This fun and fresh strawberry salsa is bursting with sweet flavors! Toss together ripe strawberries, a hint of lime, and a sprinkle of sugar for a tasty treat.
Pair it with crispy pie crust chips that are super simple to make. Trust me, you might find yourself snacking on those chips alone. They’re irresistible! 😋
My favorite part is how quick this recipe comes together. I love serving it at parties, and it’s always a hit! You get tasty fruit and crunchy chips – what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this salsa! If they’re out of season, try using frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain the excess liquid. Other berries like raspberries or blueberries could work too!
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice bite to the salsa. If you find them too strong, consider using green onions or even sweet onions for a milder flavor. They both complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro you can switch it out for fresh mint or parsley. Mint gives a lovely refreshing twist, while parsley is milder!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings out the flavors nicely. In a pinch, bottled lime juice can work, but fresh is always best! Lemon juice is also an acceptable substitute if needed.
Cinnamon Sugar: This adds a sweet and spicy flavor to the pie crust chips. You can create your own by mixing regular sugar with any ground spice like nutmeg, or skip it altogether for plain chips.
How Can I Make Sure My Pie Crust Chips Are Perfectly Crispy?
Getting those pie crust chips just right is essential for a great dip experience! Here are some tips to ensure they turn out crispy every time:
- Lightly roll out the pie crusts before cutting, if necessary. This helps them bake more evenly.
- Cut the crusts into even, small shapes—triangles or circles work great!
- Apply a light coating of cooking spray or melted butter; too much can make them soggy.
- Keep an eye on them as they bake. Ovens vary, so check around the 10-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them crisp up further before serving.
Easy Strawberry Salsa with Pie Crust Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strawberry Salsa:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adjust based on sweetness preferences)
- Salt to taste
For the Pie Crust Chips:
- 2 pre-made pie crusts
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (mix 1 tablespoon sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
- Cooking spray (or melted butter for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! It takes about 10 minutes to prepare the salsa, and another 15 minutes to make the pie crust chips. Plus, let the salsa sit for about 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld. In total, plan for about 40 minutes for everything!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberry Salsa:
Start by washing and dicing the fresh strawberries. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries with the finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and sugar. Gently mix everything together to combine. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt, tasting and adjusting as needed. It’s best to let this sit for at least 15-20 minutes to really develop those flavors!
2. Make the Pie Crust Chips:
While the salsa is resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If needed, roll out the pre-made pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice each crust into triangles or your favorite shapes. Place the cut pieces on a baking sheet. Lightly spray the triangles with cooking spray or brush them with melted butter. Finish by sprinkling the cinnamon sugar evenly over the chips. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
3. Serve:
Once the chips are done, let them cool slightly. Serve the fresh strawberry salsa in a bowl surrounded by the pie crust chips for easy dipping. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for Salsa?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the salsa from becoming watery. Chop them into small pieces and proceed with the recipe as usual!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Salsa?
If your strawberries aren’t as sweet as you’d like, you can add more sugar, a little at a time, tasting as you go. Alternatively, consider adding a drizzle of honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. Just remember to let the salsa sit for 15-20 minutes after adjusting the sweetness, so the flavors can blend.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Salsa?
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the strawberries may release more juice during storage, so you might want to drain some liquid before serving again. The pie crust chips, however, are best eaten fresh!
Can I Use Store-Bought Chips Instead of Pie Crust Chips?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tortilla chips or pita chips instead. Just adjust the serving size based on what you have on hand, and you can still enjoy your strawberry salsa with a crunchy dip!
