Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry salsa is a vibrant, sweet, and tangy twist on traditional salsa. Its unique flavor profile balances the natural sweetness of cherries with the heat of jalapeño, the zestiness of lime, and the fresh crunch of onions and peppers. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dip, a topping for grilled meats, or a colorful addition to a cheese platter, this cherry salsa is versatile and full of bold flavors. Plus, it comes together quickly and is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal cherries in a savory dish.
Ingredients
- Fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- Red bell pepper, finely diced
- Jalapeño, seeded and minced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Fresh lime juice
- Honey or maple syrup
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the cherries: Pit and chop fresh cherries into small pieces. The smaller the chop, the better the flavors will blend.
- Dice the vegetables: Finely dice the red bell pepper, mince the jalapeño, and finely chop the red onion. Add them to a mixing bowl.
- Add cilantro: Chop fresh cilantro and mix it into the bowl.
- Season the salsa: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and rest: Stir everything well to combine. Allow the salsa to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos or cheese platters.
Variations
- Spicier Salsa: Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Milder Version: Omit the jalapeño or replace it with sweet bell peppers.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a tropical touch.
- Savory Depth: Add a clove of minced garlic or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Try substituting basil or mint for a different herbal note.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cherry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cherries and vegetables will change.
- Reheating: This salsa is best served fresh or chilled, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
How do I pit cherries without a cherry pitter?
You can use a small paring knife to cut around the pit and remove it manually, or use a straw or chopstick to push the pit out.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping.
Is cherry salsa spicy?
It depends on the amount of jalapeño you add. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
What can I serve with cherry salsa?
It pairs well with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, pork, fish, tacos, and cheese boards.
Can I make cherry salsa ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld, but it’s best consumed within a day for the freshest taste.
How can I make this salsa less sweet?
Reduce or omit the honey/maple syrup and add more lime juice or a splash of vinegar.
What type of cherries should I use?
Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier work best, but you can experiment with tart cherries for a more tangy flavor.
Can I add tomatoes to this salsa?
Yes, diced tomatoes can be added for a more traditional salsa texture.
How do I keep the colors vibrant?
Fresh lime juice helps preserve the bright colors and prevents oxidation.
Can I use other sweeteners?
Yes, agave nectar or a touch of sugar can be used instead of honey or maple syrup.
Conclusion
Cherry salsa is a delicious and unexpected twist on traditional salsa, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and acidity. It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any palate. Whether you serve it with chips, alongside grilled meats, or as a fresh topping for tacos, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer in every bite!
Print
Cherry Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This fresh and vibrant cherry salsa combines sweet cherries, zesty lime, and spicy jalapeño for a flavorful twist on traditional salsa. Perfect as a dip, topping for grilled meats, or a colorful addition to a cheese board. Ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cherries: Pit and chop cherries into small pieces for optimal flavor blending.
- Dice the vegetables: Finely dice the red bell pepper, mince the jalapeño, and chop the red onion. Add them to a mixing bowl.
- Add cilantro: Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Season the salsa: Add lime juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine and rest: Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy with tortilla chips, grilled meats, tacos, or a cheese platter.
Notes
- For extra heat: Add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- For a milder taste: Omit jalapeño or replace it with sweet bell pepper.
- For a tropical touch: Mix in diced mango or pineapple.
- For depth: Add minced garlic or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- For a fresh twist: Substitute basil or mint for cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dips & Salsas
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: fusion
Keywords: cherry salsa, fruit salsa recipe, summer salsa, cherry recipes, spicy cherry salsa
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