Appetizers

Southern Apple Salsa

When the crisp sweetness of fresh apples meets the bold flavors of traditional salsa, something magical happens. This Southern Apple Salsa brings together the best of both worlds – combining tangy tomatoes, crisp apples, and aromatic spices into a versatile condiment that’s equally perfect at a summer BBQ or fall gathering.

Souther apple salsa served in a bowl with a spoon and tortilla chips.

Why We Love This Southern Apple Salsa Recipe

If you have never heard of Southern apple salsa, you are in for a real treat! This salsa recipe has a classic tomato, onion, and jalapeño base, but comes with a sweet Southern twist! The addition of apples makes this tomato salsa slightly sweeter, which balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and spice from the jalapeño.

I love this salsa because it bridges the seasons together beautifully. It’s refreshing enough for a summer barbecue but has enough warmth from the apples and pickling spices to feel right at home at a fall harvest gathering! Plus, since it can be made with canned tomatoes, you can enjoy it year-round without compromising on flavor.

Southern apple salsa served in a bowl with tortilla chips scattered around it.

Ingredients You Need

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the base of this salsa. You can use canned tomatoes outside of summertime, and fresh Roma tomatoes during tomato season if you prefer!
Apples: Choose firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
Onion: Provides essential savory depth. Yellow onions become sweeter as they cook, making them perfect for this apple salsa recipe.
Garlic: For an extra depth of flavor!
Jalapeño: Jalapeño adds the spice here. I like to deseed it so that it doesn’t get too spicy!
Bell Pepper: Use a combination of red bell pepper and green bell pepper if possible, for a combination of flavors.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar helps to balance out all the flavors and cut the acidity.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is the best way to add some tang flavor here!
Salt: To taste.
Pickling Spices: These will season up the salsa to perfection!

How to Make Homemade Southern Apple Salsa

Prep the Tomatoes: Drain the can of whole peeled tomatoes and give them a rough chop if you prefer.
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine all the ingredients.

Freshly chopped vegetables being added to a saucepan to cook.

Chopped apples added to the other ingredients in a sauce pan.

Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the salsa thickens.

Apple salsa mixture cooked down in a sauce pan.

Using a wooden spoon to stir the Southern apple salsa while cooking.

Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency. I prefer a chunky texture.

Using an immersion blender to blend the salsa to desired consistency.

Serve: Once the salsa has cooled slightly, transfer it to a serving bowl. Serve warm or refrigerate for a few hours to chill and let the flavors meld. Serve with tortilla chips, on grilled meats, or on tacos!

Dipping a chip in the Southern apple salsa from a serving bowl.

Tips for Success

For even cooking, dice all of the apples and vegetables into similar sized pieces!
Blend to your preferred consistency. I like to use an immersion blender here so that I can blend some of the salsa, but still maintain a chunky consistency.
If you prefer a spicier version, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, remove all of the seeds and white pith from the inside of the jalapeño.
To store, place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week!

Serving Suggestions

This Southern apple salsa works well with anything you would pair regular salsa with! I like to serve it with my favorite tortilla chips, but it would also go well with grilled meats like pork chops or chicken breast, or your favorite tacos. Try it as a flavor twist with some of my personal favorites: