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Fresh, tangy, and bursting with color — this Traverse Bay Farms Fresh Cherry Salsa combines ripe cherries, juicy tomatoes, jalapeños, and a splash of Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate for a bold Michigan twist on traditional salsa. Perfect for chips, tacos, grilled chicken, or seafood.

Published: February 2011 | Updated: October 2025

Chef’s Note 

This recipe was created one July afternoon in the Traverse Bay Farms test kitchen during peak cherry harvest. We wanted to capture that farm-fresh cherry flavor in something savory. A dash of our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate gave the salsa its signature ruby color and bright tang. It’s now a customer favorite at our Bellaire store tastings — fresh, vibrant, and uniquely Traverse Bay Farms.

If you're looking to enjoy our nationally award-winning cherry salsa, check this out...

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Yield: About 3 cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh sweet or tart cherries, pitted and chopped

• 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes

• ½ cup chopped red onion

• ½ cup chopped red or yellow bell pepper

• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeded for mild heat)

• 2 tbsp Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• Juice of ½ lime

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• Optional: ¼ tsp cumin for smoky depth

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine chopped cherries, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño.

2. Add Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, vinegar, lime juice, and cilantro.

3. Season with salt (and cumin, if using).

4. Gently stir until evenly mixed.

5. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors blend.

6. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, or salmon.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Use all tart cherries for a tangier flavor or sweet cherries for a milder taste.

• Add diced avocado before serving for a creamy contrast.

• Spoon over goat cheese or cream cheese for an easy appetizer.

Nutritional Highlight

This salsa provides a natural source of anthocyanins and antioxidants from cherries — making it a guilt-free, flavor-packed addition to any meal.

Behind the Recipe

Traverse Bay Farms was built on celebrating Michigan’s cherry harvest. This recipe honors that legacy — bright, seasonal, and crafted for freshness. Whether enjoyed at a summer BBQ or as a healthy snack, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spice.

People Also Ask

Can I make this cherry salsa ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

What’s the best cherry to use?
Fresh tart cherries for zing, or sweet cherries for a milder version.

Can I serve it warm?
It’s best served chilled or room temperature to preserve freshness.

How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Experience the Flavor

Brighten your meals with Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate — made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and trusted nationwide for purity, flavor, and award-winning quality.