There are few things that shout SUMMER quite like a bowl of vibrant, juicy Strawberry Pineapple Salsa. This ultra-fresh fruit salsa is a sunshine-infused medley that’s just as welcome at a backyard party as it is spooned over tacos or forked straight from the bowl. The burst of sweet strawberries, tangy pineapple, crisp red onion, fragrant cilantro, and a playful kick from jalapeño all come together with lime juice for the perfect balance of bright, sweet, and zesty flavors. If you’ve been searching for a refreshing way to celebrate the season, look no further—this is your answer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about a short ingredient list that still packs a punch, and Strawberry Pineapple Salsa truly delivers on color, taste, and crunch. Each component plays a unique role, whether adding sweetness, tang, or a hint of heat, resulting in a showstopper that looks gorgeous and tastes even better.
- Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, red strawberries for their natural sweetness and juicy texture—they’re the heart of this salsa!
- Fresh pineapple: Its tangy, tropical flair complements the berries and gives the salsa extra juiciness.
- Red onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and crunch, balancing out the sweetness of the fruit.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal burst that ties all the flavors together—don’t skip this unless you must!
- Jalapeño: For a little heat and complexity; adjust the amount to suit your taste, or leave it out entirely for a milder salsa.
- Lime juice: Brightens everything up, keeps the fruit from browning, and wakes up every bite.
- Salt: A little pinch draws out all those natural juices and enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Strawberry Pineapple Salsa
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Grab your strawberries and pineapple—they’re the stars of this show! Hull and dice the strawberries into small bite-sized pieces, then chop the pineapple to match. The uniform size ensures each scoop is perfect and packed with flavor. Be sure to finely chop the onion, cilantro, and jalapeño as well so no one ingredient overpowers the others.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl
In a medium mixing bowl, add your freshly diced strawberries, pineapple, red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño. Don’t worry about being too precise—what matters most is the combination of colors and flavors all coming together beautifully.
Step 3: Add Lime Juice and Salt
Squeeze the juice from one lime directly over the mixture. The citrus not only brightens and sharpens the whole salsa but also keeps the strawberries and pineapple looking vibrant. Sprinkle on a little salt; it transforms the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Step 4: Toss and Taste
Gently mix all the ingredients together. Be careful not to break up the fruit pieces, especially if your strawberries are very ripe. Taste your Strawberry Pineapple Salsa—now’s the time to adjust with a little more lime or salt if you think it needs it. If you want extra sweetness, a drizzle of honey is always welcome.
Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle
Cover the bowl and pop your salsa in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This short chill time helps the flavors meld and turns your salsa into a truly harmonious mix. When you pull it out, get ready for a burst of color and freshness!
How to Serve Strawberry Pineapple Salsa
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a few paper-thin slices of jalapeño make this Strawberry Pineapple Salsa a real beauty on the table. For a pop of color, add a wedge of lime on the side or scatter a few pomegranate seeds over the top.
Side Dishes
Tortilla chips are a classic, but don’t stop there. Pile this salsa high on grilled chicken breasts or flaky white fish for a tropical main course, or balance it over black bean tacos for a flavor explosion. It’s fantastic next to rice or as a refreshing topper for salads, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Strawberry Pineapple Salsa in mini jars or hollowed-out pineapple halves for that wow-factor at your next get-together. Spoon it over crostini for a simple appetizer, or serve it in lettuce cups for the ultimate healthy party snack. The bold colors and flavors will always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Pineapple Salsa keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify, although the salsa may get a bit juicier as it sits—which is perfect for drizzling!
Freezing
Because of the delicate nature of fresh fruit and herbs, freezing is not recommended for this salsa. The texture will change and become watery once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two.
Reheating
No reheating needed! This salsa is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge and you wish to take the chill off, let it sit at room temperature for 10 or 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Pineapple Salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours in advance gives the flavors a chance to blend and intensify. Just store covered in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.
What can I use instead of cilantro if I don’t like it?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, try fresh mint or basil for a different fragrant twist. Both herbs add refreshing notes that still pair beautifully with the sweet and tangy fruits.
How spicy is this salsa, and can I make it milder?
The jalapeño adds a gentle heat, but the level is totally customizable! Leave out the seeds for less spicy salsa, or omit the jalapeño altogether if you prefer no heat.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
While frozen fruit works in a pinch, fresh strawberries and pineapple have the best texture and brightest flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly before adding to prevent sogginess.
What proteins pair best with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa?
This salsa is fantastic with grilled chicken, fish (like mahi-mahi or salmon), shrimp, or even tofu. Its freshness adds flair to pretty much any protein you love!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that captures the very essence of summer, don’t miss out on making Strawberry Pineapple Salsa. The bright colors, lively flavors, and endless versatility make it something you’ll want to whip up again and again. Give it a try, share it with friends, and let this festive salsa become a new favorite at your table!
Print
Strawberry Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Strawberry Pineapple Salsa is a vibrant and refreshing fruit salsa that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled dishes. The combination of sweet strawberries, juicy pineapple, and a hint of spice from jalapeño makes this salsa a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Fruit Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- juice of 1 lime
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and add a pinch of salt.
- Toss Together: Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño or use less.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
