7 Fresh Spins on the Classic Tomato Salsa Recipe

This unlikely salsa pairing makes for a delicious fish or taco topping, and the black beans lend a healthy dose of plant-based protein and fiber. How long does fresh salsa last? For the best flavor and quality, enjoy your fresh salsa within three days.

If you've never cooked with tomatillos, the task may seem overwhelming, but they're actually quite simple to cook (and delicious). Tomatillos are usually green and come wrapped in a thin brown papery skin. Roast them with onions and garlic for a rich salsa flavor you'll love! Tomatillos are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, notes the Farmers’ Almanac.

This low-calorie mango salsa recipe blends the sweet flavor of mango with the freshness of mint. Mango is full of valuable fiber and antioxidants, including vitamin C, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C is crucial for everything from healing wounds to heart health — but you can't make enough naturally. This sauce will add zing to your favorite dishes while giving you your fix.

This salsa is a perfect showcase for the taste and texture of fresh produce. From the mild crunch of hydrating cucumber to the sweet juiciness of fresh peach, this fruity salsa recipe is sure to be a favorite at your next party or Taco Tuesday. Lime juice brings the flavors together and adds a healthy dose of vitamin C, per the USDA.

Anytime you chop hot peppers, it’s a good idea to wear gloves so that the oils don’t get onto your hands. While gloves aren't necessary if you’re cutting just one jalapeño, wash your hands thoroughly after and avoid touching your face. Gloves become extra important when you’re slicing a chili pepper as spicy as a habanero, so they’re definitely recommended for this recipe. To give you an idea how hot a chili pepper might be, use the Scoville scale, which compares the spiciness of one pepper variety to another. For example, a jalapeño is around 2,000 to 8,000 Scoville heat units (SHU) while a habanero scores upwards of 100,000 SHU — yowza!

If you’ve never tried watermelon salsa, you’re in for a huge treat! Watermelon contains 91 percent water, per the USDA, as well as high amounts of an antioxidant called lycopene, which Harvard states may help improve cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and, as a result, heart health. This watermelon salsa recipe uses fresh mint and cilantro for flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you’re not alone, and this salsa will still be tasty if you omit it from the recipe.

Did you know that avocado is actually a fruit? This delightfully creamy avocado salsa is like if guacamole and salsa had a baby! It’s absolutely delicious and sure to disappear from your table quickly. Plus, avocado is loaded with health benefits from the heart-healthy fats and fiber it contains, according to the USDA. As another benefit, this recipe requires little chopping, so you can get it on the table in a pinch for a quick appetizer or entrée topping.