Apple Salsa

Name: Apple Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, finely diced); 1 small red bell pepper (finely diced); 1 small red onion (finely diced); 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced); 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; ½ teaspoon salt; Optional: 1 teaspoon honey (for added sweetness)

This Apple Salsa is bright, sweet, spicy, and totally addictive. It takes less than 15 minutes to make and adds a punch of flavor to anything it touches.

A white bowl filled with diced vegetable salsa, garnished with lime and cilantro, is surrounded by blue corn tortilla chips on a woven surface.

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What makes this salsa special? It’s the apples! They add crunch and sweetness that play so well with spicy jalapeño, zesty lime, and the freshness of cilantro. If you like fun spins on salsa or fruit-forward recipes, you’ll love this Mango Habanero Salsa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor Combo: Sweet, spicy, tangy, and fresh all in one bite.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in just 15 minutes with zero cooking.
Versatile: Perfect with chips, grilled meats, tacos, or salads.
Healthy: Packed with fresh produce and no added oils.

Ingredients

We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Apples: Go for crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Dice them finely so they mix well with the other ingredients.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a mild sweetness and crunch. Pick a firm, glossy one.
Red Onion: Sharp and slightly sweet; dice it small so it doesn’t overpower.
Jalapeño: Adds the heat! Remove the seeds for a milder salsa.
Cilantro: Fresh and citrusy, it brightens everything up.
Lime Juice: Adds tang and keeps the apples from browning.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Honey (Optional): A little drizzle if your apples are super tart or if you want more sweetness. Maple syrup will also work.

Variations

Make it Spicier: Add a second jalapeño or leave in some seeds.
Make it Milder: Use less jalapeño or substitute with a poblano pepper.
Add Fruit: Diced mango, pineapple, or even strawberries work great here.
Make it Savory: Add a pinch of cumin or some finely chopped garlic.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A glass bowl contains chopped red onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and cucumber. Nearby are a salt shaker, a small bowl of lemon juice, and another small bowl with dressing.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced fruits and veggies. Add the chopped cilantro.

A clear glass bowl filled with finely diced vegetables, including red onion, tomato, cucumber, and green herbs, sits on a white surface with a spatula inside.

Squeeze in the lime juice, sprinkle on the salt, and stir in honey if you’re using it.

Storage

Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.
Make Ahead: Chop all ingredients except the apples ahead of time. Dice the apples right before serving to keep them from browning.

What to Serve With Apple Salsa

Pair it with tortilla chips for a fresh party snack.
Make for taco night as a sweet-spicy topping.
Make and serve with grilled chicken or pork.
Garnish a bowl of chili for a fresh twist.
Serve with fish tacos for a tropical vibe.

A close-up of a blue corn chip topped with apple salsa containing diced apples, red bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño.

Wendys Tips

Even Pieces: Dice everything small and evenly so you get all the flavors in every bite.
Adjust the sweetness: If your apples are super sweet, skip the honey or just add a tiny bit.
Let it rest: Letting it sit for a few minutes before serving makes a big difference. It gives time for the flavors to mingle.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this salsa with apples recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I freeze this salsa?

Nope, not a great idea. The texture gets weird and watery when thawed.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a little kick. For less heat, remove all the seeds from the jalapeño or use less.

Can I double the recipe?

Totally! Just scale up each ingredient evenly.

A bowl of diced cucumber salsa garnished with lime and cilantro, surrounded by blue corn tortilla chips on a white plate.

A bowl of fresh cucumber salsa with diced vegetables, garnished with cilantro and a lime slice, surrounded by blue corn tortilla chips.

Apple Salsa

This Apple Salsa is a crisp, refreshing twist on traditional salsa. Sweet apples, spicy jalapeño, lime juice, and fresh cilantro make it perfect with chips or grilled meats.

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Course: Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Servings: Servings

Calories: 22kcal

Author: Wendy

Equipment

Medium bowl
sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredients

2 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, finely diced
1 small red bell pepper finely diced
1 small red onion finely diced
1 jalapeño seeded and minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey for added sweetness

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
Stir in cilantro, lime juice, salt, and honey if using.
Toss until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Notes

Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
Let the salsa sit for 10-15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.
For a touch of sweetness, stir in a bit of honey.

Disclaimer:

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

Nutrition