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DictionarysalsaSpicy sauce
noun

salsa

SAHL-suh/ˈsɑːlsə/

A spicy sauce, often tomato-based, served with Mexican-style food.

The salsa contains visible tomatoes, onion, chile, and cilantro.

A shallow bowl of chunky red tomato salsa with visible onion, green chile, and cilantro, accompanied by a few tortilla chips and a small grouping of its fresh ingredients.
Etymology
salsaLatinto salt

The Latin verb “to salt” produced a term for salted food, which developed into a word for sauce. In American Spanish, that broad sauce meaning became especially associated with relishes made from chopped ingredients.

In context

Food Network1:01
Next Step salsa Mexicana roasted Roma tomatoes roasted garlic onions jalapenos cilantro water
Top 10 Taco Videos on #DDD with Guy Fieri | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives | Food Network

More examples

  • She served salsa with the chips.
  • Several salsas ranged from mild to hot.
  • He spooned salsa onto the tacos.

Forms

salsa · salsas

Similar words

sauce
The broad category without Mexican-style ingredients.
chutney
A different condiment, often fruit-based and cooked.