Looking for a salsa that’s packed with vibrant colors, juicy sweetness, and the perfect kick of spice? Meet strawberry pineapple salsa! This fresh and zesty recipe marries the sweetness of ripe strawberries and pineapple with the tang of lime, a touch of cilantro, and just the right amount of heat from jalapeños. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, spicing up taco night, or grilling outdoors, this salsa will steal the show every time.

Get ready to add serious flavor to your table. Here’s everything you need to know to make this irresistible salsa, including tips, substitutions, and variations to make it your own!

Ingredients for Strawberry Pineapple Salsa

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this quick and delicious salsa.

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• • Substitution: Replace with raspberries or diced mango for a flavor twist.
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• • Substitution: Use canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup) if fresh isn’t available.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• • Substitution: Swap for green onions or shallots for a milder taste.
• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove the seeds for less heat)
• • Substitution: Use red pepper flakes or skip entirely for a milder salsa.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• • Substitution: If cilantro’s not your favorite, try parsley or basil instead.
• Juice of 1 lime
• • Substitution: Lemon juice works too, but lime really enhances the tropical taste.
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your homemade salsa ready in 10 minutes or less.

1️⃣ Prep your ingredients: Wash and dry the strawberries, pineapple, and cilantro. Dice the strawberries and pineapple, chop the cilantro, finely chop the red onion, and slice the jalapeño.

2️⃣ Mix it all together: Toss the diced strawberries, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

3️⃣ Season: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste. Stir gently to combine.

4️⃣ Chill: For the best flavor, allow the salsa to sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld together and develop that irresistible sweet-and-spicy balance.

5️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Grab your chips, tacos, or grilled meat and dip in!

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes

🍽 Servings: 4–6

Why You’ll Love This Salsa

This salsa isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with health benefits too!

Nutritional Benefits

• Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries help boost your immune system and fight free radicals.
• Pineapple: Loaded with bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion, pineapple also provides a generous dose of vitamin C.
• Jalapeño: Contains capsaicin, which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cilantro: A good source of vitamins A, K, and C, cilantro also adds a vibrant freshness to dishes.
• Red onion: High in antioxidants and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

At approximately 60 calories per 1/2 cup, this low-calorie salsa lets you indulge without guilt.

Best Ways to Serve

Strawberry pineapple salsa is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some foodie-approved ideas to try out.

• With Chips: Serve it with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Tacos: Use it to top fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or even veggie tacos for extra flavor.
• Grilled Meats: Pair it with grilled chicken, pork, or steak for a fresh, fruity twist.
• Breakfast: Spoon it over avocado toast or scrambled eggs for a bold start to your day.
• Salads: Toss it with greens for a quick, fruity salad topping.

Creative Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to remix the classic recipe and discover your next favorite twist.

• Tropical Salsa: Add diced mango or papaya for extra sweetness.
• Avocado Addition: Stir in chunks of creamy avocado right before serving.
• Smoky Kick: Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for depth and smokiness.
• Summery Surprise: Swap jalapeño with diced cucumber for a refreshing take.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Pineapple Salsa

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and pineapple will elevate this salsa beyond anything store-bought.
• Adjust the spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño, or skip it entirely for a mild version.
• Cut uniformly: Dice your fruits and veggies into similar-sized pieces for a balanced bite every time.
• Make ahead: This salsa actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Follow these tips to keep your salsa fresh.

• Refrigeration: Store the salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This salsa isn’t ideal for freezing because the fruit can lose its texture, but you can repurpose any extras into a fruit smoothie.
• Reheating: Serve the salsa cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Fruit Salsa

• Avoid over-mixing: Stir gently to prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.
• Skip the canned fruit if possible: Fresh fruit provides the best texture and flavor for this dish.
• Don’t skip chilling: Letting the salsa chill enhances the flavor significantly.

FAQs: Strawberry Pineapple Salsa Questions Answered

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Yes! This salsa tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours. Make it up to a day in advance.

Is this salsa spicy?

It has a mild heat, but you can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or removing its seeds.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Fresh fruit is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, frozen fruit can work but be sure to thaw and drain it completely.

What’s the best way to dice pineapple?

To save time, you can buy pre-cut pineapple. Or, remove the outer skin, slice around the core, and dice the flesh into small cubes.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This salsa is 100% plant-based and gluten-free.

Try Strawberry Pineapple Salsa Today

A vibrant blend of sweet, spicy, and zesty, this strawberry pineapple salsa is the dish your summer menu has been missing. Whether you’re hosting friends, upgrading dinner, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Grab your ingredients, set the timer for 10 minutes, and whip up this fresh and flavorful salsa today.