Strawberry Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Strawberry Pineapple Salsa is the ultimate celebration of freshness—a vibrant, sweet-meets-tangy salsa that instantly brightens up any table. With juicy strawberries, golden pineapple, a hint of heat from jalapeño, and a zesty lime finish, every bite is a little taste of summer. Whether you’re scooping it up with tortilla chips or spooning it over grilled chicken, this colorful salsa is guaranteed to become your new go-to for picnics, parties, and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to create this show-stopping salsa, and each one plays a starring role. Their flavors, colors, and textures combine to make a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and vibrantly red—these are the heart of the salsa and add a subtle berry flavor that’s irresistible.
- Fresh Pineapple: Golden and tangy, pineapple brings sunshine sweetness and a bit of tropical flair to the mix.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped for a sharp, colorful bite that balances out the sweetness perfectly.
- Jalapeño Pepper: Seeded and minced for just the right gentle heat—add more if you like things spicy!
- Fresh Cilantro: This herb adds a burst of green and a fresh, citrusy aroma that ties everything together.
- Lime Juice: Zesty and bright, it lifts the flavors and keeps the fruit looking fresh.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a touch to make all the flavors pop and meld beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Pineapple Salsa
Step 1: Prep the Fruit and Veggies
Start by dicing your strawberries and pineapple into small, even pieces. This helps the flavors blend and makes it easy to scoop. Finely chop the red onion, mince the jalapeño (removing seeds for milder heat), and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Taking a little extra time with your knife work means every bite will be perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl
Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the strawberries, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Give it a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly. You’ll notice the colors already look stunning together!
Step 3: Add Lime Juice and Salt
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. This simple step is key—the lime brightens the salsa and the salt brings out all the natural flavors.
Step 4: Toss and Let the Flavors Meld
Use a spoon to gently toss everything until well combined, making sure not to mash the fruit. Let the salsa sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature so the flavors can mingle and deepen. This short wait is worth it!
Step 5: Serve or Chill
Your Strawberry Pineapple Salsa is ready to enjoy! Serve immediately for maximum freshness, or cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to dig in. The salsa will stay crisp and gorgeous for hours.
How to Serve Strawberry Pineapple Salsa
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a few finely sliced jalapeño rings on top can make your salsa look as lively as it tastes. If you want to go the extra mile, add a few lime wedges on the side for squeezing—guests always appreciate a finishing touch!
Side Dishes
This salsa was made for pairing! It’s a natural fit alongside tortilla chips, but it’s just as delicious spooned over grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even shrimp skewers. For a light lunch, try it as a topping for avocado toast or as a bright salad topper.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve Strawberry Pineapple Salsa in mini glass jars or hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical vibe. Layer it in parfait glasses with a scoop of guacamole for a fun appetizer, or use it as a colorful bruschetta topping on toasted baguette slices. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Pineapple Salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will continue to meld, though the fruit may become a bit softer—still delicious for scooping or spooning!
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this salsa (the fruit will lose its lovely texture), you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine and dress with lime juice and salt.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Strawberry Pineapple Salsa—this dish shines when served fresh and cold. If it’s been chilled, just give it a quick stir and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit for the salsa?
Fresh fruit really is the secret to the best Strawberry Pineapple Salsa. Frozen fruit tends to release more liquid and can become mushy, so stick to fresh for the brightest flavor and best texture.
How can I make the salsa less spicy?
To keep things mild, simply leave out the jalapeño or use just a small amount. You can also remove all the seeds and membrane, as that’s where most of the heat lives.
What proteins pair well with this salsa?
Grilled chicken, fish (like salmon or mahi-mahi), shrimp, and even pork all love a generous spoonful of Strawberry Pineapple Salsa. It adds a juicy, tangy punch that makes any protein sing!
Can I make Strawberry Pineapple Salsa in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the salsa a few hours ahead—just cover and refrigerate. If you want to keep everything extra crisp, add the lime juice and salt just before serving.
Is this salsa suitable for special diets?
Yes! Strawberry Pineapple Salsa is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in calories. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that fits almost any dietary preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you can’t go wrong with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to celebrate fresh flavors and color at every meal!
Print
Strawberry Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant, refreshing Strawberry Pineapple Salsa that combines sweet and tangy fruits with a spicy kick, perfect as a light appetizer or a flavorful topping for grilled dishes and snacks.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Seasonings
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the diced strawberries, diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- Add Lime and Salt: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the fruit and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Toss Gently: Carefully toss all ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed without bruising the fruit.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salsa to sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature so that the flavors combine beautifully.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately as a fresh, zesty topping or refrigerate until ready to use, enjoying within 1-2 days for best freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of jalapeño according to your spice preference.
- For a sweeter salsa, add a drizzle of honey before serving.
- This salsa is excellent paired with grilled chicken, fish, or enjoyed with tortilla chips as a refreshing snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
