Spice up taco night and give other dishes a refreshing twist with these creative salsa recipes, bursting with nutrition.

Salsa is a taco-night staple — and a nutritious one, at that. Because it’s packed with whole, fresh ingredients like tomatoes, you can bet you’re getting some water and fiber from your dip.

Tomatoes, at 95 percent water, are hydrating and provide some fiber, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As data from past research on average water and fiber intake show, these are two things Americans aren’t getting enough of, and they’re key for good health.

While store-bought salsa will do, you can change up your dip game by making it from scratch.

For inspiration, try these fun and nutritious twists on classic salsa. Try them as a bright addition not only to your chips and tortillas, but also to dishes like eggs, baked potatoes, grilled fish, and chicken.

This unlikely salsa pairing makes for a delicious fish or taco topping, and the black beans lend a healthy dose of plant-based protein and fiber. How long does fresh salsa last? For the best flavor and quality, enjoy your fresh salsa within three days.

Nutrition per serving (½ cup): 84 calories, 0.3g total fat (0.1g saturated fat), 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, 5.4g fiber, 3.4g sugar (0g added sugar), 200mg sodium

What are tomatillos anyway? Also called “husk tomatoes,” tomatillos are usually green and come wrapped in a thin brown papery skin. If you’ve never cooked with tomatillos, the task may seem overwhelming, but they’re actually quite simple (and delicious) to cook with and they bring a lot of valuable nutrients to the table. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, tomatillos are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Roasting the tomatillos, onions, and garlic in this recipe gives the salsa a rich flavor you’re sure to love!

Nutrition per serving (¼ cup): 30 calories, 2g total fat (0.3g saturated fat), 0.5g protein, 3g carbohydrates, 0.7g fiber, 1.5g sugar (0g added sugar), 71mg sodium

This mango salsa recipe blends the sweet flavor of the juicy fruit with the freshness of mint. In addition to great flavor, mango brings with it valuable fiber and antioxidants, including vitamin C, according to the USDA. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient — meaning it's one your body needs to function properly but can’t make enough of on its own. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C is needed for everything from wound healing to heart health. That means not only can this low-calorie sauce add a zing to your favorite dishes, it can also be a boon to your health.

Nutrition per serving (½ cup): 56 calories, 0.4g total fat (0.1g saturated fat), 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, 1.7g fiber, 11.9g sugar (0g added sugar), 108mg sodium

This salsa is a perfect showcase for the taste and texture of fresh produce. From the mild crunch of hydrating cucumber to the sweet juiciness of fresh peach, this fruity salsa recipe is sure to be a favorite at your next party or any given Taco Tuesday. Lime juice brings the flavors together and adds a healthy dose of vitamin C to your plate, per the USDA.

Nutrition per serving (½ cup): 24 calories, 0.1g total fat (0g saturated fat), 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, 1.1g fiber, 3.9g sugar (0g added sugar), 71mg sodium

Anytime you chop hot peppers, it’s a good idea to wear gloves so that the oils don’t get onto your hands. While gloves aren't necessary if you’re cutting just one jalapeño, wash your hands thoroughly after and avoid touching your face. Gloves become extra important when you’re slicing a chili pepper as spicy as a habanero, so they’re definitely recommended for this recipe. To give you an idea how hot a chili pepper might be, use the Scoville scale, which compares the spiciness of one pepper variety to another. For example, a jalapeño is around 2,000 to 8,000 Scoville heat units (SHU) while a habanero scores upward of 100,000 SHU — yowza!

Nutrition per serving (½ cup): 24 calories, 0.2g total fat (0g saturated fat), 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, 1.2g fiber, 2.6g sugar (0g added sugar), 215mg sodium

If you’ve never tried watermelon salsa, you’re in for a huge treat! Watermelon contains 91 percent water, as well as high amounts of an antioxidant called lycopene, which Harvard states may help improve cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and, as a result, heart health. This watermelon salsa recipe uses fresh mint and cilantro for flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you’re not alone, and this salsa will still be tasty if you omit it from the recipe.

Nutrition per serving (½ cup): 28 calories, 0.1g total fat (0g saturated fat), 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, 0.6g fiber, 5.2g sugar (0g added sugar), 2mg sodium

Did you know that avocado is actually a fruit? This delightfully creamy avocado salsa is like guacamole and salsa had a baby! It’s absolutely delicious and sure to disappear from your table quickly. Plus, avocado is loaded with health benefits from the heart-healthy fats and fiber it contains, according to the USDA. As another benefit, this recipe requires little chopping, so you can get it on the table in a pinch for a quick appetizer or entree topping.

Nutrition per serving (½ cup): 87 calories, 7g total fat (1g saturated fat), 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, 3.7g fiber, 0.5g sugar (0g added sugar), 230mg sodium

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