This vibrant strawberry salsa is a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional salsa, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Combining sweet strawberries with a kick of jalapeño and the brightness of lime, it’s a unique appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, it’s sure to be a hit at your next picnic, barbecue, or party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry salsa offers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy in every bite. It’s an easy no-cook recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes and makes a refreshing dip or topping. Whether you’re serving it with chips or spooning it over grilled chicken or fish, it’s a fun and colorful way to add a burst of flavor to any dish. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Juice and zest from 1 medium lime
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1½ teaspoons honey or maple syrup
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Pinch of fine sea salt
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1 pint strawberries, hulled and diced
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1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
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½ small red onion, chopped
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½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Chips, for serving
Directions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice and zest, honey (or maple syrup), and salt until well combined.
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Add the diced strawberries, chopped jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl.
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Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix everything gently but thoroughly.
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Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed—add more lime for brightness, honey for sweetness, or salt for balance.
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If your strawberries are juicy, the salsa can be served immediately. Otherwise, let it marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve with chips, or use as a topping for grilled meats, tacos, or salads.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Add Avocado: For creaminess and richness, stir in diced avocado just before serving.
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Tropical Twist: Mix in diced mango or pineapple for extra sweetness and texture.
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Extra Heat: Leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce.
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Cucumber Crunch: Add diced cucumber for a refreshing, crisp texture.
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Mint Swap: Use fresh mint instead of cilantro for a cooler flavor profile.
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Red Pepper Addition: Add finely diced red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and color.
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Balsamic Kick: A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a tangy-sweet note.
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No Onion: Skip the red onion if you’re sensitive to raw onion flavor.
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Vegan-Friendly: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
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Protein Pairing: Serve over grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a light summer meal.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover strawberry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the salsa will become more juicy as it sits, and the strawberries may soften. Stir well before serving again. This recipe is not suitable for freezing or reheating.
FAQs
Can I make strawberry salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to a few hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit for 30 minutes helps the flavors blend beautifully.
What can I serve with strawberry salsa besides chips?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a fresh topping for tacos, nachos, or even salads.
Is this salsa spicy?
It has a mild kick depending on the jalapeño. You can control the heat by removing or leaving in some seeds, or adjusting the quantity.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw completely and drain well to avoid a watery salsa.
How do I keep the salsa from getting too watery?
Dice the strawberries just before mixing and avoid overmixing to keep their texture intact.
What kind of onion should I use?
Red onion is ideal for its color and mild bite, but you could substitute green onion or sweet onion if preferred.
Can I omit the cilantro?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, swap it with fresh parsley or mint for a different flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, just reduce or omit the jalapeño to make it more kid-friendly.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Lime is recommended for its traditional flavor, but lemon juice can work in a pinch.
How long will this salsa stay fresh?
It’s best enjoyed within 1–2 days, but it can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Conclusion
Strawberry salsa is a bright, bold, and irresistible dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With sweet strawberries, zesty lime, and a touch of spice, it’s the perfect appetizer or topping for warm weather meals. Whether you’re entertaining or just craving something fresh, this colorful salsa is sure to steal the show.
Print
Strawberry Salsa
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant and refreshing strawberry salsa is a sweet-and-spicy twist on traditional salsa, made with fresh strawberries, jalapeño, lime, and cilantro. Perfect as a spring or summer appetizer served with chips.
Ingredients
- Juice and zest from 1 medium lime
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 pint of strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- ½ small red onion, chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chips, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice and zest, honey (or maple syrup), and salt.
- Add the diced strawberries, chopped jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lime for acidity, honey for sweetness, or salt to enhance the flavor.
- If strawberries are juicy, serve immediately with chips. Otherwise, let the salsa marinate for about 30 minutes for best flavor and juiciness.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For less heat, use a small jalapeño or remove all seeds; for more heat, leave in some seeds.
- Letting the salsa sit for 30 minutes enhances the flavors and juiciness.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
