There’s nothing that screams “summer” quite like a juicy, sun-ripened peach. And while biting into one over the kitchen sink is a seasonal rite of passage, I’m here to tell you there’s an even better way to enjoy this glorious fruit. Enter: the ultimate Peach Salsa. This recipe is a vibrant explosion of sweet, spicy, zesty, and savory notes all in one bowl. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes at a backyard BBQ and instantly elevates everything from simple grilled chicken to your favorite tortilla chips. Forget the jarred stuff; once you see how easy it is to make this fresh, dazzling salsa, you’ll be making it all season long.
Why You’ll Love This
- The Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet peaches, spicy jalapeño, sharp red onion, and zesty lime juice create a symphony of flavors that is absolutely irresistible.
- Incredibly Fresh & Vibrant: Using peak-season produce makes this salsa pop with color and taste. It looks as good as it tastes!
- Super Versatile: It’s not just for chips! Serve it over grilled fish or pork, spoon it into tacos, or use it to top a simple block of cream cheese for an effortless appetizer.
- Quick & Easy: If you can chop, you can make this salsa. It comes together in about 15 minutes with no cooking required.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a unique and refreshing twist on traditional salsa that guests always rave about. Be prepared to share the recipe!
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- Peaches: You’ll want 3-4 medium peaches that are ripe for sweetness but still firm enough to hold their shape when diced. No mushy peaches here!
- Red Bell Pepper: One small pepper, finely diced, for a sweet crunch and a pop of beautiful red color.
- Red Onion: About a half of a medium red onion, finely diced. It provides a sharp, savory bite that contrasts the sweet fruit.
- Jalapeño: One pepper, finely minced. Remove the seeds and membranes for mild heat, or leave some in for a bigger kick.
- Fresh Cilantro: A generous handful (about ½ cup), chopped. It adds that classic, fresh salsa flavor.
- Lime Juice: The juice of 1-2 fresh limes. This is non-negotiable! The bright acidity pulls all the flavors together and prevents the peaches from browning.
- Salt: A pinch of sea salt to enhance all the other flavors.
Equipment
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Citrus Juicer or Squeezer
- Spoon for mixing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Produce: Finely dice your red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Place all of these prepped ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the Peaches: Wash and dry the peaches. Cut them in half and remove the pits. Dice the peach flesh into small, uniform ¼-inch to ½-inch pieces. Add the diced peaches to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Combine & Season: Gently stir all the chopped ingredients together in the bowl. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Mix and Marry: Stir everything together until well combined. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salsa rest in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and mingle.
- Serve: Give the salsa one final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—it might need another squeeze of lime or a pinch of salt. Serve chilled with your favorite tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled dishes.
Pro Tips
- Pick the Perfect Peach: Look for peaches that have a fragrant aroma and give just slightly when you press them gently near the stem. Avoid peaches that are rock-hard or have soft, bruised spots. Yellow peaches work best for their classic flavor.
- Control the Spice: The heat in a jalapeño lives in the white membranes and seeds. For a salsa that’s all flavor and very little heat, be sure to meticulously remove them. For more fire, leave some in or even swap the jalapeño for a spicier pepper like a serrano.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the salsa sit is a crucial step! It allows the salt and lime juice to draw out the natural sweetness from the peaches and meld all the individual flavors into one cohesive, delicious dip.
- Fun Add-ins: Feel free to customize! A cup of grilled corn, a can of rinsed black beans, or a diced avocado (add just before serving to prevent browning) are all fantastic additions.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover peach salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the peaches will continue to release their juices and soften over time, so the salsa will become a bit more liquidy on day two or three. While the texture changes slightly, the flavor is still absolutely fantastic!
Print
Peach Salsa
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh, sweet, and spicy peach salsa perfect for summer snacking, tacos, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
3 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Add the chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Season with salt to taste and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4. If the peaches are not very sweet, add honey and mix again.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled with chips, on tacos, or alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Notes
For a spicier salsa, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a second one.
This salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Use firm, ripe peaches to avoid a mushy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican