Irresistible Fruit Salsa with Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Chips! Discover the ultimate refreshing and delightful dessert or appetizer, packed with the vibrant flavors of fresh raspberries, juicy strawberries, succulent nectarines, tangy kiwi, and sweet mango. This homemade fruit salsa is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering. And the best part? The accompanying cinnamon sugar chips require just three simple ingredients, making this recipe an absolute breeze to prepare.
Author’s Note
The Fruit Salsa That Everyone Can’t Get Enough Of!
For years, I’ve been a huge fan of fresh, fruity salsas. They’re incredibly versatile, often making a fantastic topping for savory dishes like grilled chicken. My Mango Chicken and Pineapple Chicken recipes are household staples. However, this particular fruit salsa recipe holds a special place in my heart – it’s so incredibly delicious, you’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon!
This vibrant fruit salsa has quickly become a cherished favorite in my home. The moment my kids see me pulling out the cutting board and dicing strawberries, they eagerly gather around, anticipating its arrival. But the real excitement begins when I start making a batch of those perfectly crisp cinnamon sugar chips to go alongside it. The kitchen instantly becomes a hub of activity; everyone gravitates towards the tantalizing aroma, snacking, dipping, and inevitably asking when I’ll be making it again. It’s truly a celebration in every bite, transforming simple fresh fruit into an unforgettable experience.
Quick Tip for Perfect Salsa Texture
To achieve the ideal salsa consistency, it’s crucial to dice all the fruit into very small, uniform pieces. If the fruit chunks are too large, the mixture will resemble a fruit salad rather than a cohesive salsa. Moreover, large pieces can be incredibly challenging to scoop gracefully onto a chip, leading to a messy and less enjoyable experience. Aim for bite-sized bits that are easy to manage and allow all the flavors to blend harmoniously.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Fruit Salsa
Crafting this delightful fruit salsa begins with selecting the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and texture.
- Strawberries & Raspberries: These berries form the vibrant base of the salsa, offering a burst of classic sweetness. When selecting, always check the bottom of the container for any bruised or spoiled berries to ensure maximum freshness.
- Kiwis & Mango: Adding an exotic, tropical twist, kiwis bring a unique tartness while mangoes contribute a lush, buttery sweetness. Remember to peel them carefully before dicing into small, manageable pieces.
- Nectarine: A slightly firm nectarine is key here. It provides a wonderful textural contrast with a gentle bite and a subtle, refreshing tang that complements the sweeter fruits beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable! It brightens all the flavors and prevents the fruit from browning. For maximum juice, give the lemon a good roll on the counter before slicing and squeezing.
- Apricot Preserves: This secret ingredient acts as a natural binder, gently coating the fruit pieces and helping them stick together. Warming the preserves slightly before mixing can make them easier to incorporate evenly throughout the salsa.
- Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Chips: No fruit salsa is complete without these addictive, crispy dippers! They offer the perfect sweet, crunchy vehicle for scooping up every delicious spoonful of salsa.
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Delicious Fruit Salsa
Making this refreshing fruit salsa is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even beginner cooks. Follow these steps for a vibrant and flavorful dish that comes together in minutes.
- Prepare the Fruit: Begin by meticulously washing all your fresh fruits. Once clean, ensure they are thoroughly dried, as excess moisture can make the salsa watery. Then, hull and dice the strawberries, dice the raspberries, peel and dice the kiwis, peel and dice the mango, and dice the nectarine. The key to a great salsa texture is dicing all these fruits into uniformly small pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. This ensures every scoop delivers a medley of flavors and textures.
- Combine the Fruits: Transfer all the finely chopped fruits into a large mixing bowl. Use a large, sturdy spoon or a rubber spatula to gently combine them. The goal is to mix thoroughly without mashing the delicate fruit pieces, preserving their individual integrity and texture.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the apricot preserves. If your preserves are particularly thick, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to make them more fluid and easier to mix. Pour this mixture over the chopped fruit. Gently stir everything once more until the fruit is lightly coated and glistening.
- Adjust Sweetness (Optional): Taste the salsa. If your fruits aren’t as sweet as you’d like, or if you prefer a richer sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey (about a tablespoon to start) over the salsa and gently mix. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Chill for Optimal Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the fruit salsa in the refrigerator. Allowing it to chill for at least 30 minutes, and ideally an hour, not only makes it refreshing but also gives the flavors time to meld and deepen. This chilling period is perfect for preparing your cinnamon sugar chips!
Creative Variations to Elevate Your Fruit Salsa
This fruit salsa recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with different fruits and flavor enhancers to create your unique version.
- Whole Wheat Cinnamon Sugar Chips: For a slightly healthier or heartier chip, substitute regular flour tortillas with whole wheat tortillas or even pita bread. Simply follow the same butter and cinnamon sugar application and baking instructions.
- Salsa With Honey: If you find your fruit isn’t sweet enough, or you simply prefer a sweeter salsa, feel free to add up to a tablespoon of honey (or agave nectar for a vegan option) to the fruit mixture. Taste as you go to achieve your desired sweetness.
- Pair With Protein for a Complete Meal: Don’t limit this salsa to just dessert! It’s an incredible accompaniment to various proteins, transforming them into light, flavorful meals. Try it with Blackened Chicken, Grilled Flank Steak, Honey Garlic Shrimp, or Blackened Tilapia for a truly delicious and balanced dish.
- Spicy Salsa Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, finely chopped jalapeños (deseeded for less spice) or a pinch of chili powder can be mixed into the salsa. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Tropical Pineapple Salsa: Swap out the mango for fresh, juicy pineapple, or include both for an extra tropical explosion of flavor. Pineapple adds a fantastic tang and sweetness.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an unexpected burst of freshness, finely chopped fresh mint, basil, or cilantro can be folded into the salsa just before serving. Mint pairs wonderfully with berries, while basil offers an aromatic surprise.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Fruit Salsa Experience
Achieving a perfect fruit salsa and crispy cinnamon sugar chips is easy with a few simple tricks up your sleeve. These tips will help ensure your creation is a resounding success every time.
- Nectarine Preparation: If your nectarine is a bit too soft for easy dicing, simply place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. The slight chill will firm it up, making it much easier to achieve those neat, small dice.
- Efficient Tortilla Cutting: To save time and ensure your chips are consistently sized, stack two or three tortillas together. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut them all at once into uniform triangles. This method makes for a quicker prep and a more appealing presentation.
- Optimal Fruit Selection: The secret to an exceptionally flavorful fruit salsa lies in the quality of your ingredients. Always choose ripe, in-season fruits. They will be naturally sweeter and more aromatic, requiring less added sugar and delivering the best possible taste.
- Marinating for Flavor Development: While the salsa is delicious immediately, allowing it to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving is highly recommended. This brief marination period gives all the individual fruit flavors a chance to meld and harmonize, creating a more cohesive and deeply satisfying taste profile.
Storing Your Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Sugar Chips
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious fruit salsa and chips for as long as possible while maintaining their freshness and texture.
- Refrigerating Fruit Salsa: For the best flavor and texture, store your fruit salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Over time, the fruits will release more juice, and their texture may soften. Before serving leftovers, give the salsa a gentle stir to re-blend any accumulated juices.
- Freezing Fruit Salsa (Not Recommended): Freezing fruit salsa is generally not recommended. The high water content in most fruits causes them to become mushy and watery upon thawing, completely ruining the fresh, crisp texture that makes this salsa so appealing.
- Cinnamon Sugar Chips Storage: To keep your homemade cinnamon sugar chips wonderfully crisp, ensure they cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. Once fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Stored properly at room temperature, they will remain crisp and delicious for up to a week.
More Delightful Fruity Recipes to Explore:
Desserts
Mini Fruit Tarts Recipe
Desserts
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Salads
Berry Cheesecake Salad
Cakes And Cupcakes
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas
Fresh Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Chips
Video
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) container fresh strawberries hulled and diced, yields approximately 2-1/4 cups
- 1 (6-ounce) container fresh raspberries diced, yields approximately a heaping 3/4 cup
- 2 to 3 large kiwis peeled and diced, yields approximately 1 cup
- 1 large mango peeled and diced, yields approximately 1 cup
- 1 large nectarine diced, yields approximately 1 cup
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons apricot preserves
- Drizzle of honey optional, for extra sweetness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the chips from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Preparation Tips: Ensure all fruit is 100% dried after washing to prevent a watery salsa. If time allows, chilling the prepared fruit for a short while before combining can enhance the refreshing quality of the salsa. Remember, small, even dicing of all the fruits is crucial for the best salsa texture and ease of scooping!
- In a spacious bowl, gently combine the diced strawberries, raspberries, kiwis, mango, and nectarine. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and the apricot preserves until smooth. If the preserves are too thick, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pourable. Pour this flavor mixture over the fruit and gently stir to combine, ensuring all fruit is lightly coated. Taste the salsa; if you prefer it sweeter, add an optional drizzle of honey and mix again. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the cinnamon sugar chips. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- In a small, shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This is your delicious cinnamon sugar topping.
- Melt the unsalted butter. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush only one side of each flour tortilla with the melted butter. Immediately and generously sprinkle the buttered side with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating. Next, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut each tortilla into 8 uniform triangles.
- Arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to bake them in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–12 minutes, or until the chips begin to crisp up and their edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly due to the sugar! Once golden, remove the pan from the oven and let the chips cool completely on the sheet pan for 10–15 minutes. This cooling process is crucial for them to firm up and become perfectly crispy.
- Once the chips are cooled and crisp, serve them alongside your chilled, vibrant fruit salsa. Enjoy this irresistible combination as a refreshing snack, a delightful dessert, or a unique appetizer that will impress all your guests!
Recipe Notes
Chips Storage: Ensure the cinnamon sugar chips cool completely to room temperature before storing them. This step is essential to maintain their crispness. Once cooled, store the chips in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay wonderfully crisp and delicious for up to a week at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.