Nectarine Salsa with tangy lime dressing is a fruity side dish you’ll love with crisp tortilla chips or over grilled pork, chicken, or fish. Make a huge batch and expect it to be gone in seconds!
If you go through my recipes, you’ll probably notice that I post a lot of fruit salsas. There’s just something about diced fruits doused in a tangy lime dressing that I can’t get enough of. I am obsessed with the stuff! Give me a hefty bowl of these delicious fruit concoctions along with a handful of crisp tortilla chips, and I’d happily call it lunch.
As proof of this love affair, we have a growing list on the blog, including Kiwi Mango and Strawberry Salsa, Watermelon Salsa, Cantaloupe Cucumber Salsa, and Berry Salsa with Honey Lime Dressing. And any list is incomplete without this refreshing medley of fragrant nectarines, onions, cilantro, spicy peppers, and freshly-squeezed citrus juice that’s like a party in your mouth!
Ingredient notes
- Nectarines– choose fruits that are ripe but still firm. They’ll hold their shape when diced and not turn into mush when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Jalapeno peppers– keep the seeds in if you want a bolder kick or swap with sweet peppers for a kid-friendly dish.
- Red onions– for extra color and crunch
- Cilantro– adds a bright, citrusy note
- Lime juice– brightens flavors and balances the spiciness and richness of the ingredients
- Olive oil– enhances flavor and creates a velvety emulsified consistency.
- Cayenne pepper– for a punch of smoky heat
- Salt and pepper– season to taste
How to make nectarine salsa
- Wash the produce well to remove any grit or dirt. Drain any excess moisture. Dice the fruit and onions into uniform sizes.
- Combine in a bowl and dress with lime juice and olive oil. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss to distribute evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cook’s tip
There is no need to peel the nectarines! The skin is smooth and edible, and will add color and texture to the salsa.
Serving suggestions
Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a delicious snack, this easy nectarine salsa recipe makes a great appetizer or side dish.
- Serve it in a large bowl as a dip with crispy tortilla chips.
- Spoon over grilled fish or chicken breast for a refreshing contrast to the rich meats.
- Top pork carnitas or fish tacos to add a fruity vibe.
- Toss a few spoonfuls into a green salad or a rice bowl for a healthy, tasty mix-in.
- I’m even known to eat it with cottage cheese. Weird pairing, I know, but unexpectedly delicious.
Storage instructions
- As with most fruit salsas, it’s best consumed freshly made for optimal taste and texture. Nectarines are high in water content and will continue to release juice and soften as they sit.
- Transfer leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to three days. While still safe to eat, the salsa will be mushy and watery. It does not freeze well.
- To refresh, drain any excess pooled liquid and give it a good stir.
More salsa recipes
Ingredients
- 4 nectarines pitted and diced
- 1 small red onion, peeled and diced
- 2 Jalapeno peppers seeded and minced
- 1/2 bunch cilantro stemmed and chopped
- 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine nectarines, red onions, Jalapeno peppers, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, cayenne pepper and ground pepper. Toss to combine.
- Cover bowl with film and refrigerate for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Lisa says
I was wondering what the shelf life is in the refrigerator but also what would be the best way to make for winter?.. have you canned it? Hot water bath?, etc?
Lalaine says
This should be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. I am sorry but I’ve never tried canning this myself so I wouldn’t know how to adjust the recipe for that. 🙁
Meadow Brown Bakery says
Oh wow! This will be great in summer
Lalaine says
Yes, it’s perfect for summer when fruits are the sweetest. 🙂
Jessica Simms says
This looks so delicious and fresh, perfect for my chicken recipes or even just as a dip.
Eileen Kelly says
What a tasty salsa. I love the flavors and this has endless possibilities. I would love this on grilled chicken or pork too
christina aliperti says
I love any kind of salsa! i won’t lie either, I would definitely have this one for lunch with some tortillas.
Lalaine says
Best pairing ever 🙂
Yona Williams says
I’ve had a lot of different salsas before, but none with nectarine in it. This is a very visually attractive recipe…I can almost taste it from here.
Azlin Bloor says
That is one beautiful looking salsa! I can just imagine how amazingly the nectarines must taste in there.
Dawn McAlexander says
That looks good! I would have never thought about putting nectarines in my salsa, but it sounds great.