Bland food is a bummer, but luckily there’s a world of sauces and condiments designed to kick those flavors up a notch. From tangy vinaigrettes to sassy salsas, this slideshow has got the scoop on 73 game-changers to add to your culinary toolbox. Trust us, your taste buds are about to embark on a flavor-packed journey.
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
This sauce brings a nutty, savory flavor popular in Vietnamese cuisine. It’s versatile, pairing well with spring rolls or grilled meats, and adds a flavorful twist to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Peanut Sauce
Pickled Jalapenos
For those who like a spicy kick, pickled jalapenos are a must-have condiment. They elevate Mexican dishes and are an unexpected addition to sandwiches and salads.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapenos
Prik Nam Pla
This Thai sauce is a blend of fish sauce, lime juice, and chilies. It’s a flavor booster for fried rice, noodles, or grilled seafood.
Get the Recipe: Prik Nam Pla
Miso Caramel
A fusion sauce that marries sweet and umami. Use it as a drizzle on desserts or to glaze meats for an East-meets-West flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Miso Caramel
Thai Peanut Sauce
Similar to its Vietnamese counterpart, this sauce brings a sweet and savory touch. It’s a versatile element in Thai cuisine, enhancing satay or noodle dishes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce
Zhoug Sauce
Originating from Yemen, this spicy, green herb sauce adds a Middle Eastern flare. It can be used as a condiment or marinade, adding complexity to simple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Zhoug Sauce
Shichimi Togarashi
This Japanese spice blend elevates noodle soups and grilled meats. It’s a quick way to introduce multiple dimensions of flavor, including heat and citrus.
Get the Recipe: Shichimi Togarashi
Pickled Onions
These are a tangy addition to any dish, from tacos to burgers. They add a burst of acidity that cuts through rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions
Mango Habanero Salsa
This salsa is a tropical treat with a kick. It’s a vibrant accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken, blending sweet, spicy, and tangy elements.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa
Chili Oil
Common in Chinese and Italian cooking, this spicy oil elevates any dish. It can be drizzled over pasta, dumplings, or pizzas for an extra zing.
Get the Recipe: Chili Oil
Tamarind Chutney
This tangy, sweet sauce is a staple in Indian cuisine. Often used in chaats or as a dip for samosas, it’s a flavor-packed addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tamarind Chutney
Cilantro Mint Chutney
This Indian sauce is vibrant both in color and flavor. Its refreshing qualities make it a perfect pairing for spicy dishes or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Mint Chutney
Homemade Ranch Dressing Sauce
This American classic is creamy with a hint of herbs and garlic. It’s a go-to for salads, but also serves as a versatile dip for vegetables or chicken wings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing Sauce
Lobster Ravioli Sauce
A luxurious sauce often made with cream and shellfish stock. It transforms lobster ravioli from good to gourmet, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Ravioli Sauce
Pineapple Habanero Sauce
A tropical twist with heat, this sauce complements grilled meats and seafood. It blends sweet pineapple with spicy habanero for a dynamic taste experience.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Sauce
Mango Pico de Gallo
This fruit-infused salsa adds a summery touch to any dish. It pairs exceptionally well with fish tacos or grilled chicken, offering a blend of sweet and spicy.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pico de Gallo
Orange Cranberry Sauce
A festive condiment that shines during the holidays but works year-round. Its citrusy twist makes it a unique complement to turkey, chicken, or pork.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Sauce
Chinese 5 Spice Plum Jam
This jam infuses the fruitiness of plums with Chinese 5-spice for a unique flavor. It’s a great spread for toast but also works well as a glaze for meats.
Get the Recipe: Chinese 5 Spice Plum Jam
Quick Pickled Shallots
These offer a quick, tangy crunch to salads or sandwiches. Shallots are milder than onions, making them a versatile condiment.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Shallots
Homemade Fry Sauce
A ketchup and mayonnaise blend that’s a staple for fries but versatile enough for burgers and sandwiches. It adds creaminess and tang to any dish it accompanies.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Fry Sauce
Garden Fresh Salsa
Made with fresh tomatoes, this salsa is a celebration of natural flavors. It’s the perfect addition to tacos, burritos, or chips.
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa
Polynesian Sauce
This sweet and tangy sauce is often paired with fried foods or grilled chicken. It adds a tropical flair, hinting at flavors like pineapple and soy.
Get the Recipe: Polynesian Sauce
Low Carb Enchilada Sauce
A keto-friendly take on the Mexican classic. It offers the same rich, spicy flavors but without the carbs, making it ideal for those watching their intake.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Enchilada Sauce
McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce
A recreation of the fast-food favorite, perfect for homemade breakfast sandwiches. It’s creamy with a hint of spices, adding interest to any morning meal.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce
Creamy Salsa Dressing
This sauce merges the spiciness of salsa with the creaminess of ranch dressing. It’s a versatile condiment that works well in salads or as a dip for vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Salsa Dressing
Creamy Dill Sauce
Often used with seafood, this sauce is a blend of creaminess and herby dill. It can also be used as a dressing for salads or a dip for vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Sauce
Pineapple Pico de Gallo
A tropical take on the traditional pico de gallo, adding sweetness to its spiciness. It pairs well with seafood and offers a burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo
Boom Boom Sauce
This sauce combines mayonnaise, garlic, and spices for a zesty result. It’s commonly used as a dipping sauce for fried foods, offering a flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Boom Boom Sauce
Savory Apple Thyme Butter
Perfect for autumn dishes, this butter brings together apples and thyme. It’s a great complement to pork or a creative spread for bread.
Get the Recipe: Savory Apple Thyme Butter
Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
A plant-based alternative to traditional chocolate hazelnut spreads. Rich and creamy, it can be used in desserts or simply spread on toast.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Tartar Sauce
A classic accompaniment for fried fish, this sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, relish, and lemon juice. It adds a tangy complexity.
Get the Recipe: Tartar Sauce
Enchilada Seasoning Mix
A DIY spice blend that captures the essence of enchilada sauce. It’s perfect for seasoning meats or beans and offers a quick way to infuse Mexican flavors.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Seasoning Mix
Jalapeño Mango Jam
A spicy-sweet jam that pairs well with cheeses or can be used as a glaze for meats. The mango offers sweetness while the jalapeño provides a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Mango Jam
Cilantro Lime Crema
This is a refreshing, zesty sauce that goes well with Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas. Lime and cilantro bring a brightness that cuts through rich, spicy foods.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Crema
Pepper Gravy
A Southern staple, this gravy is usually paired with biscuits or fried chicken. The pepper adds a kick, making it more dynamic than your average gravy.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy
Sausage Seasoning
Customizing your sausage flavors is easy with this seasoning mix. Ideal for breakfast sausages, it brings a well-rounded flavor profile to the meat.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Seasoning
Almond Pesto
A nutty twist on the classic, this pesto is ideal for those allergic to pine nuts. Almonds provide a rich texture and flavor that pairs well with pasta or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Almond Pesto
Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette offers a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, making it ideal for salads or as a marinade for grilled meats. Honey and lime smooth out the heat from the jalapeno.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette
Spicy Rosemary Tomato Peach Chutney
This chutney offers a unique blend of flavors, pairing well with grilled meats or as a spread for sandwiches. Rosemary and peach add depth to the tomato base.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Rosemary Tomato Peach Chutney
Gouda Cheese Sauce
This smooth sauce is a go-to for mac and cheese but also complements vegetables. Gouda gives it a slightly smoky flavor.
Get the Recipe: Gouda Cheese Sauce
Pineapple Habanero Salsa
This salsa brings heat and sweet together, perfect for dipping or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. Pineapple and habanero make for an exciting flavor combo.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa
Tiger Sauce
Often used in Creole cuisine, this sauce combines sweet, sour, and spicy elements. It’s versatile, pairing well with seafood, poultry, or beef.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce
Indian Spice Blend
This blend consolidates key Indian spices, making it a quick way to add authentic flavor to curries, stews, or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Indian Spice Blend
Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce
This sauce offers a rich, creamy tomato base, excellent for pasta dishes or as a dip for breadsticks. Mascarpone adds a touch of luxury.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce
Spicy Pickled Onions
These onions add a spicy crunch to tacos, salads, or sandwiches. The pickling process tames the onion’s bite while adding a tangy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pickled Onions
Homemade Greek Yogurt
Making Greek yogurt at home allows you to control the texture and tartness. It serves as a base for various sauces or can be eaten on its own.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Greek Yogurt
Serrano Salsa with Lime
A salsa with a kick, this is made from serrano peppers and lime. It’s a fresh, spicy addition to Mexican dishes or anything requiring a burst of heat.
Get the Recipe: Serrano Salsa with Lime
Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
Ideal for those watching their sugar intake, this cranberry sauce uses natural sweeteners. It’s a health-conscious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam
This jam brings together the smokiness of bacon, the sweetness of maple, and the complexity of bourbon. It’s perfect for burgers or as a unique spread.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam
Radish Greens Pesto
A waste-not approach that uses radish greens to make a zesty pesto. This pesto is a sustainable option that adds a peppery flair to pasta or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Radish Greens Pesto
Homemade Marinara Sauce
A staple in Italian cooking, this marinara sauce is versatile. Made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it serves as a base for multiple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Marinara Sauce
Substitute for Curry Powder
This blend is a quick fix when you’re out of curry powder. It’s a combination of spices that closely mimics the original, suitable for Indian and Southeast Asian dishes.
Get the Recipe: Substitute for Curry Powder
Hearty Marinara Sauce
This variation on marinara is filled with vegetables, making it a more robust option for pasta or as a dip. It’s a wholesome choice with extra texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce
Lime Pickled Radish
These zesty radishes add a crisp, tangy element to salads or tacos. Lime gives them an extra citrus kick, perfect for refreshing your palate.
Get the Recipe: Lime Pickled Radish
Tahini Sauce
This Middle Eastern staple sauce is commonly used in dishes like hummus or falafel. Made primarily of sesame seeds, it offers a creamy, nutty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tahini Sauce
Barbecue Sauce
A quintessential addition to grilled meats, this barbecue sauce brings a smoky, tangy flavor. It serves as both a marinade and a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce
Balsamic Reduction
This concentrated form of balsamic vinegar offers a balance of sweet and tart. It’s often drizzled over vegetables, fruits, or even desserts for a complex flavor note.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Reduction
Horseradish Sauce
This sauce is ideal for beef dishes, especially roast beef sandwiches or prime rib. The horseradish provides a pungent kick that elevates the meat.
Get the Recipe: Horseradish Sauce
Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney
A blend of fruits and spices make this chutney a flavorful companion to roast meats or cheese boards. Orange, beet, and apple meld seamlessly in this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney
Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Often used in Greek cuisine, this yogurt-based sauce contains cucumber and dill. It’s refreshing and light, perfect for gyros or as a vegetable dip.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce
This sauce brings heat to any dish it accompanies. Made from green chilies, it’s a spicy complement to burritos, tacos, or eggs.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce
Pickled Mustard Seed
An unconventional condiment, pickled mustard seeds offer a burst of tangy flavor. They can be used to top salads or as an ingredient in sauces.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Mustard Seed
Hot Honey Sauce
Combining the sweetness of honey with the heat of chili peppers, this sauce is versatile. It pairs well with fried chicken,
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Sauce
Chipotle Southwest Sauce
This sauce brings a smoky heat to sandwiches and wraps. Chipotle peppers are the star here, offering a balanced heat that doesn’t overpower.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Southwest Sauce
Simple Basil Pesto
This classic Italian sauce is simple but flavorful, primarily consisting of basil, garlic, and pine nuts. It pairs well with pasta,
Get the Recipe: Simple Basil Pesto
Quick Pickled Green Tomatoes
These offer a tart crunch, ideal for adding to salads or sandwiches. Green tomatoes provide a different flavor profile compared to their ripe counterparts.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Green Tomatoes
Quick Pickled Celery
Often overlooked, pickled celery adds a tangy crunch to salads and Bloody Mary cocktails. It’s a simple way to elevate the humble celery stalk.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Celery
Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe
This smoky eggplant dip is a staple in Lebanese cuisine. It’s typically served as an appetizer with pita bread or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe
Chick-fil-A Sauce
A popular dipping sauce that brings together honey mustard and barbecue flavors. It’s a multi-purpose sauce, good for fries, chicken, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Sauce
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
This light, zesty vinaigrette is a versatile dressing for salads or drizzling over grilled vegetables. Lemon and herbs offer a refreshing taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Soy-Free Soy Sauce
For those with soy allergies, this alternative mimics the flavor of traditional soy sauce. It can be used in stir-fries, marinades, and other Asian dishes.
Get the Recipe: Soy-Free Soy Sauce
Pepita Salsa Macha
Made with pumpkin seeds, this salsa provides a nutty, spicy layer to Mexican dishes. It’s less common than tomato-based salsas but equally intriguing.
Get the Recipe: Pepita Salsa Macha
Balsamic Glaze
This is a thicker, sweeter version of balsamic vinegar. It’s often used as a drizzle for Caprese salads, grilled meats, or even desserts.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glaze