Why This Salsa Rocks:

Salsa’s are great because they are insanely customizable to the person or season. And this one is a perfect combo of textures and flavors. The sweetness of ripe pears pairs perfectly with the vibrant crunch of red bell pepper, the zing of red onion, and just a hint of heat from jalapeño. Topped with pomegranate seeds, it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

Tips and Tricks for Perfection:

• Choose the Right Pears: Opt for pears that are ripe but still firm. This ensures they hold their shape in the salsa.
• Balance Sweetness and Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice preference. Want it hotter? Keep the seeds; for milder salsa, remove them.
• Let it Marinate: Allow the flavors to mingle! Letting the salsa sit for 10-15 minutes before serving enhances the taste.
• Play with Texture: Try chopping your ingredients in different sizes for a varied texture. Finely chop for a more uniform salsa or keep them chunky for added crunch.

Alternative Topping Suggestions: If you’re feeling adventurous or want to switch things up, here are some alternative toppings that work wonders with this salsa:

• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped toasted almonds or pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Citrus Zest: A touch of orange or lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note.
• Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing twist.

Let’s Get Cooking:

1. Prep Like a Pro: Dice the pears, finely chop the red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Mix and Mingle: Combine the diced pears and chopped veggies in a bowl. Squeeze in that lime juice, drizzle with honey or maple syrup, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Blend and Rest: Gently toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Give it 10-15 minutes to really come alive!
4. Top It Off: Just before serving, sprinkle those gorgeous pomegranate seeds over the salsa.

So, there you have it – a delightful salsa that brings the best of fall to your table! Get creative, play with the ingredients, and make it your own. Share your creations with me—I’d love to hear about your twists and tweaks to this recipe.

Print

Pear Pomegranate Salsa

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Rest Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 2 ripe but firm pears diced
• 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds for topping

Instructions

• Wash and dice the pears into small cubes.
• Finely chop the red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro.
• Extract the pomegranate seeds and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the diced pears, chopped red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro.
• Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and drizzle the honey or maple syrup.
• Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
• Gently toss all the ingredients together until the flavors are evenly distributed.
• Allow the salsa to sit for about 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
• Before serving, sprinkle the prepared salsa with a generous handful of fresh pomegranate seeds.