Fruit Salsa: A Sweet and Refreshing Twist on a Classic
Bright, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this fruit salsa is summer in a bowl. Paired with crispy cinnamon-sugar chips, it’s a fun and unexpected way to enjoy fresh fruit as a snack, party appetizer, or light dessert.
Fresh Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips – Easy Summer Appetizer
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit Salsa:
- Combine the diced strawberries, apple, kiwi, and mango in a large bowl.
- Combine the honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Drizzle the honey-lemon mixture over the diced fruit and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salsa for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Pita Chips:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (200°C).
- Slice each pita into 8 wedges and pull them apart for thinner chips.
- Put the pita wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Coat each wedge with melted butter.
- Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Dust the buttered pita wedges with the cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until the chips turn golden and crisp.
- Let the chips cool before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ideal as a sweet-tart appetizer or dessert.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!What You’ll Learn
Why This Fruit Salsa Recipe Works
This isn’t your average salsa. By swapping tomatoes for sweet seasonal fruits and pairing it with cinnamon-dusted chips, you get:
- A naturally sweet treat with no added sugars (except for the chips)
- 5 different textures in every bite – crunchy, juicy, creamy, crisp, and soft
- Endless customization options based on what fruits are in season
- A showstopping colorful presentation that looks as good as it tastes
Choosing the Best Fruits for Salsa
The key to great fruit salsa is balancing flavors and textures. Aim for:
- Sweet fruits like strawberries, mango, or pineapple
- Tart fruits like kiwi, green apple, or raspberries
- Crisp fruits like apples or jicama for texture
- Creamy fruits like banana or peach (add just before serving)
Pro Tip: The Perfect Dice
Cut all fruit into 1/4-inch pieces for the ideal scoopable texture. Larger chunks make dipping difficult, while smaller pieces turn mushy.
Homemade Cinnamon Chips in 15 Minutes
While store-bought chips work in a pinch, homemade cinnamon chips elevate this fruit salsa to another level. Here’s why:
- You control the sweetness level
- Freshly baked chips stay crisp longer
- Custom spice blends make each batch unique
The Secret to Extra Crispy Chips
Bake pita wedges at 375°F for 8 minutes, flip, then bake 5 more minutes. This double-baking method ensures maximum crispness without burning.
Beyond the Bowl: Creative Serving Ideas
While delicious with chips, this fruit salsa shines in many other ways:
- Breakfast: Top Greek yogurt or oatmeal
- Dessert: Layer with whipped cream or ice cream
- Drinks: Mix into lemonade or iced tea
- Main dishes: Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken
Make-Ahead Strategies
Prep components separately for best results:
- Chop sturdy fruits (apples, mango) up to 4 hours ahead
- Add delicate fruits (berries, banana) just before serving
- Store chips in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Mix glaze separately and combine with fruit 30 minutes before serving
Fruit Salsa FAQs
Thawed frozen fruit works in a pinch, but may release more liquid. Drain well and pat dry before using.
Toss apples and other oxidation-prone fruits with lemon juice immediately after cutting.
Absolutely! Add a pinch of chili powder or minced jalapeño for heat.
More Fresh Fruit Inspiration
Love this easy fruit salsa recipe? Discover more ways to enjoy seasonal fruits:
Can I make fruit salsa with frozen fruit instead of fresh?
While fresh fruit works best for maintaining ideal texture, you can use thawed frozen fruit if needed. Just be sure to drain off any extra liquid before combining with other ingredients to prevent a watery salsa.
How can I prevent apples from browning in fruit salsa?
A simple splash of lemon juice helps keep apple pieces fresh and stops them from turning brown in your salsa.
Is it better to make homemade pita chips or use store-bought for fruit salsa?
Homemade pita chips are ideal for fruit salsa because you can customize their crispiness and flavor to perfectly complement the fresh ingredients.
Can fruit salsa be served as a dessert?
Yes! This fruit salsa makes a perfect light and refreshing dessert, especially after a rich meal or as a sweet treat at summer parties.
