The chances are very low that you’re unfamiliar with salsa itself. Whether you like classic mild salsa, pico de gallo, roasted garlic salsa, or Southwestern salsa, you probably enjoy it at least a few times a year. But how much do you really know about salsa? Here are three things you may not have heard before (don’t worry, it’s all good news):
- It’s Low in Calories
Have you ever actually taken a look at salsa nutrition facts? You might assume that because it’s commonly used as a dip it’s high in calories. But if you read the label, you’ll see that’s not the case. There are many different types of salsa, but most have between 10 and 20 calories per serving (normally around 2 tablespoons). That’s pretty good news for anyone wanting to diet without sacrificing flavor.
- It’s High in Vitamins
Salsa is made primarily of vegetables (and sometimes fruits), and that means it can pack a nutritional punch. Salsa is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, and phosphorus. It even offers a healthy amount of dietary fiber, which many people don’t get enough of in the highly processed diets so common today.
- You Can Use It in Anything
Knowing some salsa nutritional facts might make you wonder how you can incorporate salsa into your diet more often — ideally without the fried tortilla chips that drive up the calorie count of your average salsa-related snack session. Salsa means “sauce” in Spanish, and it’s helpful to think of it as a condiment, rather than a dip, when you’re contemplating how you might include it in more recipes. Salsa provides a low-calorie and low-sugar alternative when it comes to topping meats, spicing up sandwiches, and even dressing salads. You can also stir salsa into your favorite casseroles or egg dishes for some extra flavor and nutrition.
How do you typically use salsa? Did you know it was such a healthy option? Join the discussion in the comments.