National Salsa Month

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Food
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every May
Holiday emoji:: 🌶️

National Salsa Month spices up the calendar every May, honoring the ancient Aztec condiment that has become a global favorite. Dive into its rich history and explore the endless varieties, from mild to fiery. Gather your friends, host a tasting party, and discover your new favorite dip!

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected National Salsa Month Deals

Throughout National Salsa Month, expect grocery stores like Kroger, Walmart, and Target to feature sales on popular salsa brands and tortilla chips. Mexican restaurants such as Chipotle and Qdoba might offer special deals on fresh salsa or guacamole upgrades. Look for promotions from specialty brands like Herdez, Pace, and Tostitos, often paired with coupons or loyalty program discounts. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.

Platform Guide for National Salsa Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalSalsaMonth. Share vibrant photos of your favorite salsa creations, from homemade recipes to restaurant finds.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalSalsaMonth. Film short videos showcasing unique salsa recipes, taste tests, or quick prep hacks.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalSalsaMonth. Share community polls about favorite salsa types or local Mexican restaurants.

National Salsa Month Hero

Rick Bayless

Rick Bayless is an acclaimed American chef and restaurateur, widely recognized for his expertise in traditional Mexican cuisine. Through his restaurants, cookbooks, and television shows, he has significantly contributed to popularizing authentic Mexican flavors, including the art of salsa-making, in the United States. His Frontera Foods brand further extends his commitment to high-quality, regional Mexican ingredients and dishes.

National Salsa Month timeline

2003

Lone Star salsa

Tortilla chips and salsa became the official state snack of Texas.

1998

Officially a Vegetable

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated salsa as a vegetable in order to get more and more schools to serve it to children.

1997

The First National Salsa Month

National Salsa Month was created to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Pace Salsa .

1991

Salsa Beats Ketchup

Move over ketchup — salsa became the nation's largest selling sauce.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Salsa Month

Local restaurants and food businesses can celebrate National Salsa Month by featuring a ‘Salsa of the Week’ special, showcasing different regional varieties or unique ingredient combinations. Grocery stores can host tasting events with local salsa makers or offer discounts on salsa-making ingredients. Consider partnering with a local charity to donate a portion of salsa sales, adding a community-focused element to the celebration.

National Salsa Month FAQs

When is National Salsa Month?

In 2027, National Salsa Month is observed all through May. This annual celebration encourages everyone to discover new flavors and appreciate the versatility of this beloved condiment.

How much salsa do Americans consume?

The average American consumes several pounds of salsa each year, a testament to its status as a staple in many households. Its rise in popularity is attributed to diverse flavors and its role in healthy eating trends.

What are the most popular types of salsa?

While traditional tomato-based salsas remain top sellers, the market for fruit salsas (like mango or pineapple) and spicier varieties (such as habanero or ghost pepper) continues to grow. Chunky and smooth textures also vie for popularity.

What is the origin of salsa?

The word ‘salsa’ itself is Spanish for ‘sauce,’ but the concept of a spicy, fresh condiment predates European arrival in the Americas. It was a fundamental part of the diet for ancient Mesoamerican cultures, used to enhance the flavor of various foods.

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!