The Game-Changing Ingredient You Should Add To Fire-Roasted Salsa

Salsa is a dance, and so is making it. Getting your salsa "just right" can be one of a home cook's greatest challenges — especially if you grow your own veggies at home.

According to The Association for Dressings and Sauces (yes, it's a real thing), salsa can be traced back to the Aztec civilization, and literally translates to "sauce" in Spanish. As per its name, salsa isn't just a banging dip for tortilla chips; it's also great on eggs, potatoes, grilled chicken, fajitas, and even seafood boils. The lime juice, onions, and tomatoes in most salsa recipes are a great source of vitamin C, according to Healthline. Their natural water content also makes salsa super hydrating.

Whether you have a sweet tooth for some pineapple salsa, or if a bright green salsa verde is more your style, there's a salsa for every palette. It's like Modern Romance said: "Everybody Salsa." But why pick just one flavor profile? We have good news. Your wait is finally over. Now, this Fire-Roasted Salsa is here to deliver on all fronts — both sweet and spicy — and Tasting Table recipe developer Miriam Hahn has a secret ingredient that makes the flavor fusion of our dreams possible.

The secret to a sweet yet spicy Fire-Roasted Salsa? Honey. "It adds just a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat," says Hahn. "It is just enough sweetness, and I prefer it over sugar." Here's why it works for your "sauce."

As Hahn herself says, "Nothing tastes better than fresh, homemade salsa." Salsa is typically a combination of plant-based ingredients like jalapeño peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices like cilantro, cumin, oregano, salt, and chili pepper. These fresh elements bring a bright note to the mouthfeel, alongside the natural spice of the peppers. Hahn recommends Muir Glen fire roasted canned tomatoes for added smokiness.

The addition of honey brings a pleasantly sweet taste into the mix, with a natural ingredient that keeps the organic theme in your salsa as opposed to a teaspoon of granulated sugar. But, if you tend to walk on the wild side with your salsa, we suggest using hot honey to maintain that signature spiciness. If you're still hungry, Hahn shares more recipes via her Instagram account.