Here’s the spicy truth behind salsa. It’s no ordinary condiment. It’s an ancient Aztec recipe that was revealed to the world through the written word of a Franciscan missionary. One who had lived with the Aztecs and learned their ways. So let’s treat National Salsa Month, in May, with reverence. Bow to this ancient recipe and give in to our taste buds. Try out as many different types of salsa as you can. Trust us, the month will end but you will not run out of new and tasty recipes to try. That’s how hot salsa is all over the world.
National Salsa Month timeline
Tortilla chips and salsa became the official state snack of Texas.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated salsa as a vegetable in order to get more and more schools to serve it to children.
National Salsa Month was created to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Pace Salsa .
Move over ketchup — salsa became the nation's largest selling sauce.
National Salsa Month Activities
Sauce it up a notch
Get a little crazy this month. Don't just use salsa as a condiment. Flavor curries. Use it as a marinade or a spread. How about spiking a cocktail with salsa?
Host a salsa-making competition
If your recipe wins you get a prize. And if you lose you still get to eat salsa. It's a win-win!
Join the fun on social media
Fans of salsa post pictures, recipes, fun facts, and more this month. Don't be left out.
5 Sizzling (and Saucy) Salsa Facts
It's so spicy they named a dance after it
Salsa, the dance, actually takes its name from the real thing in order to emphasize the spiciness of the moves. It's a robust mix of Hispanic, Caribbean, and African dance styles.
Rooster beak salsa? Really?
Yes, Pico de gallo literally means rooster beak salsa. Perhaps because this chunky salsa was eaten with the thumb and forefinger that resembled a pecking rooster!
Holy Jalapeño!
Every year Pace Foods uses 22 million pounds of fresh jalapeno. That's more than any other salsa company in the U.S!
Get the right tools
Traditionally, salsa is prepared with a mortar and pestle made from black volcanic rock. These are used to puree the tomatoes and chilies with other ingredients.
Relish and salsa are sisters
Relish, like salsa, is a condiment used to increase the flavor of foods and can be eaten cooked or raw. The difference is that the word 'relish' is French and 'salsa' is Spanish. European sisters!
Why We Love National Salsa Month
Everyone has their favorite recipe
And National Salsa Month is the perfect time to make it. Salsa comes in as many different forms as there are people. Roja, cruda, verde, negra, brava...for the love of salsa!
It brings people together
We've heard of people bonding over a bowl of salsa. With some chips and tacos to share, you will never be short of friends.
It's a super sauce
First, it's full of vegetables. Second, its got vitamin C, lycopene, and fiber. It may even protect against cancer!
National Salsa Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
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