Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry jalapeño salsa is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy that will excite your taste buds. The juicy strawberries bring a natural sweetness, while the jalapeños add just the right amount of heat. The fresh cilantro and red onion add a touch of freshness and crunch, while the lime juice brightens it all up with a tangy kick. It’s the perfect condiment for any occasion and can be paired with chips, grilled meats, or tacos for a flavorful twist. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it a convenient and impressive addition to your meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries, finely chopped jalapeño, minced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
- If you prefer a touch of sweetness, drizzle in the honey or agave syrup and mix thoroughly.
- Season the salsa with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning and sweetness according to your preference.
- Cover the salsa with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the strawberry jalapeño salsa with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, or fish, or use it as a topping for tacos for a sweet and spicy kick!
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Variations
- Add more heat: If you prefer a spicier salsa, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a second jalapeño.
- Citrus twist: Add a splash of orange juice along with the lime for a unique citrus flavor.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley to give your salsa a fresh twist.
- Use other fruits: Try adding diced mango, pineapple, or peach for a tropical twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the strawberry jalapeño salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, making it even more delicious after a few hours.
- Reheating: This salsa is best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating, as the fresh ingredients and texture are best enjoyed cold.
FAQs
How spicy is this salsa?
The spice level of this salsa depends on the jalapeño. Removing the seeds will help reduce the heat, but if you want more spice, you can leave some seeds in or add an extra jalapeño.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes! This salsa can be made a day ahead of time. Just let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, or store it overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I adjust the sweetness in this salsa?
If you like your salsa sweeter, you can add more honey or agave syrup. Taste and adjust according to your preference.
What can I serve this salsa with?
This strawberry jalapeño salsa pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, grilled meats like chicken or pork, seafood, or tacos. It’s also great as a topping for salads or roasted vegetables.
Can I freeze this salsa?
While fresh salsa is best enjoyed within a few days, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture may change once it’s thawed.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for this salsa, as they provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
What other fruits can I add to the salsa?
Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as mango, peaches, or pineapple for a tropical flavor.
Can I make this salsa spicier without using more jalapeños?
If you want extra heat without more jalapeños, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.
How long can I store this salsa?
You can store the salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The salsa is best when fresh, but it will stay good for a few days.
Can I use a food processor to make this salsa?
Yes, you can use a food processor to chop the ingredients quickly. Just be careful not to over-process it; you want to maintain some texture.
Conclusion
Strawberry jalapeño salsa is a fresh, flavorful, and versatile condiment that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice to any dish. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or as a weeknight dinner topper. Whether you’re craving something new for your tacos or looking for a tasty dip, this salsa will surely impress. Try it today and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet strawberries and zesty jalapeños!
Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing salsa with the perfect balance of sweetness from fresh strawberries and heat from jalapeños. This unique blend is a great accompaniment to tortilla chips, grilled meats, or tacos.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
1 medium jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional for added sweetness)
Salt to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries, finely chopped jalapeño, minced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
- If you prefer a touch of sweetness, drizzle in the honey or agave syrup and mix thoroughly.
- Season the salsa with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning and sweetness according to your preference.
- Cover the salsa with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the strawberry jalapeño salsa with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, or fish, or use it as a topping for tacos for a sweet and spicy kick!
Notes
For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a second jalapeño.
Add a splash of orange juice along with the lime for a citrusy twist.
Experiment with herbs like mint or parsley for a fresh variation.
For a tropical flavor, try adding diced mango, pineapple, or peach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
