Recently, my daughter returned home from a cooking class, eager to share her new creation: fruit salsa and cinnamon chips. While she enjoyed the experience, she wasn’t entirely convinced by the school’s fruit salsa recipe. Naturally, she turned to me, asking if I had a more impressive version. And of course, I did! This quest reminded me of a forgotten gem from my recipe archives: this incredible Peach Pineapple Salsa. I originally crafted this recipe a few years ago for a unique dessert taco, but its versatility quickly made it a household favorite.

What makes this Peach Pineapple Fruit Salsa truly stand out is its delightful hint of spice, transforming a classic sweet dip into something unexpectedly exciting. This vibrant salsa is perfect any time of year, whether you’re serving it in the peak of summer with fresh produce or brightening up a winter gathering using canned fruits. It’s incredibly versatile: enjoy it as a refreshing dessert with crisp cinnamon chips, cookies, or crackers, or serve it as a vibrant appetizer. For a savory twist, it makes an phenomenal topping for grilled fish, chicken, or pork, adding a burst of tropical flavor and a subtle kick. Best of all, this delicious fruit salsa comes together in just 5 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick snack or an impressive last-minute addition to any meal.

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Spicy Fruit Salsa

The secret to elevating this sweet and tangy fruit salsa to an entirely new level lies in adding a touch of red chili sauce, spread, or marinade. This ingredient introduces a surprising and addictive spicy zip that complements the fruit beautifully.

• Lime Juice: While fresh lime juice offers a bright zest, using lime juice from concentrate is perfectly acceptable and convenient for this recipe. If opting for fresh, remember to double the quantity to achieve the same intensity of flavor.
• Canned Sliced Peaches: For a healthier option and to control sweetness, always choose canned peaches packed in water, not syrup. This ensures the salsa isn’t overly sweet and allows the natural fruit flavors to shine. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before chopping.
• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a wonderful pop of color and natural sweetness. However, if fresh are not in season or available, frozen blueberries can be used—just ensure they are thawed and drained before mixing.
• Canned Pineapple: Pineapple tidbits are ideal for this salsa as they are already in small, manageable pieces. Avoid crushed pineapple, which can make the salsa too watery and mushy. If you only have pineapple chunks, simply chop them into smaller, uniform pieces for the best texture.
• Strawberry Jam: A low-sugar strawberry jam is recommended to add a cohesive sweetness and a hint of berry flavor without overwhelming the tropical fruits. This balances the tartness and spiciness of the salsa.
• Red Chili Spread/Marinade/Dip: This is the star ingredient that provides that unique spicy kick! Look for a gourmet sweet chili sauce or a red chili spread. It’s crucial to select one without garlic, as garlic can conflict with the sweet fruit flavors. This addition transforms the salsa from a simple fruit salad into a dynamic, flavor-packed dish.

*Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities and a complete list of ingredients.

📖 Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple substitutions to create your own unique version:

• Dried Cherries: If dried cherries aren’t available, dried cranberries make an excellent substitute. They offer a similar tart-sweet profile and chewiness that complements the other fruits.
• Lime Juice: For a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor, fresh lime juice can be used. Just remember to double the amount specified for concentrate, as fresh juice tends to be less potent in smaller quantities.
• Strawberry Jam: Raspberry jam is a fantastic alternative to strawberry jam. It offers a slightly different berry note that pairs beautifully with peaches and pineapple, adding another layer of fruitiness.
• Red Chili Sauce/Spread: If your local store doesn’t carry the specific gourmet red chili spread mentioned, any other sweet chili sauce without garlic will work. Always check the ingredient label to ensure it’s garlic-free to maintain the integrity of the sweet and fruity flavor profile. You could also finely mince a small amount of fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper for a more direct, fresh heat, adjusting to your spice preference.
• Other Fruits: Feel free to add other finely diced fruits like mango, kiwi, or even a small amount of red bell pepper for extra crunch and sweetness.

🔪 Simple Steps to Make Peach Pineapple Fruit Salsa

Preparing this fruit salsa is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a flavorful dish!

The entire process involves just one main step: Combine all the prepared ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Gently toss them together until everything is evenly mixed and coated. That’s it! Your vibrant, spicy peach pineapple fruit salsa is ready to be enjoyed.

Top Recipe Tips for Perfect Peach Pineapple Salsa

Achieving the perfect fruit salsa is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help you create a salsa that’s bursting with flavor and boasts an ideal texture:

• Perfect Texture: Uniformity is key for a great salsa experience. Take the time to chop the peaches and pineapple into uniformly small pieces. This ensures that every spoonful or scoop delivers a balanced mix of flavors and textures. Steer clear of crushed pineapple, as its fine consistency can lead to a mushy, less appealing salsa.
• Balance the Sweetness and Spice: The flavor profile of fruits can vary. Before you mix everything, taste your peaches and pineapple. If they are exceptionally sweet, you might consider slightly reducing the amount of strawberry jam or, conversely, increasing the red chili spread for a bolder, more balanced sweet-and-spicy kick. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Utilize a Zester for a Citrus Boost: For an added layer of bright citrus flavor without making the salsa too liquidy, zest the lime before juicing it. A small amount, about ½ teaspoon of fresh lime zest, can significantly enhance the salsa’s aroma and overall vibrancy.
• Thoroughly Drain Canned Fruit: A watery salsa is never ideal. To prevent this, ensure that all canned peaches and pineapple are thoroughly drained before you begin chopping. For extra precaution, you can gently pat the fruit dry with paper towels to remove any residual moisture.
• Allow the Salsa to Rest: Patience is a virtue when it comes to flavor development. After mixing all the ingredients, cover the bowl and allow the salsa to sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer if time permits. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious and delicious salsa.
• Consider Fresh vs. Canned/Frozen: One of the beauties of this recipe is its adaptability. While fresh fruits provide the brightest flavors, canned peaches (in water) and pineapple tidbits, along with thawed frozen blueberries, are excellent alternatives, making this a truly year-round recipe.

🌡️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the freshness and flavor of your fruit salsa. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover fruit salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its best quality and flavor for approximately 2-3 days. Beyond that, the fruit may start to soften excessively and release too much liquid.
• Freezing Not Recommended: Unfortunately, this fruit salsa does not stand up well to freezing. The delicate texture of the fruits, especially the peaches and pineapple, will become mushy and watery upon thawing, significantly compromising the quality of the salsa.
• Make Ahead: This salsa is an excellent make-ahead option for parties or busy days. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours allows the flavors to meld and deepen, often making it taste even better than when freshly mixed. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.

👪 Serving Size & Customization

This easy and delicious fruit salsa recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings, with each serving being about ¼ cup. This makes it perfect for a small family gathering or as a healthy snack throughout the week.

However, if you’re planning a larger event or simply want to adjust the quantity, you can easily half, double, or even triple the recipe. Most recipe cards offer a convenient feature to adjust serving numbers—simply click on the serving size displayed in the recipe card, select your desired number of servings, and the ingredient amounts will automatically adjust for you. This flexibility ensures you always have the perfect amount of salsa, whether for a cozy night in or a big celebration.

🔢 Weight Watchers Friendly: Low-Point Perfection

For those following the Weight Watchers program, this fruit salsa is a truly fantastic and guilt-free choice! It serves as an excellent low-point dessert, a refreshing appetizer, or a wholesome snack that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.

This delightful Pineapple Peach Salsa comes in at just 2 Weight Watchers points per serving on the blue plan, making it an incredibly smart and satisfying option. Enjoy all the sweet, spicy, and fruity goodness without worrying about high point values, proving that healthy eating can still be incredibly flavorful and enjoyable!

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Fruit Salsa

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