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6 Ways to Make Store Bought Salsa Better

Two jars of salsa on a table
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Store-bought salsa is a convenient and quick way to add flavor to your meals or improve taco night. However, sometimes the taste can fall flat or lack that fresh and vibrant flavor that homemade salsa offers. If you find yourself wanting to elevate the flavor of your store-bought salsa, you’re in luck! With a few simple additions and tweaks, you can transform your store-bought salsa into a delicious and vibrant dip.

Add Fresh Herbs

A woman plants an herb garden
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If you’re trying to figure out how to make store bought salsa better, the easiest way is by adding fresh herbs. Fresh herbs can provide a refreshing twist and enhance the flavors of your salsa. You can experiment with different herbs to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.

Cilantro is a popular herb often used in Mexican cuisine and can add a burst of freshness to your salsa. Its bright and citrusy flavor pairs well with the tanginess of store-bought salsa. Simply chop a handful of fresh cilantro leaves and add them to what you already have, adjusting the amount as necessary.

Parsley, oregano, and fresh garlic are other herbs you can experiment with to improve the flavor of your salsa. Chop a small amount of each and adjust according to your taste.

TTSAM Herb Cutter Scissors

Chop your herbs much faster with these.

Mix in Hot Sauce

A glass bottle of hot sauce sits in front of a wooden bowl of chilis.
gowithstock/Shutterstock.com

Wondering how to how to fix bland salsa? Mix in some hot sauce. Adding hot sauce to your salsa can bring a whole new level of flavor and heat, depending on your personal preference. It can help to fix bland salsa and make it more exciting and enjoyable.

When it comes to choosing the right hot sauce, the options are endless. There are numerous brands and varieties available in the market, each with its own unique flavors and heat levels.  Experiment with different hot sauces to find your favorite or use your go-to spicy sauce for that extra kick.

Secret Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce

A delicious and unique hot sauce.

Roast Veggies

Someone puts a pan of vegetables in the oven
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One tried and true way to make store-bought salsa better is by incorporating the flavors of roasted vegetables. Roasting vegetables not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds a delightful smoky flavor to your salsa. It’s a simple technique that can take your salsa from ordinary to extraordinary.

To get started, finely chop some vegetables of your choice. When deciding what to add to salsa, you should stick with veggies that you like, but some good options include onions, peppers, or corn. Roast them at a high temperature until they are fully cooked and slightly charred without being burned. This will add a wonderful smokey flavor to your salsa.

Wilton Easy Layers Sheet Cake Pan

Great sheet pans for roasting veggies.

Experiment With Spices

Spices are arranged in a white pantry.
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When it comes to making store-bought salsa better, one great way to enhance its flavor is by experimenting with different spices and herbs. Adding a variety of seasonings can provide a refreshing and aromatic twist while balancing out the sweetness in the salsa.

The possibilities here are endless when deciding what to add to salsa. To stick with more traditional salsa flavors, you can try adding cumin, garlic, or onion powder to change the flavor.

If you want to experiment with flavors, you can try other spices like cinnamon, allspice, or white pepper. If you aren’t sure how a spice is going to affect your salsa, try mixing small amounts in separate bowls to make sure you don’t ruin your entire jar accidentally.

Soeos Spice Seasoning Set

A set of nine different spices to experiment with.

Try a Nut Butter

Glass jar with creamy peanut butter on wooden table

The answer to how to make store bought salsa better can also lie in unexpected ingredients, like nut butter. Adding a dollop of nut butter, like peanut butter or almond butter, can bring a creamy and nutty twist to your salsa, making it even more unique and flavorful.

Nut butters add a richness and depth of flavor to your salsa, helping to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and lime juice. Just a little bit goes a long way, so be sure to use it in moderation to avoid overpowering the salsa.

Organic Ethiopian Sesame Tahini

Tahini can add a great depth of flavor to salsa.

Don’t Forget Fruit

Someone holds a perfectly cut mango
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You probably think of tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro when you think about salsa, but fruit can go wonderfully with this condiment. Fruits like mango, pineapple, or peaches can be excellent choices to add to your salsa. These fruits not only provide a natural sweetness but also give it a fresh and vibrant flavor.

The key to incorporating fruits into your salsa is all about balance. You don’t want the fruit flavor to overpower the rest of the ingredients, but rather to enhance and complement them. Start by adding a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it back.

Viretang Plastic Cutting Board

Great for chopping fruits, veggies, and more.


Store bought salsa is convenient, but it isn’t always delicious. If you’re wondering how to fix bland salsa, there are many ways you can elevate the flavor and health level of packaged salsa to make a truly unique and tasty side dish.

Anne Taylor Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is a writer with a BA in Journalism and a passion for storytelling. Her work has been published on a variety of websites including Mental Floss and Well + Good, and she recently published her first novel, What it Takes to Lose. When she's not writing, Anne loves to travel (19 countries and counting), spend time outside, and play with her dog, Pepper. Read Full Bio »
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