Grape Salsa

This recipe is in collaboration with the Alliance for Food & Farming. I attended the “Safe Fruits and Veggies Farm Tour”, which was paid for by the Alliance for Food & Farmingand sponsored by California Citrus Mutual, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Table Grape Commission, International Fresh Produce Association, Pear Bureau Northwest, andWestern Growers Association. All views are my own.

This recipe for grape salsa was inspired by a recent tour I attended with the Alliance for Food and Farming.

I had the privilege of touring California grape farms where I sampled fresh grapes, right off the vine, then enjoyed them in fresh grape salsa.

There is truly no better way to enjoy fresh grapes than in a produce-packed salsa with red onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice.

Scoop it up with crunchy tortilla chips for the ultimate appetizer!

How to make grape salsa

Featured Ingredients

• Grapes: I use fresh California red seedless grapes because they’re packed with fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, antioxidants, and resveratrol, which studies show may have multiple health benefits.
  • For this salsa, I like to quarter the grapes so they’re similar in size to the other salsa ingredients and are easy to scoop up with a tortilla chip.
• Red onion: I love fresh red onion in salsa, but I want the grapes to shine and the onion to simply enhance the flavors of the grapes.
  • I finely chop them rather than leave them in large chunks.
• Jalapeno: Depending on how spicy you want to make your salsa, you can adjust the amount of jalapeno you add.
  • I enjoy a medium spice level, so I use ½ to 1 medium jalapeno to 1-pound of grapes.
  • Note: the spice level will increase as the salsa marinates in the refrigerator.
• Cilantro: To add that classic salsa herbaciousness, I use chopped fresh cilantro.
• Lime: Adding both the zest and juice of fresh limes will enhance the lime flavor and provide a burst of freshness to this salsa.
  • Tip: use a Microplane to zest the lime before cutting it in half and juicing it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized glass bowl.
2. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Storage Tips

• Store fresh grape salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
• The flavors of the jalapeno and lime will intensify as it marinates.

Recipe Substitutions and Alterations

• For the grapes: This salsa would also be delicious with green grapes or a mix of both red and green.
• For the red onion: A very small amount of minced white onion would also be delicious in this salsa.
• For the jalapeno: Add a little, a lot or none at all depending on your spice tolerance.
• For the cilantro: If you don’t like cilantro, leave it our or substitute with fresh parsley.
• For the lime: Add less or more depending on how much lime flavor you enjoy.
• For the salt: Salt will enhance the natural flavors of the produce. Adjust the amount you add to your taste.
• Serving suggestions: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips or serve as a salad (eat it with a spoon!), on top of tacos or grilled meats or as part of a charcuterie board.

Nutrition Considerations

• To make this gluten free: This recipe does not contain gluten. Be sure all ingredients you choose are gluten free.
• To make this dairy free: This recipe does not contain dairy.
• To make this vegan: This recipe does not contain animal products.
• To make this nut free: This recipe does not contain nuts. Be sure all ingredients you choose are nut free.
• To make this egg free: This recipe does not contain eggs.

Fun facts about grapes

As part of the grape vineyard tours, I was fortunate enough to see how grapes are grown and harvested first-hand.

While I’ve always appreciated the sweet juiciness and nutritional properties of grapes, I now have more of an appreciation for the time, consideration and labor that goes into growing table grapes as well as the emerging research related to grapes and health.

Notable facts about fresh table grapes:

• California grape farmers collectively grow 81 varieties of grapes, which come in green, red or black. Each grape variety has unique flavor and textural properties.
  • In 2021, California table grape growers harvested more than 97 million boxes of grapes!
• California grapes are in season May through January.
• The white powdery substance you see and feel on grapes is called bloom.
  • According to the California Grape Commission, bloom is a naturally occurring substance that protects grapes from moisture loss and decay.
• Grapes can be prepared and added to dishes in many ways. Enjoy them in salsa, salads, sides, drinks, desserts and as-is (they make the perfect fiber-filled sweet snack!).
  • You can grill, roast, sauté or pickle grapes to give them a unique flavor and enhance their natural sweetness.
• Grapes should be stored in the refrigerator and unwashed and dry.
  • For maximum shelf life, do not store grapes next to alliums like onions or leeks.
  • Wash grapes just before serving or preparing.
• Studies show grape consumption can be beneficial for heart, brain and colon health.
• To read more about emerging research related to grape consumption and health, visit the California Table Grape Commission.

What is the Alliance for Food and Farming?

The Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 which represents organic and conventional farmers of fruits and vegetables and farms of all sizes.

AFF contributors are limited to farmers of fruits and vegetables, companies that sell, market or ship fruits and vegetables or organizations that represent produce farmers.

Their mission is to deliver credible information about the safety of produce.

An example of the Alliance for Food and Farming’s work can be found at www.safefruitsandveggies.com.

This website exists as a resource for science-based information for consumers so that facts, not fears, can guide their shopping choices.

Recipes Featuring Juicy Grapes:

• Grape Slushies
• Cranberry Chicken Salad with Grapes
• Fennel and Grape Potato Salad
• Roasted Grape and Ricotta Dip
• As part of a Simple Charcuterie Board
• Visit the California Grape Commission for more recipe inspiration!

Print