To make something less salty, you can try several effective methods:

• Add an acid : Ingredients like lemon juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, or tomato products (tomato sauce or paste) can neutralize saltiness by balancing the flavors

• Dilute with unsalted liquids : Adding water, unsalted broth, or non-dairy milk (such as oat or almond milk) helps reduce salt concentration, especially in soups, stews, and sauces. Add gradually and taste as you go to avoid thinning the dish too much

• Incorporate dairy or creamy condiments : Heavy cream, whole milk, sour cream, ricotta, or yogurt can mellow saltiness by coating your palate and dispersing the salt flavor

• Add raw potatoes or other starches : Adding diced raw potatoes to soups or stews allows them to absorb some salt as they cook. Beans, rice, pasta, or even bread dough can also help soak up excess salt

• Introduce sweetness : A small amount of sugar, honey, maple syrup, or sweet vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes) can balance salty flavors by adding sweetness

• Add more vegetables or bulk : Mild vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or leafy greens (spinach, kale) can absorb salt and increase volume, diluting the saltiness

These methods can be combined depending on the dish to restore balance without starting over. Always add ingredients gradually and taste frequently to achieve the desired flavor.