Salsa is a party staple, and it’s a particularly refreshing dip to serve at a summer soirée. The only thing that can make it more refreshing? Adding some bright, vibrant red fruit! This strawberry salsa recipe is perfect for a special event, but it can also make a great addition to a weeknight dinner of grilled chicken and a simple salad.
To make this salsa with strawberries, simply prepare the fruits—wash, trim and cut the strawberries and tomatoes—then combine them with the other ingredients and dress with a bit of olive oil and lime juice. Cover the salsa and let it sit in the refrigerator for two hours, so the flavors can develop and mingle together. It’s sweet, savory and just a little bit spicy—a complex combination of flavors that just screams “summertime.”
Ingredients for Strawberry Salsa
- Strawberries: Sweet, tangy and perfectly juicy, these red berries are a key component in this fruit-forward salsa. They add bright acidity and ripe sweetness that makes for a refreshing dip.
- Plum tomatoes: The juicy acidity of tomatoes plays nicely with the ripe strawberries in this fun strawberry salsa recipe. After chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours, the juices run together with the lime juice and garlic, making for a salsa that’s sweet, tangy, spicy and earthy all at the same time.
- Red onion: Raw red onions add pungent, sharp and spicy flavor to this fruity salsa with strawberries. When they’re raw, the oniony flavor adds a sharpness that complements the sweet, mild flavors of the tomatoes and strawberries.
- Jalapeno peppers: If you like a little heat, feel free to add extra jalapeno peppers here! They add earthy spice and pops of bright green color to this pink-and-red salsa.
- Lime juice: Bright, zesty and slightly bitter, lime juice adds a powerful punch to this mild salsa. The acid helps accentuate the sweetness in the tomatoes and strawberries, making for a balanced combination of complex flavors.
- Garlic: The chopped raw garlic in this recipe is a great way to add bold, pungent flavor to the sweet and earthy tomatoes. Although it’s not typically seen in fruit-based recipes, it plays nicely with the strawberries in this savory salsa recipe.
Directions
Step 1: Combine, season and chill
In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, tomatoes, onion and jalapenos. Stir in the lime juice, oil and garlic. Cover and refrigerate for two hours before serving.
Strawberry Salsa Variations
- Roast the strawberries: Instead of using raw strawberries, try roasting them on a sheet pan in a 350°F oven first. Roasting the strawberries until they’re lightly browned helps the sugars caramelize, which adds a deep, complex flavor to this simple salsa.
- Add blackberries: If you’re a berry fan, there’s no reason not to load up this salsa with extra fruit. Blackberries are sweet and tart at the same time, so they’ll combine nicely with the strawberries, tomatoes and lime juice in this strawberry salsa recipe.
How to Store Strawberry Salsa
To store strawberry salsa, pour it into an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the refrigerator. A mason jar or a deli container are both great options.
How long does strawberry salsa last?
This salsa can be kept in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Since strawberries are such a delicate fruit, the salsa isn’t sturdy enough to hold up to multiple days in the refrigerator and should be enjoyed quickly after it’s prepared.
Strawberry Salsa Tips
What can you eat strawberry salsa with?
This salsa with strawberries is delicious on chips or crostini, but it can also be a great topping for fish or chicken tacos. It’s refreshing, fruity and savory at the same time, so it’s a great topping for salad or grilled chicken too.
Is strawberry salsa spicy?
Our recipe for strawberry salsa is relatively mild, but you can absolutely add more heat if you like. This recipe includes one minced jalapeno. If you prefer milder salsa, scrape out the seeds and mince just the pepper for an earthy, peppery flavor. If you like a lot of heat in your strawberry salsa, include the seeds and add an extra pepper or two to the batch.
Can I add herbs to strawberry salsa?
Of course! Cilantro, basil or even mint would all make fantastic additions to this simple salsa recipe.
