| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: None | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 87 | 0.2g | 0g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 1g | 1g | 0.01g |
As you might not be surprised to learn, my recipe for Grape Salsa with Cilantro and Lime hasn’t taken its inspiration from traditional salsa recipes you’re more likely to find in the Southern reaches of California. A staunch advocate for the fresh, vibrant flavors abundant in California wine country, I enjoy reinterpreting classic dishes in ways that both align with my health-conscious lifestyle and indulge the comfort-food lover in me.
The Flavors
The shining stars of this recipe, of course, are the red and green grapes. They lend a subtly sweet yet pleasantly tart flavor, creating a sensational backdrop for our daring dance of flavors. The kick from the jalapeno sets the stage for the distinctive flavor profiles of the red onion and cilantro, the latter being one of the most loved (and sometimes, polarizing) herbs in the culinary world.
With a hint of lime juice for that quintessentially So-Cal citrus twist, this salsa is an explosion of flavors that would make anyone sit up and take notice. Did I mention that it’s also loaded with Vitamin C thanks to all that fruit? Yes, delicious and nutritious!
A Flexible Sidekick or Standout Star
What I love about this Grape Salsa with Cilantro and Lime is its versatile nature. If you ask me, it’s undoubtedly a showstopper on its own – a daringly different appetizer for your guests perhaps? But, if you’re looking to pair it with a main, it plays well with grilled chicken or fish. It’s rather similar to a tomato salsa, but with a sweet, fruity twist. It’s this dash of unpredictability that makes it such a hit at family meals, both for its taste and its health benefits.
As someone who spends her weekends brunching on avocado toasts and sipping on fresh juice with my wonderful kids, this grape salsa is exactly the kind of dish that suits our lifestyle and preference. It’s like a bowlful of sunshine- the embodiment of everything that is vibrant, healthy, and joyful about Californian cuisine. Give it a try and you will see why I hold this recipe so dear to my heart.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, diced
- 2 cups seedless green grapes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Dice the 2 cups of seedless red grapes and 2 cups of seedless green grapes. Then, finely chop the 1/4 cup of red onion and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves. Lastly, carefully seed and mince the jalapeno pepper.
Step Two
Once all of the produce is chopped, combine the diced red and green grapes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeno pepper, and chopped cilantro leaves into a large bowl.
Step Three
Next, add the 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice to the bowl over the ingredients. This will add a tangy flavor that will compliment the sweetness of the grapes and the spiciness of the jalapeno.
Step Four
Season the mixture with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Most of the flavor in this salsa comes from the fresh fruits and vegetables, but the salt and pepper bring out their individual flavors and add a bit of kick.
Step Five
Stir all of the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Step Six
Serve your Grape Salsa with Cilantro and Lime immediately or cover it and keep it in the refrigerator until it is time to serve. This salsa pairs well with tortilla chips or can be used as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
