Get ready to fall in love with the freshest flavors of summer with this vibrant Strawberry Pineapple Salsa. Sweet strawberries and juicy pineapple mingle with zesty lime, spicy jalapeño, and a hint of red onion, creating a colorful, tangy relish that brightens up any dish. Whether you’re topping grilled fish or simply scooping it up with crispy tortilla chips, every bite packs a punch of sunshine and pure joy. This recipe is a delightful, easy way to add a tropical twist to your appetizer spread or backyard barbecue!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are as simple as they are essential, transforming ordinary produce into something absolutely magical. Each one brings its own balance of sweetness, crunch, color, or zip, and together they’re the secret behind the irresistible Strawberry Pineapple Salsa.
- Strawberries: The star ingredient, providing both vivid red color and a naturally sweet, juicy bite.
- Pineapple: Adds tropical tartness and golden chunks that pair perfectly with strawberries.
- Red Onion: Offers a bit of crunch and a sharp, savory note to round out the fruitiness.
- Jalapeño: Brings a gentle heat for balance; adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
- Cilantro: Gives herbal freshness that ties everything together in classic salsa style.
- Lime Juice: Zesty and tangy, it helps all the flavors pop and keeps the fruit bright.
- Salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance and unify every taste in the bowl.
How to Make Strawberry Pineapple Salsa
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Start by dicing the strawberries and pineapple into small, even pieces for the perfect bite-size texture. Finely chop the red onion and jalapeño (make sure to remove the seeds if you’re aiming for mild), and give the cilantro a quick chop. Prepping everything evenly guarantees that every scoop of your Strawberry Pineapple Salsa bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl
Place the strawberries, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a medium mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins! Tossing the fresh ingredients together lets them start blending their flavors and colors for a beautiful and inviting salsa.
Step 3: Add Lime Juice and Salt
Squeeze the juice of one fresh lime right over the mix, and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Lime brightens up the entire salsa, while the salt enhances the sweetness and depth of every component. Gently toss everything with a spoon, making sure not to mush the fruit.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Take a little taste to see if it needs extra lime juice, more salt, or a dash more jalapeño for heat. This step is the secret to personalizing your Strawberry Pineapple Salsa so it’s just right for your palate and your menu.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This brief chill not only melds all the flavors together, but also makes every bite extra refreshing. Pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle toss, and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Strawberry Pineapple Salsa
Garnishes
A little visual flair goes a long way! Try topping your Strawberry Pineapple Salsa with a few extra chopped cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of finely diced jalapeño, or some tiny pineapple wedges for a pop of color and extra wow factor. If you really want to impress, a light dusting of flaky sea salt right before serving does wonders.
Side Dishes
This salsa loves to play with just about anything on the table. Serve it alongside crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate fresh dip, or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or flaky fish for a light, healthy meal. It also works beautifully spooned over tacos or nestled next to a vibrant summer salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some fun to your next party by serving Strawberry Pineapple Salsa in hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shells! Individual salsa cups or tiny mason jars make for a playful, portable appetizer. You can even top crostini with salsa for a sweet-savory hors d’oeuvre that’ll have guests asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Pineapple Salsa left over, just transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay bright and flavorful for up to two days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as the fruit can release extra juices as it sits.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salsa because the fresh fruit loses its crisp texture when thawed. If you must freeze, use it as a smoothie ingredient later, but for best results, enjoy your salsa freshly made or refrigerated.
Reheating
This is definitely a no-cook salsa, so reheating isn’t needed. Simply chill until ready to serve, and let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes if you want the flavors to bloom a bit before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit for Strawberry Pineapple Salsa?
Fresh fruit really is key for texture and flavor, but in a pinch, you can thaw frozen strawberries and pineapple thoroughly and pat them dry before dicing. Just note the salsa may be a bit juicier and softer this way.
How spicy is this salsa?
As written, it’s mild to medium, depending on the size and heat of your jalapeño. For a gentle kick, seed the pepper before dicing. Want it hotter? Leave some seeds in or add extra chopped jalapeño!
What can I use instead of cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try swapping it for fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley. Both bring a pleasant aroma and herbal pop that works really well with the sweet fruits.
Can I make Strawberry Pineapple Salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s actually better if it sits for at least 15–20 minutes, and you can prep it up to a day in advance. Just stir well when ready to serve and drain off any extra liquid if needed.
What proteins pair best with this salsa?
Strawberry Pineapple Salsa shines with grilled or roasted chicken, fish (like salmon or tilapia), shrimp, or even pork. It’s also a bright topping for black bean tacos, tofu, or your favorite plant-based proteins!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something instantly joyful about a spoonful of Strawberry Pineapple Salsa, with its sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in every colorful bite. It’s fresh, fast, and sure to impress, so gather your ingredients and make a big batch to share with friends and family. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite summer salsa!
Print
Strawberry Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the refreshing and vibrant flavors of this Strawberry Pineapple Salsa! Perfect for summer gatherings or as a flavorful topping for grilled proteins.
Ingredients
Strawberry Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and diced)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- juice of 1 lime
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Drizzle with fresh lime juice and add a pinch of salt. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Notes
- This salsa is delicious with grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or served as a dip with tortilla chips.
- For a sweeter touch, add a teaspoon of honey.
- You can also add avocado for extra creaminess just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
