Cherry Salsa Recipe- Quick and Easy

Cherry Salsa is a luscious blend of sweet and spicy. Add jalapeńo for the heat and tangy lime juice for an unexpected treat on a salty chip or toasted baguette. 

Don’t stop there! Now’s your chance to think “outside the bun." This quick and easy Salsa Recipe is a delicious sauce for chicken, beef, pork, even tacos!

It’s time to get creative!  

This Cherry Salsa Recipe was a real game changer for me, I have never looked at salsa the same since my first bite.

I have grown up in the Southwest and lived here all of my life. Salsa is like water, it’s everywhere: on the tables (for free) at the restaurants, in concession stands at stadiums and on every corner. I’m surprised we don’t have little kids selling salsa at lemonade stands around the neighborhood.

This is the recipe that got me thinking about salsa in a whole new way. I put this cherry salsa on absolutely everything  I think you will too.

Why You Will Love This Cherry Salsa Recipe

• First of all, this salsa is delicious! Just the right amount of sweet and spicy without being watery like some other salsas.
• Not your average salsa. It is unexpected and has a bright flavor that will have everyone wondering what is in it.
• Easy and Fast. I can’t forget to mention how fast and easy this salsa is. No cooking or roasting required. Just chop, chill and go for a the perfect snack or cherry sauce for dinner.
• Cherries! Who doesn’t love cherries? Be sure to buy extra cherries and freeze some for holiday recipes and appetizers.

What to Serve with Cherry Salsa

Think outside the chip and try these ideas for Cherry Salsa

• Charcuterie Boards- Perfect! The unexpected flavor and slight tartness goes perfectly with cheese and sliced meats.
• Cherry Salsa Baked Brie- This combo may be my favorite.
• Cherry Salsa Cheese Log or Cheeseball is a holiday must.
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin was made for this recipe.
• Grilled Chicken Recipes are perfect for it.
• Tacos!- Pork, Chicken or Beef Tacos go very well with cherry salsa. You can even kick up the heat by adding more jalapeńo.
• Tortilla Chips- Yes, chips. The sweet and salty combination make an addicting snack,

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking. What recipes do you have that need a Pick me up?

Ingredients for This Cherry Recipe

• Cherries- I use fresh cherries when they are in season but, you can use frozen cherries. I do not recommend canned cherries, though. Canned cherries are too mushy and do not have the bright cherry color.
• Jalapeńo- These rate quite mild on the chile meter. If you would like extra heat, use Serrano or Fresno Chiles. I do not recommend the very hot chiles, you want to savor the bright cherry salsa flavor.
• Red Onion- I recommend red onion but, white or Spanish onion will also work but, you may want to reduce the amount. I do not recommend Sweet Onions or Shallots, the taste will be over powering.
• Lime Juice- Freshly squeezed if you can. If you don’t have a lime, fresh lemon will do. Just taste as you go. I do not recommend the lime/lemon juice in the little squirt bottles but, I do have good luck with the bottle Minute Maid lime/lemon juice in the freezer section or buy the refrigerated  juices.
• Cilantro- Some people love it… some people don’t. If you add cilantro, be sure to mince it as finely as possible.
• Garlic Clove- (optional) I did not add it here. I do add it quite often to add some depth of flavor. Remember, a little dab will do it for the garlic.
• Salt and Pepper to taste. I like sea salt in this recipe and you can find some very inexpensive brands at the grocery store. Fresh ground pepper is best if you can.
• Sugar- Not always needed. Taste your cherries before adding sugar. See the notes below.

How to Make Cherry Salsa

Making fresh salsa is like painting a master piece.... well, kind of. Use your taste buds to lead the way in bringing out the best in your ingredients.

• First- Taste your cherries. Pit and chop your cherries then, taste them. The flavor of your cherries may vary with each batch-some may be sweet, other batches may be tart. You will need to know how they taste so that you can balance the flavors.
• Second- Stir in the jalapeńo and onion to your liking. It is not necessary to use all of them. If your family likes mild, hold a little back.
• Next- Balance the flavors with lime juice and a touch of sugar or honey The key is to taste the salsa. Add the lime juice and taste again. If your cherries are too tart, add a pinch or two of sugar slowly, You may not need the sugar at all for this batch.
• Finally- Season with salt and pepper. 
• Chill- the Cherry Salsa and serve.

Time Saving Tips:

Use a food processor to chop the cherry salsa ingredients. I like to chop the cherries first and pour them into a bowl so that I can control how chunky the cherries are. Then, I chop the other ingredients in the food processor to get a finer texture on the jalapeño, onion and cilantro as well as the garlic, if used.

Frozen cherries work well in this recipe and save time because you won't need to pit them. In fact, I buy extra cherries and freeze them for salsa all year long (pit them before freezing).