5 Best Jarred Salsa Brands, According to Chefs
When it comes to jarred salsas, it can be difficult to determine the best brands with so many options on the shelf. “I’m not expecting it to replace a homemade one. They’re two different things. What I look for is good-quality ingredients, a natural flavor, and enough balance that I can enjoy it as it is or use it as the starting point for another dish,” explains Isaac Bernal, Executive Chef at Representation of Spain to the United Nations. What Chef Bernal values most in a quality jarred salsa is a fresh, tomato forward flavor. “Once too much sugar, vinegar, or artificial flavoring starts taking over, the salsa loses much of its appeal.” He uses jarred salsas as a jumping off point, at times adding sautéed vegetables, fresh cilantro, lime, or even cooking it for a few minutes on the stove to doctor it up. Here are 5 jarred salsas that come chef recommended.
Herdez Salsa Casera
The Herdez Salsa Casera is a favorite among the professionals. “It’s probably the one jarred salsa that’s closest to the flavor of a freshly made salsa. There’s a nice balance between the tomatoes, chiles, and acidity without any one element overpowering the others. It’s also versatile and works as well with tortilla chips as it does on tacos or quesadillas,” Chef Bernal says.
Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa
Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa is an excellent brand if you’re going to go with jarred instead of homemade. “What stands out to me the most is the freshness. The tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños all have a clean, natural flavor. It’s a versatile salsa that pairs equally well with grilled meats, eggs, or roasted vegetables,” Chef Bernal says.
Mrs. Renfro’s Salsa
Mrs. Renfro’s Salsa has a bold flavor that the industry professionals appreciate. “This salsa has a lot of personality. It doesn’t try to appeal to everyone and offers a bit bolder a profile. There’s something to be said for that. I especially like it on burgers, nachos, or grilled chicken,” Chef Bernal says.
Green Mountain Gringo Salsa
The Green Mountain Gringo Salsa has a balanced flavor chefs appreciate. “This is a well-balanced salsa that’s easy to recommend because it appeals to almost everyone. It has a pleasant texture and neither the vinegar nor the heat overpowers the flavor,” Chef Bernal says.
Frontera Double Roasted Tomato Salsa
The Frontera Double Roasted Tomato Salsa has incredible flavor. “If you’re looking for a salsa with a bit more depth of flavor, this would is one of my first choices. The roasted tomatoes add a richness that works just as well as a dip as it does in recipes. It’s a great compliment to chilaquiles, stews or marinades,” Chef Bernal says.