Easy Fruit Salsa Recipe: Fresh Berries & Homemade Cinnamon Chips for the Perfect Summer Snack

This vibrant and easy fruit salsa is a sensational sweet summer appetizer, brimming with the freshest seasonal berries. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite fruits. Paired with crispy, homemade cinnamon chips, it becomes an irresistible treat for any gathering, from casual cookouts to festive holiday celebrations. Imagine a refreshing, sweet dip that’s ready in minutes and bursts with flavor!

With its delightful combination of red and blue berries, this fruit salsa naturally stands out as a top choice for 4th of July celebrations. Its patriotic colors and refreshing taste make it a perfect complement to other festive treats, just like our beloved fruit skewers. Beyond its visual appeal, the juicy sweetness of fresh fruit makes it a delightful and light option for cooling down on warm summer days, perfect for serving alongside more savory dishes or as a standalone dessert.

Fresh fruit salsa is the quintessential quick and easy summer appetizer. It explodes with the vibrant flavors of seasonal berries and is sweetened just right with a touch of fruit preserves. Think of it as the dessert dip cousin to a refreshing berry fruit salad, crafted with a delightful mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. When served with crunchy, golden homemade cinnamon tortilla chips, it transforms into the ultimate summer snack, perfect for any party, picnic, or casual get-together. I always make sure to prepare a large batch for the 4th of July; not only do its red, white, and blue hues match the festive theme, but the juicy, sweet fruit flavors are incredibly invigorating and satisfying on a warm day. This delightful dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Fruit Salsa Recipe

• Ready in 10 minutes. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times! This fruit salsa is designed for speed and convenience. It takes mere seconds to combine all the fresh ingredients, and then a quick 10-minute rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully. There’s absolutely no cooking or lengthy chilling required, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or when you need a delicious dish in a hurry.
• Homemade cinnamon chips. Elevate your dipping experience with our easy-to-make dessert version of homemade tortilla chips. These sweet crisps are generously coated with cinnamon sugar, providing the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft, juicy salsa. Preparing them from scratch is surprisingly fast and simple, adding a special touch that store-bought chips just can’t replicate.
• Use any fruit. The beauty of fruit salsa lies in its incredible adaptability. You can craft a delightful bowl using almost any fruit you have on hand, embracing seasonality and personal preference. While this recipe highlights juicy summer berries, we also share fantastic ideas for peach or mango salsa, allowing you to create unique flavor profiles all year round. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend!
• Party-ready. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a casual picnic, or a celebratory potluck, this fresh and zesty appetizer is always a hit. The vibrant red, white, and blue fruit salsa is especially perfect for 4th of July festivities, but its refreshing taste and appealing presentation make it suitable for any summer occasion. It’s an effortless way to bring a burst of freshness and color to your table.

What Is Fruit Salsa Made Of?

For this particular recipe, we’ve chosen a delightful mix of fresh berries, creating a vibrant and flavorful base. However, it’s worth reiterating that this sweet salsa is incredibly forgiving and works wonderfully with nearly any fruit you prefer. The key is to select ripe, flavorful fruits that will contribute to the overall sweetness and texture. Below are some quick notes on the core ingredients for this berry-centric version. You’ll find a comprehensive, printable ingredients list with precise measurements in the recipe card located further down the page.

• Fresh Berries – Our stars are fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. These berries offer a beautiful balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness, along with stunning colors. Remember to thoroughly wash all berries before use. For strawberries, you’ll need to hull them (remove the green leafy tops and core) and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces for optimal texture in the salsa.
• Apple – A crisp apple adds a wonderful crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements the berries. It should be peeled and the core removed before dicing. Any variety of apple will work; Granny Smith will add a tart contrast, while Fuji or Honeycrisp will blend in with more sweetness. Choose your favorite to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
• Fruit Preserves – To bind all the flavors together and add an extra layer of sweetness and glossy texture, we use fruit preserves. Strawberry or raspberry fruit preserves are excellent choices, enhancing the berry flavors already present. For an even more homemade touch, I sometimes use a batch of my own mixed berry jam, which truly elevates the taste.

How to Make Fruit Salsa

Crafting this zesty and fresh fruit salsa couldn’t be simpler, making it the perfect no-fuss recipe for any occasion. The process is straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful treat with minimal effort. First and foremost, begin by thoroughly washing all your chosen fruits to remove any impurities. Once clean, the next crucial step is to dice everything up into uniformly small, bite-sized pieces. Consistency in size ensures that every scoop of salsa offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it more enjoyable to eat.

Once your fruits are perfectly diced, simply add all the chopped fruit to a large mixing bowl. Then, gently toss them together with your chosen fruit preserves. The preserves act as a wonderful binding agent, coating each piece of fruit with a sweet glaze and helping the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir everything until all the fruit is evenly coated and glistening. Allow the salsa to rest for a few minutes—about 10 to 15 minutes is ideal. This short resting period allows the flavors to truly mingle and develop, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious salsa. After this brief marinade, your vibrant and refreshing fruit salsa is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Easy Baked Cinnamon Chips

While your fresh fruit salsa is resting and allowing its flavors to deepen, it’s the perfect opportunity to whip up a batch of homemade, perfectly crispy cinnamon tortilla chips. These chips are the ideal accompaniment, offering a delightful crunch and a warm, sweet cinnamon flavor that perfectly complements the vibrant fruit salsa. Making them is incredibly simple and takes very little time.

To begin, take a few soft flour tortillas and use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice them into uniform triangles, much like you would a pizza. This shape is perfect for scooping. Next, arrange these tortilla triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap too much so they can bake evenly. Lightly spray the triangles with non-stick cooking spray to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and to promote crispiness. Then, give them a generous sprinkle with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Be sure to coat them well for maximum flavor!

Bake these cinnamon-dusted tortilla triangles in a preheated 400ºF (200°C) oven for approximately 10 to 11 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and become wonderfully crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary and they can quickly go from perfect to overdone. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. As they cool, they will become even crispier. These sweet cinnamon crisps are not just perfect for scooping up fruit salsa; they’re also a delicious snack on their own!

More Ways to Serve Fruit Salsa

Fruit salsa is truly a remarkably versatile and refreshing summer appetizer that goes beyond just dipping. Its sweet and tangy profile makes it a fantastic addition to a variety of meals and snacks. At cookouts and picnics, I love serving it alongside savory bites like light and fresh cucumber sandwiches and creamy lemon herb potato salad, where its bright flavors offer a delightful contrast.

When we’re not simply devouring it by the bowlful with those addictive cinnamon tortilla crisps, this sweet salsa transforms into a surprisingly tasty and elegant garnish for breakfast and brunch dishes. Spoon it generously over fluffy Greek yogurt pancakes, crispy waffles, or golden air fryer French toast for an instant upgrade. The fresh fruit adds a burst of natural sweetness and juiciness that enhances these morning favorites.

For dessert, get creative! A dollop of this vibrant salsa over a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a simple yet sophisticated treat. It also pairs wonderfully with a slice of rich Instant Pot cheesecake, cutting through the richness with its fruity zest. Consider serving it with a side of crunchy dessert wontons for another textural element. And of course, no sweet creation is complete without a generous swirl of homemade stabilized whipped cream to crown your masterpiece!

Recipe Variations

Homemade fruit salsa is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences or whatever fresh produce is available. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits and flavor combinations to create your own unique version! Here are some exciting ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Tropical Twist. For an exotic flavor profile, swap out the berries for finely diced mango or sweet pineapple. The vibrant sweetness and slight tang of these tropical fruits make for an incredibly refreshing salsa. You might also fall in love with this savory-sweet grilled pineapple salsa recipe, perfect with grilled meats or fish.
• Peachy Perfection. During peak peach season, replace the berries entirely with fresh, ripe diced peaches to create a luscious peach salsa. The soft, juicy texture and fragrant sweetness of peaches are divine. You can also explore other stone fruits like sweet cherries (pitted and halved), plums, or tender nectarines for similar delightful results.
• Cool Melon Medley. For an extra refreshing and hydrating twist, incorporate finely chopped watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon. These juicy melons add a light, subtly sweet flavor and a fantastic texture that’s particularly delightful on a hot day. Their high water content makes the salsa even more cooling.
• Fresh Herbs. Elevate the flavors and add a beautiful pop of green by sprinkling in some fresh, finely chopped herbs. Mint pairs wonderfully with most berries and melons, offering a cool, invigorating sensation. Basil can provide an unexpected aromatic depth, especially with strawberries. For a more savory-sweet blend, a tiny bit of cilantro could work with tropical fruit variations.
• Citrus Zest & Juice. To brighten the flavors even further, add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice and a pinch of their zest. This simple addition enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit and provides a lovely tangy counterpoint, preventing the salsa from being overly sweet.

Can I Make This Salsa Ahead?

While fruit salsa is a breeze to prepare, for the absolute best quality, it’s truly meant to be enjoyed on the day it’s made. The reason lies in the nature of fresh fruit: after a few hours, the cut fruit naturally begins to release its delicious juices, which can cause the salsa to become quite watery and lose some of its vibrant texture. This doesn’t make it inedible, but it won’t be as firm or visually appealing. Luckily, its quick preparation time means you can easily whip up a fresh batch just before serving. If you need to save time, you can wash and dice the fruits ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Then, simply combine them with the preserves and serve minutes before your guests arrive.

More Sweet Dip Recipes

If you love sweet dips as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! These recipes are perfect for parties, dessert boards, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. From light and airy to rich and decadent, there’s a sweet dip for every palate:

• Strawberry Fluff: A light and airy dip bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for fruit dippers or graham crackers.
• Cake Batter Dip: Indulge your sweet tooth with this fun and festive dip that tastes just like cake batter, without the baking!
• Coconut Lime Cheesecake Dip: A tropical escape in every bite, this creamy, tangy dip combines coconut and lime for a refreshing dessert.
• Cookie Dough Dip: Safe to eat and utterly delicious, this peanut butter cookie dough dip is a dream come true for cookie lovers.

5 from 4 votes

Fruit Salsa

By

Erin Sellin

This fresh fruit salsa is a sweet salsa recipe bursting with summer berries. Serve it with cinnamon chips for a light and easy snack!

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cinnamon Chips (Optional):

10 minutes
mins

Total:

10 minutes
mins

Servings:

8
servings

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Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  pound
  
  strawberries
  ,
  hulled

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  red apple,
  peeled and cored

• 
  ▢
  
  
  6
  ounces
  raspberries

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ½
  cup
  
  blueberries
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  3
  Tablespoons
  strawberry preserves,
  or raspberry

Cinnamon Tortilla Chips (Optional)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  5
  8-inch
  
  flour tortillas
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  Non-stick cooking spray

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ¼
  cup
  
  granulated sugar
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  teaspoon
  
  ground cinnamon
  

Instructions

• Wash and dice all the fruit into uniformly small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size for even texture.
• Combine the diced fruit in a large bowl. Add the fruit preserves and gently toss everything together until all the fruit is well coated and glossy.
• Allow the fruit salsa to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the flavors to meld beautifully.

For the Cinnamon Chips:

• Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200°C).
• In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
• Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the flour tortillas into triangles, similar to how you would slice a pizza.
• Arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over all the tortillas.
• Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispness.

Notes

• Nutritional information provided is solely for the fruit salsa, without including the cinnamon chips for serving.
• Make ahead: For optimal freshness and texture, this fruit salsa is truly best enjoyed the very day it is prepared. After approximately 5-6 hours, the fresh fruit will naturally start to release its juices, which can make the salsa become watery. While you can prep the diced fruit in advance and store separately, combine with preserves just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories:
67
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
17
g

|

Protein:
1
g

|

Fat:
0.4
g

|

Saturated Fat:
0.02
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.2
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
0.05
g

|

Sodium:
4
mg

|

Potassium:
156
mg

|

Fiber:
3
g

|

Sugar:
11
g

|

Vitamin A:
31
IU

|

Vitamin C:
42
mg

|

Calcium:
18
mg

|

Iron:
0.5
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Cinnamon Chips (Optional):

10 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Course:
Appetizer, Dip Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

8
servings

Calories:
67

Keyword:
fruit salsa, fruit salsa recipe

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