Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my kitchen adventures, it’s that fresh fruit has the power to transform any snack into a celebration. That’s exactly what happened the first time I made Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips. It’s a stunningly colorful, vibrant, and sweetly spiced snack or dessert that wins hearts every time.
This recipe is a burst of juicy fruits finely chopped into salsa form and scooped up with crispy, cinnamon-dusted tortilla chips. It’s refreshing, fun to make, and incredibly addictive. Whether you’re preparing it for a brunch board, a party snack, or a light dessert, it never lasts long in my house.
Let me walk you through this delicious experience, step by step, with all the details, tricks, and flavors.
🍇 What is Fruit Salsa?
Fruit Salsa is a sweet, chunky mix of various fresh fruits—typically berries, apples, kiwis, and citrus—chopped small like a savory salsa. It’s often paired with sweet cinnamon sugar tortilla chips for dipping.
Key Components
- Fresh Fruit: Use a mix of colorful, ripe fruits for maximum flavor.
- Binding Agent: Usually a little citrus juice (lemon or lime) or jam is added to blend flavors.
- Tortilla Chips: Flour tortillas baked with cinnamon sugar until crisp.
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything I gather before I start prepping:
For the Fruit Salsa:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | 1 cup | Diced small |
| Kiwi | 2 pieces | Peeled and chopped |
| Apple (firm, sweet) | 1 medium | Peeled, cored, and diced |
| Mango or Peach | 1 medium | Optional, adds a juicy twist |
| Blueberries | ½ cup | Whole or halved |
| Fresh Mint (optional) | 1 tbsp | Finely chopped for freshness |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp | Prevents browning, adds zing |
| Fruit Jam (strawberry or apricot) | 2 tbsp | Helps bind and sweeten |
For the Cinnamon Sugar Chips:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flour Tortillas | 4–5 medium | Soft tortillas work best |
| Melted Butter | 3 tbsp | For brushing |
| Sugar | ¼ cup | White or a mix of white and brown |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Warm and aromatic |
🔪 Prep Instructions
Let’s break this recipe into simple steps.
🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Salsa
- Wash and dice all fruits into small, even pieces.
- Add the fruit to a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the fruit to keep it fresh.
- Add the jam and gently fold everything together.
- Sprinkle in mint if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
🍞 Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush both sides of the tortillas with melted butter.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.
- Sprinkle generously over the tortillas.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice tortillas into triangles.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
📊 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Sugar (natural + added) | 18g | 36% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg | 30% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
Note: Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Fruit variations may affect values slightly.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
- Party Appetizer: Add to a charcuterie or dessert board.
- After-School Snack: Kids love scooping their own salsa.
- Brunch Side: Pairs beautifully with pancakes or yogurt.
- Healthy Dessert: Serve chilled in mini cups at the end of a meal.
🌟 Why I Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this is a personal favorite of mine:
- ✅ Colorful & Fresh: The vibrant hues instantly lift any table.
- ✅ Customizable: Swap in seasonal fruits or go tropical.
- ✅ Kid-Friendly: A fun way to sneak in more fruits.
- ✅ No Fancy Equipment Needed: Just a knife, bowl, and oven.
🛠️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fruit Salsa: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Tortilla Chips: Store at room temp in a sealed bag or tin for 3–4 days. Re-crisp in oven if needed.
🧠 Pro Tips From My Kitchen
- Don’t mix the salsa too early—juices will release and make it soupy.
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought cinnamon chips, but homemade is always better.
- Add a few pomegranate seeds or diced pineapple for extra pop and texture.
🗣️ Q&A Section
Q: Can I make this fruit salsa without jam?
A: Yes! Just use a bit more lemon or lime juice and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to bind the fruit naturally.
Q: What fruits should I avoid?
A: Avoid overly juicy fruits like watermelon or overly soft ones like bananas—they can turn the salsa soggy.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Just use gluten-free tortillas or swap in rice paper crisps or apple chips.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: It’s already vegan if you use plant-based butter or simply brush the tortillas with coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil.
Q: Is this recipe kid-safe?
A: Yes! In fact, kids love helping with the fruit chopping and cinnamon sprinkling—it’s a fun and tasty project.
🧾 Variations to Try
- Tropical Vibe: Use pineapple, mango, and papaya.
- Fall Twist: Add diced pears, apples, a dash of nutmeg.
- Berry Blast: Stick to strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a red-white-blue look.
- Choco-Chip Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips onto the cinnamon chips before baking for an indulgent crunch.
📌 Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve mastered kitchen magic. It’s vibrant, wholesome, adaptable, and just the right amount of indulgent.
I love how each bite bursts with flavor, texture, and joy—and it’s one of my most requested party recipes. So whether you’re entertaining guests, feeding kids, or just craving something sweet and satisfying, give this a try.
Your tastebuds will thank you.