I had every intention of posting this recipe before Cinco de Mayo, but sometimes real life simply gets in the way of my blogging schedule. However, I’m betting that’s not the only day of the year you want to eat Mexican food. We’ve got a long and glorious summer ahead of us, and I intend to eat plenty of this fresh apple and pineapple salsa throughout it.
Fruit salsa always reminds me of carefree summer days. The first time I had it was at an island-themed party my parents hosted years ago, which is probably why I still associate it with fun tropical vibes. I still remember how pleasantly surprising it was to taste something that was sweet, tangy and spicy all at once. This fruit salsa hits all of those notes, too: tart green apple is balanced by sweet pineapple, lime and cilantro add an amazing brightness, and jalapeno brings a bit of heat. It’s crunchy and juicy and wonderfully versatile. Serve it with chips, on tacos or in a burrito bowl – the possibilities are endless.
- 1 green apple, finely chopped
- About ¾ cup chopped pineapple
- Zest and juice of one lime
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- ½ or 1 jalapeno (depending on level of spice desired), seeds removed and finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Add salt to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate (the salsa will keep for a couple of days).
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I’m so glad you posted this Julia ~ you’re absolutely right, Mexican fare is popular in our home all year round so no need to limit it to a particular holiday 🙂 It’s funny I don’t tend to eat a lot of pineapple – on its own I sometimes find the flavor overpowering but mixed in with this salsa with its counterpoints in the lime, apple and cilantro, I think it would be lovely. I will have to give it a try – such a unique combination of ingredients too. Oh, and on the scheduled posting… yes, inconveniently enough, that life thing can sometimes get in the way! 😉 I’ve stopped resisting it and just try and go with the flow now… if I miss a week or two here or there so be it; the blog will still be there when I return and in the meantime I’ve prioritized something or someone I felt needed me more and that makes me happy :).
Kelly, it’s so nice to hear that you try to go with the flow with your blog schedule. I find that very refreshing! And I actually don’t have pineapple that often for the same reason as you. However, there’s just something about pineapple in Mexican food…I love the sweetness paired with the other elements. I hope you enjoy it!!
We eat Mexican food every. single. week. YUM! I totally understand that life can easily get in the way of blogging especially when your in school or work full time. It’s just hard to balance it all. Feeling it now, but important to take care of yourself through it all.
Thanks, Kristina! And I’m glad you have felt the same way about blogging before – it’s a lot of work and sometimes we just need to take a breather. Plus, I think little breaks can help foster creativity!
I found this to be the perfect complement in my avocado and cheese soft taco. You can really taste each ingredient. The pineapple was probably my favorite part, but it had to have the other flavors along with it to showcase it just the right way. I liked the heat, too. A very tasty treat for cinco or any other day.
I am so glad you enjoyed it! I like the spiciness paired with the pineapple too. It’s such a fun and easy way to spruce up simple tacos.
I’ll still be waiting for your next post should life get a bit hectic, Julia. Life happens regardless of our own agenda; deep breath. I feel like I’ve been inhaling homemade salsa lately, of the tomato variety, so your recipe came just in time for me! I neeeed a change! I love pineapple salsa too… but have never made it with apples. I bet it’s incredibly flavorful… and Julia, I can always use a new Mexican recipe. It is a favorite in our home. This would be fabulous with tacos, enchiladas or with chips and a big o’le fresh margarita on the porch!
Thanks for your promise to be patient with me, Traci 🙂 I remember that you are a fan of Mexican food from that delicious tortilla soup you posted a while ago. You really can’t go wrong with Mexican food, can you?! And yes, this salsa with some chips and a margarita on the porch sounds really lovely!!
Ahh, I love fruit salsa, Julia. Definitely want to try this – have never mixed apples and pineapple before but the balance of tart and sweet sounds like the perfect idea. Also, love the lime and cilantro – I’ll have to go easy on the jalapeño – I’m not the hugest hot spicy fan. I always have pineapple in the freezer (for smoothies) – do you think frozen (thawed) pineapple would work well? Thanks for the great recipe, Julia!!
Thanks, Geraldine! I think you’ll really like the combination of apple and pineapple. And yes, I would only use a bit of chopped jalapeno if you’re looking for something milder. As for the pineapple, I’m sure thawed would be fine as long as you drain it of all its excess water. Let me know how it turns out if you make it 🙂
This is just perfect for me! I have a half pineapple laying around and I had no idea what to make with it, I really don’t feel like making an other smoothie today….but this! I have everything for it, can’t wait for dinner tonight 🙂
That’s great, Evi! Don’t you love when you already have all the ingredients for a recipe? Let me know what you think of it!