Firecracker Cherry Salsa

Short answer: Firecracker cherry salsa is a sweet-hot salsa made with chopped tart cherries, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime, with a pinch of chipotle for smoky heat. It takes 15 minutes, needs no cooking, and works with frozen tart cherries in February.

This is the recipe that surprises people. Tart cherries do what tomatoes do in a classic salsa, bringing juice and acidity, but with a brighter, fruitier bite. Serve it with tortilla chips, spoon it over grilled chicken or pork, or put it on fish tacos.

At a glance

• Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 20 minutes to rest

• Cook time: none

• Makes: about 2 cups

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups frozen pitted tart cherries, thawed, drained and chopped

• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries, chopped

• 1/2 cup finely diced red onion

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (leave some seeds in for more heat)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Drain the cherries well. Let the thawed cherries sit in a colander for a few minutes, then chop them roughly. Draining keeps the salsa from turning watery.

2. Combine. In a medium bowl, stir together the chopped tart cherries, dried cherries, red onion, jalapeño and cilantro.

3. Season. In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey, chipotle powder and salt until the honey dissolves. Pour over the cherry mixture and stir.

4. Rest. Let the salsa sit for 20 minutes so the dried cherries soften and the flavors come together. Taste and add more salt, lime or jalapeño if you like.

Serving idea: spoon the salsa over sliced roast turkey or chicken.

Tips

• Why two kinds of cherries: thawed tart cherries bring juice, and dried tart cherries add chew and concentrated sweetness.

• Control the heat: the chipotle adds smoke and the jalapeño adds fresh heat. Start with less and add more after resting.

• Make it a meal: spoon it over grilled chicken, pork chops, salmon or a block of cream cheese for a fast party dip.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh cherries?

Yes. In July, use about 1 1/2 cups of pitted, chopped fresh tart cherries. Sweet cherries also work, but add an extra squeeze of lime to balance them.

Can I make cherry salsa ahead?

Yes. It keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cilantro softens over time, so stir in a little fresh cilantro before serving.

What do you serve cherry salsa with?

Tortilla chips, grilled chicken or pork, fish tacos, quesadillas, or spooned over cream cheese with crackers.

Want more? Browse all our cherry recipes or get the free cherry cookbook.

About the author: Andy LaPointe founded NationalCherryMonth.com and co-founded Traverse Bay Farms, a family-owned Northern Michigan tart cherry company, in 2001.