Strawberry Salsa

This strawberry salsa is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, and it’s one of those dishes that just sings with freshness. As soon as you chop those juicy strawberries, the fragrance fills the kitchen with a sweet aroma that makes it impossible to resist. The burst of flavor from the berries, paired with the bite of red onion and the slight heat from the jalapeño, creates such a lively combination that every spoonful feels like a celebration. The fresh cilantro adds an herby lift, making each bite feel like a little taste of summer. I love serving it over grilled chicken or fish, but it’s also fantastic with tortilla chips, giving you the ultimate sweet and savory snack. This salsa doesn’t just taste amazing—it also makes for the perfect addition to any casual get-together. The mix of colors alone brings a fun, festive vibe to the table!

Key Ingredients in Strawberry Salsa

Every ingredient in this strawberry salsa serves a unique purpose, adding depth and dimension to the dish. From the sweet, juicy strawberries to the fiery kick of jalapeño, each component works in harmony to create the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients:

* Strawberries – The star of the show! Fresh, sweet, and juicy, they form the base of this salsa, adding a vibrant burst of flavor and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

* Red onion – Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch to the salsa. The thin slices give the salsa a bit of bite, balancing out the fruitiness of the strawberries.

* Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brings an herbaceous, slightly citrusy note that elevates the flavors of the salsa. It adds a touch of brightness that makes the whole dish feel fresh and lively.

* Lime juice – A squeeze of lime juice provides that essential tang, bringing acidity that cuts through the sweetness and brings everything into perfect balance.

* Honey – A small drizzle of honey deepens the sweetness of the strawberries and rounds out the salsa’s flavors. It adds a smooth sweetness that’s just enough without overpowering.

* Salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the natural flavors in the salsa, helping to draw out the sweetness of the strawberries and balance out the tangy lime.

* Black pepper – A dash of black pepper adds a subtle hint of heat and depth. It plays a supporting role in bringing the other flavors together without standing out too much.

* Jalapeño – This is optional, but if you’re in the mood for a bit of heat, finely chopped jalapeño adds a mild to moderate kick. It’s the perfect contrast to the sweet strawberries, adding an exciting spicy note to the salsa.

How to Make Strawberry Salsa

1. Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cool running water. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Hull the strawberries by removing the green leafy tops. Use a sharp knife to cut off the green stems and discard them.

3. Dice the strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salsa, which will help balance the texture.

4. Peel the red onion by removing the outer skin. Discard the skin and set the onion aside.

5. Chop the red onion finely, making small, even pieces. The size of the pieces will determine the bite, so aim for a consistent size.

6. Chop the cilantro by gathering the leaves together in a small bunch. Slice them finely, creating delicate pieces that will add a fresh herbal flavor to the salsa.

7. Squeeze the lime in half and extract 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Be careful to avoid seeds while squeezing.

8. If you’re using a jalapeño, slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes, as they contain most of the heat.

9. Chop the jalapeño finely. Ensure the pieces are small enough so the heat is well distributed, adding a nice spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

10. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and optional jalapeño.

11. Add the lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. These ingredients will help balance the sweetness of the strawberries with a touch of acidity and spice.

12. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the strawberries—just mix them gently.

13. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more sweetness, add a little more honey. If you like it spicier, throw in a pinch more black pepper or jalapeño.

14. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.

1. After the salsa has chilled, give it a final stir before serving to redistribute any juices.

16. Serve the strawberry salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled chicken, or any dish that could use a refreshing, fruity kick. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Salsa

– Tacos: Top your fish tacos or chicken tacos with a generous scoop of strawberry salsa. The combination of juicy strawberries and spicy salsa is the perfect contrast to the warm, savory taco fillings. You’ll love the balance of sweet and savory with every bite!

– Grilled Chicken: Serve the salsa as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken. The fresh, zesty flavors of the salsa pair beautifully with the smoky char of the chicken, creating a dish that’s light yet full of flavor. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser!

– Tortilla Chips: For a fun and easy snack, dip tortilla chips into the strawberry salsa. The sweetness of the fruit, combined with the subtle heat of the jalapeño, makes this a wonderfully addictive treat. It’s like a fresh twist on classic nachos—perfect for game day or casual gatherings!

How to Store Strawberry Salsa

To keep your strawberry salsa fresh and flavorful, here are a few simple storage tips:

– Refrigerate immediately: After preparing the salsa, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld, but it’s best enjoyed within this time frame for optimal freshness.

– Avoid freezing: While it might be tempting, freezing strawberry salsa is not recommended. The texture of the strawberries can change once frozen, making the salsa watery when thawed.

– Cover and chill: To maintain the salsa’s vibrant color and flavor, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid before refrigerating. This helps preserve the freshness and prevents the salsa from absorbing any strong odors from the fridge.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own homemade strawberry salsa! It’s such a simple, yet sensational dish that brings together the best of fresh ingredients in a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re using it as a topping for grilled chicken, a fun dip with tortilla chips, or something to elevate your tacos, this salsa will be the star of any meal or gathering. I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe as much as I do!

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts or any tweaks you make to the recipe. Did you add a bit more heat? Maybe a little extra honey? Or did you serve it in a new way that I haven’t thought of yet? Drop a comment or reach out—I’m always here for a chat, whether it’s about cooking or just to swap ideas. Enjoy making and sharing this refreshing salsa, and I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you!

Print Recipe

Strawberry Salsa

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Total Time 10 mins

Calories: 70

Description

Fresh, juicy strawberries dance with zesty lime, crunchy red onions, and a kick of cilantro in this vibrant salsa. The sweet-tart combo bursts with flavor, perfect for pairing with chips, tacos, or grilled meats. A refreshing twist on the classic!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 1/2 cups strawberries, diced

• ¹⁄₂ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by thoroughly washing the strawberries under cool running water. Pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
2. Place the strawberries on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to hull them, removing the green leafy tops.
3. Dice the strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces, taking care to keep the pieces uniform in size for even distribution in the salsa.
4. Next, move on to the red onion. Peel off the outer skin and discard it.
5. Finely chop the red onion, aiming for small, even pieces.
6. Chop the cilantro by gathering the leaves together and slicing them finely.
7. Cut the lime in half and squeeze out 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, being careful to avoid seeds.
8. If using a jalapeño, slice it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon.
9. Finely chop the jalapeño, ensuring it is small enough to blend well with the other ingredients.
10. Place the diced strawberries, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and optional jalapeño into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
11. Add the lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
12. Stir the ingredients gently with a spoon or spatula, making sure everything is well combined and evenly coated.
13. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to balance the flavors.
14. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
15. After the salsa has chilled, give it a final stir before serving.
16. Serve the strawberry salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled chicken, or any dish that could use a refreshing, fruity kick.

Note

• Make sure the strawberries are ripe and sweet for the best flavor in the salsa.
• If you prefer a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or use a hotter pepper variety.
• For a smoother texture, use a food processor to chop the ingredients.
• You can substitute agave nectar or maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.
• This salsa can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for more intense flavor.

Keywords: strawberry salsa recipe, fresh strawberry salsa, easy strawberry salsa, homemade strawberry salsa, fruit salsa with strawberries