The transition from summer to Fall is one that’s often welcome.

The shift is gradual with slowly cooling temperatures, earlier sunsets, a return to routine, and delicious new seasonal ingredients to work with. Some may disagree with my outlook on Minnesota’s most fleeting season, but I believe it’s what makes summer as sweet as it is. We appreciate the sunny days more, because we know they’re numbered. 

To bridge the gap between these lovely seasons, I like introducing in-season ingredients in unexpected ways to prepare my tastebuds for what’s to come. That’s exactly what I’ve done here with this Grilled Apple Salsa! Now, this isn’t the type of salsa you might be expecting. Rather than using this as a dip for tortilla chips (although this would be delicious!), I implore you to use this as a savory topping for grilled chicken, steak, or pork. It’s smoky, tart, and spicy, combining late summer produce with fall’s darling fruit: apples! I like grilling slabs of tart apples until charred (but not overcooked!), for a smoky and sweet flavor, but I also include raw chopped apple to keep the texture interesting. The apples are combined with bright cilantro, peppery red onion, and serrano pepper to give it a nice kick. If you prefer less spice, consider substituting a jalapeño, green pepper, or omitting altogether. It will still be delicious! A splash of apple cider vinegar and a few choice spices round everything out, resulting in a delicious cross-seasonal sauce or side that everyone will love. 

Let this be your invitation to begin introducing fall produce onto your summer plate. You may surprise yourself with an unexpected flavor combination that could become your new favorite! 

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Print Recipe

Grilled Apple Salsa

A delicious autumnal topping to grilled chicken pork, or steak! Grilled apples, Serrano peppers, spices, and cilantro. Yum!

Course: Sides

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apples, Salsa, Side Dish

Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 3 apples sliced into ¼ inch slabs, reserving some to chop raw for the salsa (choose your favorite: I used Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon cumin divided
• ½ teaspoon chili powder divided
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup red onion chopped
• 1 serrano pepper minced (ribs and seeds removed if you prefer less spice)
• 2 Tbsp cilantro chopped
• 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper

Instructions

• Heat your grill over medium high heat. Brush apple slabs with olive oil and combine ¼ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Top each apple slice evenly, and place on grill. Cook until charred on both sides, but be careful to not overcook (the apples will soften quickly). Remove from grill and allow to slightly cool as you prepare the other ingredients.
• Combine red onion, serrano pepper, cilantro, apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add reserved chopped raw apple. Chop cooled grilled apple into bite sized pieces and add to the bowl. Toss completely to combine.
• Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or pork, or serve as a savory and spicy salad with your favorite summer meal.