Pickle Salsa Is Going To Be Your New Favorite Condiment

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Forget everything you thought you knew about salsa, because pickles are still trending online and now they're coming for your favorite dip. The genius creation takes pickles and blends them with their own brine alongside smoky roasted jalapeños, onions, garlic, and other ingredients, depending on the recipe. Despite some variations in the process, this weirdly wonderful salsa is always tangy, spicy, and surprisingly tasty. 

Unlike traditional tomato-based salsas, which are often light and fresh, pickle salsa will deliver some serious acidity. And if you think about how pickles complement burgers, you can imagine how that same bright tang could translate into a dip that works with everything from tortilla chips to grilled meat. This alternative salsa can be blended perfectly smooth, or left slightly chunky, a pico de gallo style with chopped bits of pickle and vegetables. While the smooth version with charred vegetables is similar to a salsa verde, the version that mimics pico de gallo salsa uses chopped pickles to replace the tomato. 

What makes this pickle salsa creation so special is that it's versatile — you could easily pair it alongside food from different cuisines. There are pickled foods originating from all around the world, so it makes sense that this acidic dip would go with a diversity of dishes, ranging from classic Mexican dishes to a big pulled pork sandwich, and even a nostalgic herbed potato salad. 

There are a lot of helpful tips for making restaurant-style salsa at home, but when it comes to non-traditional pickle salsa, it is about all the tanginess of fermented cucumbers — so choose your pickles intentionally. Classic koshers would offer the most neutral and straightforward acidic flavor which would allow other elements to come through. Half-sour pickles have a crisper texture and milder flavor which would create a fresh-tasting salsa that would pair well with seafood or fish tacos. 

Garlic dill pickles will have a more savory and seasoned base, while bread and butter pickles will have notes of turmeric and mustard seed. If you love some heat, then spicy pickles like Grillo's Hot Classic Dill Pickle Spears would be a good bet, but be wary of adding too many roasted jalapeños if using this one. 

The texture of the pickle will also play an important role. While bigger and softer pickles will theoretically blend more easily in a smooth salsa, they could produce a salsa that's erring on the thin side. If roughly chopping for a pico de gallo salsa, the softer pickles could feel a bit mushy. Gherkins, on the other hand, would keep some real crunch. But regardless of which pickle you choose to serve as your base, the fact that pickles can transform from a beloved sandwich addition to a center-stage condiment just proves that sometimes it's the most unexpected food combinations that yield the best results.