Red vs green salsa? Chunky vs smooth? With so many types of salsa out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Each jar brings something unique to the table, from bold flavors to craveable textures. But choosing the right kind of salsa for your dish doesn’t have to be complicated.
At Sadie’s Salsa, we’ve been serving authentic Southwestern flavor for over 50 years. What started as a generations-old recipe in our Albuquerque restaurant has become a nationwide favorite. Our jarred salsas deliver real, intense flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
We love exploring different salsa types and discovering what goes well with salsa! That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide to help you choose the best Sadie’s Salsa based on what you’re cooking and what kind of flavor you’re craving.
1. Sadie’s Hot Salsa: The Bold, Spicy Classic
The classic Sadie’s Hot Salsa delivers that fiery, authentic flavor that first put our New Mexican salsas on the map. Made with juicy tomatoes and spicy green jalapeños, this is our best jalapeño salsa for snacking with crunchy tostada chips—or for spooning onto just about everything.
With its slightly chunky texture and spicy, fresh flavor, it’s incredibly versatile as an ingredient. Use it to top your grilled meats or give your morning eggs a spicy upgrade.
New to Sadie’s Salsa? Start here! It’s our classic for being one of the best spicy salsas for anyone who loves heat without losing flavor.
When it comes to this salsa type, think hearty meats, breakfast foods, and savory snacks. It’s also our top pick for best salsa for tacos—fresh and packed with flavor.
- Best for: Hearty tacos, grilled meats, breakfast plates, tostada chips, and chorizo.
- Flavor Profile: Intense, fresh, bold flavor and spice.
- Texture: Smooth to slightly chunky.
- Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you like your food with a numbing burn and full New Mexican flavor, this is your go-to.
But if you’re looking for maximum flavor while going easy on the spice, we have an option for that too!
2. Sadie’s Not as Hot Salsa: A Balanced Crowd Favorite
Sadie’s Not as Hot Medium Salsa brings you the mouthwatering flavor of our original New Mexican salsa, but with a gentler kick. Made with tomatoes, garlic, and green jalapeños, this is our best medium salsa for those who crave flavor without full-blown fire.
With its slightly chunky texture and balanced flavor, it’s one of the most versatile jarred salsas in our lineup. It’s perfect for dipping, topping, or layering into your favorite dishes.
The balanced spice makes it ideal for family dinners, parties, or picky eaters who still want something flavorful. Not as Hot is the crowd-pleasing pick that delivers real flavor without overpowering your food.
When it comes to this salsa type, think milder everyday meals, wraps, and comfort food. We believe this is easily the best salsa for breakfast burritos we have!
- Best for: Scrambled eggs, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, and party platters.
- Flavor Profile: Balanced and fresh with moderate spice.
- Texture: Smooth to slightly chunky.
- Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Looking for all the flavor with a little less fire? This is the one to keep in your pantry for any occasion.
But if you’re looking for something that truly embodies the spirit of the Southwest, the next one might catch your eye instead.
3. Sadie’s Roasted Green Chile Salsa: Smoky, Southwest Flair
Sadie’s Roasted Green Chile Salsa brings a smoky twist to a classic New Mexican salsa. We blend roasted Hatch green chiles with ripe tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and red chile peppers to create an authentic salsa that’s full of depth and flavor.
So what makes Hatch chile salsa so special? The main difference is Hatch green chile salsa is made with chiles grown specifically in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, known for their unique balance of heat, earthiness, and depth.
Compared to regular chile salsa, it has a smokier, richer flavor and a distinct Southwest taste you won’t get from generic green chiles. It’s all about that rich soil, bright sun, and heartfelt tradition. Some say each scoop of our Hatch salsa tastes like a full New Mexican meal. We won’t argue with that!
When it comes to this salsa type, think classic New Mexican dishes, casseroles, and roasted foods. As an example, we think this is the best salsa for enchiladas for its thicker texture and smoky finish.
- Best for: Burritos, enchiladas, casseroles, stews, and roast chicken.
- Flavor Profile: Earthy, smoky, and savory with a slow-building burn.
- Texture: Slightly chunky.
- Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This one brings the essence of a traditional Southwest feast straight to your table–hearty, smoky, and packed with robust fire and flavor.
But if you’re looking to try a whole different type of salsa to expand your foodie horizons, the next one is sure to catch your eye.
4. Marble Red & Green Chile Salsa: Our Unique Hatch Beer Salsa
Looking for something truly unique? Sadie’s Marble Red & Green Chile Salsa is a one-of-a-kind craft beer salsa that brings the best of New Mexico together in a single jar.
Created in collaboration with Albuquerque’s award-winning Marble Brewery, this Hatch chile salsa isn’t just creative—it’s a celebration of local flavor and community. The addition of Red Ale adds a slightly sweet, smoky depth that enhances the savory spice of the chiles and tomatoes.
The result? A rich, craft salsa that layers green chile heat with malty, tangy depth from the beer. It’s not your traditional salsa–it’s a craft experience that highlights the essence of New Mexico in an unexpected way.
When it comes to this salsa type, think pub-style meals, grilled fare, and beer snacks.
Best for: Beer-battered fish tacos, pub-style burgers, and grilled brats.
Flavor Profile: Malty, tangy, spicy with sweet chile and ale notes.
Texture: Slightly chunky.
Spice Level: 🌶️
This salsa is a must-try if you’re into craft food, local collaborations, or beer-infused cooking.
Up next? A flavor bomb for the garlic lovers.
5. Sadie’s Roasted Garlic Salsa: Savory, Deep, and Rich
If you’re a garlic lover, this one’s for you. Sadie’s Roasted Garlic Salsa builds on our original hot salsa recipe with a mouthwatering infusion of rich, roasted garlic. Made with juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and that savory garlic punch, this salsa delivers intense, aromatic flavor in every bite.
The garlic adds a buttery depth that enhances the heat and tang of the chiles, making it perfect for savory meals that need a flavorful finish.
Spoon it over roasted potatoes, mix it into stuffed peppers, or pair it with grilled meats for a spicy, garlicky upgrade.
When it comes to this salsa type, think comfort food, roasted vegetables, and deeply savory dishes.
- Best for: Pork Chops, roasted potatoes, stuffed peppers, steak fajitas, and hearty vegetables.
- Flavor Profile: Rich, garlicky, savory with a slow burn.
- Texture: Smooth to slightly chunky.
- Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This garlic salsa is for those who want deep flavor and aren’t afraid of a pungent, savory kick. Its deep, rich flavors make it perfect for pairing with comforting meals.
But if you’re craving something fresh and zesty instead, the next one might be your perfect match.
6. Sadie’s Cilantro Salsa: Fresh, Bright, and Herby
Sadie’s Cilantro Salsa brings a refreshing twist to the table. Crafted from our classic recipe with a generous touch of fresh cilantro, this vibrant salsa offers a zesty flavor that’s both invigorating and satisfying.
The cilantro adds a subtle tanginess and a hint of crisp citrus, creating a harmonious balance between heat and brightness. Its fresh flavor makes it perfect for infusing into lighter fare.
Whether you’re topping off fish tacos, enhancing grilled veggies, or adding something new to your rice bowls, this cilantro jalapeño salsa offers a lively kick that complements a wide variety of dishes.
When it comes to this salsa type, think seafood, fresh veggies, and light proteins.
- Best for: Fish tacos, rice bowls, grilled chicken breast, grilled vegetables, and light appetizers.
- Flavor Profile: Fresh, tangy, and herby without losing spice.
- Texture: Smooth to slightly chunky.
- Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This salsa is ideal for those craving a zesty, refreshing profile .
But if you’re after something more mellow and laid-back, the next one might be just what you’re looking for.
7. Desert Fog Green Chile Salsa: A Mellow, Fruity Beer Salsa
Sadie’s Desert Fog Green Chile Salsa is where laid-back vibes meet local heat. Created in partnership with Albuquerque’s Marble Brewery, this one-of-a-kind Hatch chile salsa is infused with the hazy, tropical notes of their iconic Desert Fog beer.
The result is a smooth, mellow salsa with gentle warmth and subtle hints of pineapple, citrus, and hops. It’s not your typical Hatch salsa—it’s a fruit-forward blend that captures the spirit of a lazy summer afternoon in the Southwest.
Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard BBQ or looking for a Hatch green chile salsa with a twist, this is the one to reach for.
When it comes to this salsa type, think brunch, mellow comfort foods, and grilled dishes.
- Best for: Pulled pork sandwiches, roasted veggies, turkey burgers, and grilled mushrooms.
- Flavor Profile: Mellow green chile burn with tropical fruit and subtle hop bitterness.
- Texture: Smooth to slightly chunky.
- Spice Level: 🌶️
If you’re curious about different salsa types and want something that blends New Mexican flavor with fruity, hoppy character, this craft beer salsa delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Last but not least is a truly New Mexican salsa that holds a special place in our hearts—and in the hearts of locals across the state.
8. Sadie’s Lobo Salsa: Community-Rooted, New Mexico Proud
Sadie’s Lobo Salsa is more than just a delicious Hatch green chile salsa–it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and pride. Created in partnership with the University of New Mexico, this salsa blends vine-ripened tomatoes and authentic Hatch green chile into a smooth, savory classic.
Every bite delivers that unmistakable Southwest flavor that’s made Sadie’s a staple in New Mexican households for decades. And once you take a bite, we hope your taste buds will howl!
Even better? A portion of every Lobo Salsa purchase goes directly toward supporting UNM students and athletes. It’s a salsa that gives back, fueling futures while satisfying cravings.
When it comes to this salsa type, think game day eats, campus cookouts, or hearty family dinners. We think it’s one of the best salsa for huevos rancheros due to its classic New Mexican flavors and local meaning.
- Best for: Cheeseburgers with jalapeños, huevos rancheros, chicken wings, and loaded hot dogs.
- Flavor Profile: Smooth, classic Hatch chile flavor with a bright tomato base.
- Texture: Smooth to slightly chunky.
- Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Whether you’re an alum, a fan, or just love a good Hatch chile salsa, Lobo Salsa is your go-to for flavor with heart.
So to answer the question, what goes good with salsa? It depends on which of our jarred salsas you pick! But with us, you can rest assured you’re getting some of the best salsa in New Mexico for experiencing true Southwest flavor.
Whether you’re craving classic heat, smoky depth, or a twist on tradition, there’s sure to be a Sadie’s Salsa to match your every flavor mood.
Discover the Different Types of Salsa That Bring Every Dish to Life
At Sadie’s Salsa, we believe the best meals have real flavors, simple ingredients, and a little Southwest magic. Whether you’re planning a casual snack spread, a festive cookout, or a cozy family dinner, the right salsa can bring it all together.
Each jar is made with care, tradition, and the flavors that define New Mexican cooking. We’re proud to offer something for every palate, every occasion, and every kind of cook—from spice lovers to flavor explorers.
Explore our full selection of different types of salsa online or in stores near you today!