Strawberry season is a beautiful thing—fresh, juicy berries bursting with flavor, sunshine, and possibility. Back in 2009, I found myself with more strawberries than I could possibly use in jam. After gifting jar after jar of strawberry preserves, I knew it was time to try something different—something bold. With a little encouragement from my then-husband and some culinary curiosity, I swapped out tomatoes for strawberries, added mint and agave, and stirred up something magical.

That moment sparked the birth of one of my most beloved creations: Strawberry Salsa. This recipe wasn’t just another way to use up berries—it was the one that officially launched The Canning Diva® brand. Who knew strawberries and jalapeños could be such good friends?

🍓SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE FOR THE PRINTABLE CANNING RECIPE 🍓

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Salsa 🍓

This fruit-forward salsa offers the perfect harmony of sweet and heat, with pops of acidity and fresh herbaceous notes from mint and cilantro. It’s visually stunning in the jar and downright irresistible on the table.

But beyond its addictive flavor, this salsa is versatile, nutritious, and a fun way to preserve the vibrant taste of strawberry season.

🍓 Ways to Enjoy Strawberry Salsa 🍓

Whether served fresh or opened months later from your pantry, this salsa is a showstopper. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:

• As a Finishing Sauce for Grilled Fish: Spoon it over grilled salmon or tilapia for a sweet-spicy glaze that brings the dish to life.
• Cream Cheese Appetizer: For a quick crowd-pleaser, pour it over a brick of cream cheese and serve with crackers.
• Summer Salad Upgrade: Use a slotted spoon to scoop the salsa over spinach greens with pecans, avocado slices, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
• Marinade or Dressing: The remaining liquid from your batch can be canned separately and used as a bold, tangy marinade for chicken or pork—or as a flavorful salad dressing.

Health Benefits of Strawberry Salsa 🍓

This isn’t just a flavorful preserve—it’s a nourishing one, too. Combining each of these healthy ingredients, here is a snapshot of what you get in each bite:

• Strawberries
  Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber
  Supports immune health and reduces inflammation
• Jalapeños & Red Onion
  Contain capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting effects
  Offer antibacterial and antifungal benefits
• Fresh Herbs (Cilantro & Mint)
  Natural detoxifiers
  Aid in digestion and provide cooling properties
• Apple Cider Vinegar
  Supports gut health and blood sugar regulation
  This salsa is low in fat, bursting with nutrients, and gluten-free—making it a guilt-free indulgence that fits into nearly any dietary lifestyle.

Perfect for Water Bath Canning
One of the best parts about this salsa is that it’s fully water-bath canning friendly, which makes it ideal for preserving during peak berry season. It also makes for thoughtful, unique homemade gifts during the holidays.

🍓Strawberry Salsa Canning Recipe

This sweet and spicy strawberry salsa blends ripe berries, jalapeños, fresh herbs, and tangy vinegar into a vibrant, flavor-packed preserve. Perfect for water bath canning, it doubles as a gourmet topping, appetizer, or marinade straight from the jar.

Makes approx. 7 pints salsa, 1 pint marinade

Ingredients

• 12 cups of bite-size chopped strawberries (about 4 quarts whole)
• ½ cup Agave Sweetener
• 5 cups granulated sugar
• 1¼ cups diced Vidalia onion
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup finely chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat)
• 4 oz fresh lime juice
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¾ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper
• ¼ cup finely chopped mint
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1¼ cups apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a large stainless steel stock pot, add sugar, vinegar, and agave sweetener. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add all onions, peppers, herbs, lime juice, and spices. Using medium-high heat, bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Fold in diced strawberries, being sure to coat each berry.
3. Using a ladle and funnel, hot pack into jars leaving ½-inch headspace. Wipe rims with a washcloth dipped in vinegar. Apply lids and rings, and hand tighten.
4. Process in a hot water bath for 20 minutes. (Begin timing only after the water reaches a rolling boil.)

🍓 Must-Have Tools for Canning Strawberry Salsa 🍓

Click my affiliate link to shop for these essentials on Amazon. As an Amazon Affiliate, I do receive a small commission from the manufacturer which helps me offset the costs of running my website.
Thank you for your support.

These are the same tools I use every summer when I preserve my salsa, sauces, and jams:

Wide-Mouth Mason Jars (16 oz) – Perfect for chunky salsas
Canning Utensil Set – Keeps your workspace clean and efficient
Water Bath Canner or Large Stockpot with Rack
Tattler Reusable Lids – A sustainable and budget-friendly option

Join the Canning Conversation. This strawberry salsa has been loved by thousands over the years, and it continues to be one of my most visited recipes. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you served it! Did you tweak the heat? Use it as a marinade? Drop a comment below or tag me on social @canningdiva.

Happy Canning!
xo,
Diane
The Canning Diva®
www.canningdiva.com

Sweet & Spicy Strawberry Salsa for Canning

Recipe by The Canning Diva

5.0 from 2 votes

Servings

7 pints

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

This sweet and spicy strawberry salsa blends ripe berries, jalapeños, fresh herbs, and tangy vinegar into a vibrant, flavor-packed preserve. Perfect for water bath canning, it doubles as a gourmet topping, appetizer, or marinade straight from the jar.

Ingredients

US Metric

• 12 cups 12 bite-size chopped strawberries (about 4 quarts whole)

• ½ cup Agave Sweetener

• 5 cups 5 granulated sugar

• 1 1 ¼ cups diced Vidalia onion

• 1 cup 1 diced red onion

• 1 cup 1 finely chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat)

• 4 oz 4 fresh lime juice

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• ¾ cup diced red bell pepper

• ½ cup diced green bell pepper

• ¼ cup finely chopped mint

• 1 tsp 1 sea salt

• 1 1 ¼ cups apple cider vinegar

Instructions

• In a large stainless steel stock pot, add sugar, vinegar, and agave sweetener. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
• Add all onions, peppers, herbs, lime juice, and spices. Using medium-high heat, bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Fold in diced strawberries, being sure to coat each berry.
• Using a ladle and funnel, hot pack into jars leaving ½-inch headspace. Wipe rims with a washcloth dipped in vinegar. Apply lids and rings, and hand tighten.
• Process in a hot water bath for 20 minutes. (Begin timing only after the water reaches a rolling boil.)

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Authentic Homemade Salsa: Diane’s Canning Recipe