Imagine a burst of sweet, tangy cherries mingling with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. This cherry salsa recipe transforms your average taco night into a fiesta that even your taste buds will throw confetti over. The vibrant colors and fresh aromas will have you dreaming of summer picnics, backyard barbecues, or just an evening spent on the couch in your pajamas, indulging in something utterly delicious. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
I still remember the first time I made this cherry salsa for my friends. As they dug in, their eyes widened with surprise and delight—who knew cherries could elevate salsa to such heights? Perfect for topping grilled chicken or as a dip with tortilla chips, this recipe is sure to become a staple at any gathering. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The cherry salsa recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings
- Its sweet and savory flavor profile complements various dishes beautifully
- The vibrant color adds visual appeal to any meal, turning ordinary dishes into showstoppers
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a dip or topping, ensuring everyone finds a way to enjoy it
I recall one summer barbecue when I served this cherry salsa alongside grilled fish, and my guests couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cherries: Look for vibrant red cherries that are firm; they should be sweet and juicy for the best flavor.
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Red Onion: Choose a small red onion; its mild sweetness enhances the salsa without overpowering the other flavors.
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; make sure it’s vibrant green for maximum flavor.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the flavors; avoid bottled juice if possible for the best taste.
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Jalapeño Pepper: Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance; fresh jalapeños bring a nice kick to the salsa.
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Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the cherries and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Salsa Recipe
Prepare your workspace: Gather all ingredients and tools you’ll need (a cutting board, knife, mixing bowl). Wash the cherries thoroughly under running water.
Chop Cherries: Remove stems and pits from fresh cherries before chopping them into bite-sized pieces. The pieces should be large enough to provide a juicy pop with every bite.
Dice Onions and Jalapeños: Finely chop the red onion and jalapeño. Keep your eyes peeled for any tears from those onions—it’s totally normal!
Add Fresh Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped cherries, diced onions, jalapeños, and minced cilantro. Toss gently to mix without mashing those glorious cherries.
Squeeze Lime Juice: Drizzle freshly squeezed lime juice over the mixture. Stir until everything is combined; you want every ingredient coated in that zesty goodness.
Season Well: Sprinkle with salt to taste. Let your cherry salsa rest for about 15 minutes to allow all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Now you have a delightful cherry salsa ready to elevate any dish! Enjoy it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days (if it lasts that long).
With every scoop of this vibrant salsa, you’re not just enjoying food; you’re creating memories filled with laughter and joy around your table!
You Must Know
- This cherry salsa recipe is a burst of flavor and color, perfect for summer gatherings
- The balance of sweet cherries and zesty ingredients creates a refreshing companion for grilled meats or as a dip
- It’s easy to whip up, making it ideal for spontaneous occasions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chopping the cherries and mixing them with onions, jalapeños, and lime juice. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully while you prepare your other ingredients.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for peaches or add mango for an exotic twist. Experimenting with spices like cumin can elevate your cherry salsa recipe even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Do not reheat; enjoy it cold to preserve its freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For this cherry salsa recipe, use ripe cherries for maximum sweetness
- Always taste before serving; you may need more lime juice
- Serve chilled for the best flavor experience at your summer barbecues
Every time I whip up this cherry salsa recipe, my friends rave about it at parties. One summer cookout, I even had a friend declare it “the best thing ever”—and that’s saying something when you’re surrounded by grilled ribs!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries in this cherry salsa recipe?
Yes, but fresh cherries yield better texture and flavor than frozen ones.
What do I serve with cherry salsa?
This salsa pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or corn chips.
How long does this cherry salsa last?
You can store it in the fridge for up to three days before it loses its freshness.
Cherry Salsa
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your taco night with this vibrant cherry salsa, featuring a delightful blend of sweet cherries, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in, this salsa brings a burst of flavor that will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken and fish, and enjoy the colorful explosion of taste!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools (cutting board, knife, mixing bowl). Wash the cherries thoroughly.
- Remove stems and pits from cherries; chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely dice the red onion and jalapeño.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped cherries, diced onions, jalapeños, and minced cilantro. Toss gently to mix.
- Drizzle freshly squeezed lime juice over the mixture and stir until combined. Sprinkle salt to taste.
- Let the salsa rest for about 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 60g
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added sweetness, substitute cherries with peaches or mango. Mix in spices like cumin for an extra flavor twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; enjoy cold.
