10 Cool And Spicy Salsa Recipes For Summer

We're thinking of a dish, and it's one that is great all on its own, spooned over grilled chicken, tossed in a salad, or scooped up in a tortilla chip. Can you guess what it is?

That's right: salsa. Served cold and made with fresh ingredients, salsa is one of our favorite summertime dishes. Served alongside tortilla chips and requiring practically no cooking, it's the perfect appetizer to throw together, and in the heat of the summer, when a stifling sauce seems unappealing, it makes an appropriate "jus" for main dishes like grilled shrimp, fish, or steak. Toss it with rice or pasta, or into a salad, and you've instantly added a mouthful of flavor to a dish.

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We also love the versatility that salsa provides. Salsas are always served cold and most of them always have a little spice, but beyond that,  a recipe for salsa is your oyster, and you can chop, mince, and purée anything fresh you've got on hand to make it your own.

Now, we're not just going to leave you with those words and send you off into the world of salsas all on your own. To get you as excited as we are about salsa, we've got 10 spicy creations to share to give you some inspiration.

These recipes include everything from the traditional Latin creations using a molcajete to fresh and summer-focused ones like charred corn and avocado. Better yet, they're all easy. There's one from a famous chef that starts with store-bought salsa as a base (yes, really!), and if you thought the word "roast" in a salsa recipe's title seemed too complicated, you'll see that all it takes is a pan and a pair of tongs. Last but not least are the recipes that demonstrate just how easy it is to add new and unusual ingredients to a salsa — think strawberries, blueberries, and even jicama.

The summer sure is hot, but that doesn't mean your taste buds can't get hotter. Try out these 10 cool and spicy salsa recipes and kick your summer cooking up a notch or two. 

Anne Dolce is the Cook editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @anniecdolce