicken. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give this dish some kick. This entree can be made even zippier yet by adding more taco seasoning and using spicier salsa. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona
Enchilada Casserole
Every time I serve this dish, I get satisfied reviews—even from my father, who usually doesn't like Mexican food. Plus, it smells delicious while baking. —Nancy VanderVeer, Knoxville, Iowa
Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers
My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of all the Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in only half an hour! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Blackened Chicken and Beans
My husband loves any spicy food, and this is one quick-fix recipe we can both agree on. As the chicken cooks, whip up salads of lettuce, tomato, avocado and shredded cheddar cheese. Dinner's done! —Christine Zongker, Spring Hill, Kansas
Chicken Taco Quiche
I wanted to make a quiche but didn't want the usual flavors, so I used ingredients I had in my pantry and refrigerator to come up with this recipe. I was surprised at the great taste and how well the flavors came together. My neighbor asked for the recipe and had the same success! —Tamie Bradford, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
Green Chile Chicken Chili
The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit by cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
Mexican Turkey Roll-Ups
This is the perfect recipe when you're hungry for a dish with Mexican flavor and want to use turkey. These roll-ups are fun and so tasty, even kids like them. It's a different use for leftover turkey. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
Chipotle Chicken with Spanish Rice
Chipotle peppers add smoky heat to this zippy chicken and rice dish. Chop up leftovers and stuff into bell peppers for a tasty twist. —Carolyn Collins, Freeport, Texas
Black Bean Chip & Dip Burgers
I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Salsa Spaghetti Squash
If you want spaghetti, but are eating gluten-free or trying to keep a lid on carbs, there's always spaghetti squash as a flavorful alternative. Subtly sweet, tender and satisfying, this is one colorful dish. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
Green Chile Ribs
I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos. —Guy Newton, Nederland, Colorado
Spicy Lasagna Skillet Dinner
Shortcut lasagna bails me out when I'm in a frenzy to serve dinner. A leafy salad and buttery garlic toast round out the meal. —Donna Booth, Tomahawk, Kentucky
Cheddar Beef Enchiladas
I created these enchiladas to satisfy several picky eaters in our house. They were an instant hit and are now requested at least once a week. I especially like that we can enjoy this meal twice by freezing half for a later (and busier) day. —Stacy Cizek, Conrad, Iowa
Ground Beef Chili
Everyone who tastes my chili comments that it is restaurant-quality. It's especially good with homemade corn bread. I have always loved to cook, and I enjoy developing original recipes like this one. —Shannon Wright Erie, Pennsylvania
Skillet Beef Tamales
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Easy Chili Verde
I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah
Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers
We've always liked stuffed peppers, but everyone is pleasantly surprised at this mildly spicy version. For convenience, you can assemble these pretty peppers ahead of time and bake them later. —LaDonna Reed of Ponca City, Oklahoma
Tangy Turkey Tostadas
I'm a health fitness specialist and personal trainer, so I know how important it is to make smart food choices to fuel my day. These fast and filling tostadas are packed with lean protein, fiber and a good dose of veggies. Have them any night of the week. —Julie Huntington, Memphis, Tennessee
Zesty Chicken Soup
This spicy chicken soup is chock full of chicken and vegetables. Best of all, it freezes nicely, making a second meal with little effort! —Gwen Nelson, Castro Valley, California
Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers
Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
Yankee Rancheros
After my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a Yankee, I decided I needed to learn to make a few Mexican dishes. These rancheros are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Roasted Pumpkin Nachos
Previously, I had made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It's also good with butternut squash. —Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania
Sausage & Sweet Potato Hash
Meat and potatoes make up traditional hash. Our version uses sausage, sweet potatoes and sometimes, a little salsa. Sometimes we have it for dinner, too. —Christy Scott Campbell, Blooming Grove, Texas
Chorizo and Eggs Ranchero
For a festive Mexican breakfast, we do chorizo and huevos rancheros. Add refried beans and cheddar, and serve everything in bowls made of tortillas. —Paul Williams, Fort Mohave, Arizona
Southwest Turkey Stew
I prefer main dishes that let me stay on my diet but still eat what the rest of the family eats. My husband and our young children think this diet-friendly stew is a hit. —Stephanie Wilson of Helix, Oregon
Super Spaghetti Sauce
At my house, we never know how many we'll have for dinner. That's why this spaghetti sauce is one of my favorites - flavorful, filling and fast. Smoked kielbasa gives it depth, and salsa adds the kick. —Bella Anderson, Chester, South Carolina
Bean & Salsa Stuffed Pizza
Get the party started with this outside-in pizza. It's everything you love about Mexican cuisine, all in convenient slices! —Elizabeth Wright, Las Vegas, Nevada
Fettuccine Shrimp Casserole
Our perfect pasta is a creamy shrimp fettuccine with cheddar, green chiles and cilantro. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, salsa and avocado. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Spicy Cajun Salsa Burgers
Use a few on-hand seasonings like Creole, red pepper flakes and garlic powder to create these flavorful and juicy burgers. —David Dalton, Orleans, Indiana
One of our favorite salsa-forward recipes is this five-star fajita-style shrimp and grits. The right salsa gives this traditional southern dish just a bit of spice and a whole lot of personality!
The post We Tried 10 Brands to Find the Best Store-Bought Salsa appeared first on Taste of Home.
