Fresh, colorful, and full of bright fruit flavor, this pineapple strawberry salsa is a sweet and tangy dip that is easy to make and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Juicy pineapple, ripe strawberries, crisp red bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice come together in a refreshing salsa that tastes as good with tortilla chips as it does spooned over tacos, grilled meats, salads, and wraps.
This pineapple strawberry salsa recipe is simple, naturally vibrant, and ideal for summer cookouts, back-to-school parties, potlucks, or any time you want a fresh fruit salsa with a little heat. Serving it in a hollowed-out pineapple makes the dish look festive without adding extra work, but you can also serve it in any bowl you like.
Table of Contents
- Berry Pineapple Salsa
- How to Make Pineapple Strawberry Salsa
- Tips and Tricks to Make Pineapple Strawberry Salsa & FAQs
- What to Serve With Pineapple Strawberry Salsa
- Pineapple Strawberry Salsa Recipe
Berry Pineapple Salsa
Fruit salsa is a delicious way to bring a fresh, sweet, and slightly spicy twist to the table. Unlike a traditional tomato salsa, this version uses ripe strawberries and pineapple as the base, giving it a juicy texture and a naturally sweet flavor. The red onion and jalapeno add sharpness and gentle heat, while cilantro and lime juice keep everything bright and balanced.
This strawberry pineapple salsa is especially good when berries are in season, but it is also a great recipe for using up fresh fruit before it becomes too soft. It works beautifully as a party dip with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a topping for grilled chicken, beef, pork, fish, tofu tacos, burritos, fajita bowls, or crisp green salads.
The key to a great fruit salsa is balance. The pineapple brings tropical sweetness and acidity, the strawberries add a soft berry flavor, and the bell pepper gives the salsa a crisp bite. A little jalapeno keeps the salsa from tasting too sweet, and lime juice ties all the ingredients together.
How to Make Pineapple Strawberry Salsa
To make this pineapple strawberry salsa, you will need fresh fruit, a few crisp vegetables, and lime juice. The ingredients are easy to prepare, and the whole salsa comes together quickly. For the best texture, dice everything into small, even pieces so every scoop has a little bit of fruit, pepper, onion, and herbs.
- Whole pineapple: Use a fresh pineapple for both the salsa and the serving bowl. The hollowed-out pineapple makes a fun presentation for parties and cookouts.
- Fresh pineapple: Diced pineapple adds tropical sweetness, juicy texture, and bright acidity.
- Strawberries: Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best natural sweetness and berry flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Red bell pepper is crisp, mild, and slightly sweet, which makes it a great match for fruit salsa.
- Jalapeno: A seeded and diced jalapeno gives the salsa a mild kick. Leave in some seeds if you prefer more heat.
- Red onion: Red onion adds a crisp, sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and strawberries.
- Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, peppery flavor. If you do not enjoy cilantro, use parsley or chopped green onions instead.
- Lime juice: Lime juice brightens the salsa and helps bring the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors together.
- Tortilla chips: Serve with your favorite tortilla chips for dipping.
- To make the pineapple bowl, cut off about one-third of the pineapple while keeping the stem attached to the larger section. Carefully remove the fruit from the center to create a bowl, then dice enough pineapple for the salsa.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, strawberries, red bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Spoon the salsa into the hollowed-out pineapple bowl.
- Chill before serving, then enjoy with tortilla chips or use as a fresh topping.
Tips and Tricks to Make Pineapple Strawberry Salsa & FAQs
Chill before serving. Chilling the salsa gives the lime juice time to blend with the fruit, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. This step is not required, but it improves the overall flavor and makes the salsa extra refreshing.
Dice ingredients evenly. Small, even pieces make this salsa easier to scoop and help every bite taste balanced. If the pineapple or strawberries are cut too large, the salsa can be harder to serve with chips.
Adjust the heat. For a mild salsa, remove the jalapeno seeds and membrane before dicing. For a spicier fruit salsa, leave in some seeds or add a little extra jalapeno.
Serve in the pineapple. A pineapple bowl is optional, but it makes this recipe look special for parties, picnics, and summer dinners. If you are preparing the salsa ahead of time, store it in a sealed container and transfer it to the pineapple bowl just before serving.
FAQs
Fruit salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, but it is best enjoyed within one to two days. The fruit will soften over time and may release extra juice.
Store leftover pineapple strawberry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir gently before serving again.
Yes. Add more diced jalapeno, a pinch of cayenne, or chili-lime seasoning to increase the heat.
No. If you do not like cilantro, replace it with chopped green onions, parsley, or a small amount of oregano.
What to Serve With Pineapple Strawberry Salsa
Pineapple strawberry salsa is a versatile fresh fruit salsa that pairs well with many savory dishes. Serve it with tortilla chips as an easy appetizer, or spoon it over tacos, burritos, fajitas, grilled chicken, pork, beef, fish, shrimp, tofu, or rice bowls. The sweet fruit and lime juice help brighten rich or smoky foods, while the onion and jalapeno keep the salsa from tasting too sweet.
This salsa is also delicious over a simple salad or tucked into wraps for a crisp, juicy bite. If you are serving a Tex-Mex style meal, place this salsa alongside guacamole, roasted salsa, seasoned rice, beans, and warm tortillas so guests can build their own plates.
Try these other Tex Mex recipe ideas:
Green Chile Burger Bowls
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos
Roasted Salsa
Vegan Enchilada Pie
Pineapple Strawberry Salsa
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Whole pineapple to use as a bowl
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 4 tbsp lime juice
- Tortilla chips of your choice
Instructions
-
Cut about one-third of the pineapple off, leaving the stem intact on the larger section. Carefully hollow out the center to create a serving bowl. Dice the pineapple you need for the salsa and set the bowl aside.
-
Add the diced pineapple, strawberries, red bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro to a large bowl.
-
Drizzle the lime juice over the salsa and stir gently until well combined.
-
Transfer the salsa to the pineapple bowl.
-
Chill for 30 minutes, then serve with tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Calories: 49kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 3mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.