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Fixing over-salted food depends on what you're making, but here are effective general solutions:
🔧 1. Dilute It
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Soups, stews, sauces: Add unsalted broth, water, crushed tomatoes, or even milk/cream—whatever complements the dish.
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Simmer longer to re-concentrate flavors if needed.
🥔 2. Add a Starch
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Rice, pasta, potatoes, or beans can absorb salt as they cook.
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If already cooked, toss in chunks of raw potato to absorb some salt, then remove them before serving.
🍋 3. Balance With Acid
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A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can help counteract saltiness.
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Works well in sauces, dressings, or meats.
🍯 4. Add a Touch of Sweetness
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A pinch of sugar, honey, or maple syrup can balance the salt.
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Use very sparingly to avoid making it sweet.
🧈 5. Add Unsalted Ingredients
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If possible, mix in unsalted versions of what's already in the dish (extra beans, meat, veggies, etc.).
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Stretch the dish volume to dilute salt concentration.
🚫 What Not to Do:
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Don’t try to mask salt with spice—heat doesn’t cancel salinity and can worsen the imbalance.