Stop scrolling and start scooping! If you have been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you have likely seen the viral sensation taking over everyone’s “For You” page: strawberry salsa with chocolate chips. This isn’t just another food trend; it is a genuinely addictive, texture-rich snack that combines the freshness of fruit with the satisfying snap of frozen chocolate.
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Imagine the classic romance of a chocolate-covered strawberry, but deconstructed into a fun, interactive “nacho” experience. It is the ultimate movie night snack, a hit at summer picnics, and a guaranteed winner for Valentine’s Day. We are taking the viral video concept and leveling it up with better dipping mechanics, sophisticated flavor tweaks, and even a low-sugar variation for our health-conscious snackers.
Why This Dessert Dip is Taking Over
This recipe hits every craving at once. You get the juicy, tart brightness of macerated berries paired with the rich, creamy crunch of homemade chocolate shards. It creates an ASMR-worthy eating experience—that audible crack of the chocolate followed by the soft salsa is pure bliss.
Unlike heavy cakes or cookies, this strawberry salsa recipe feels light and refreshing. It is a “sweet twist on nachos” where the tortilla chips are replaced by thin, frozen chocolate bark and the tomato salsa is swapped for sugary, lime-kissed berries. Whether you call it strawberry salsa chocolate nachos or simply the best dessert dip ever, one thing is certain: the bowl will be empty in minutes.
The Ingredients: Fresh, Simple, and Customizable
Because this recipe relies on just a few components, quality matters. Here is how to choose the best ingredients for maximum flavor.
- 1 lb Fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and finely diced
- 1-2 tbsp Granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup, or liquid monk fruit (for low-sugar/Keto)
- 1 cup Semi-sweet, milk, dark chocolate chips, or sugar-free chips
- 1 tsp Coconut oil
The Strawberries
The star of the show! You need ripe, vibrant red berries. Apart from being delicious, the health benefits of strawberries are impressive, packing a punch of Vitamin C and manganese. Wash them well and hull them.
- Pro Tip: Use a veggie chopper for the dice. Uniformly small pieces ensure you get the perfect fruit-to-chocolate ratio in every bite without the salsa falling off your chip.
The Sweetener (Traditional & Keto)
To get that glossy, saucy consistency, we macerate the berries. This draws out moisture and softens the fruit. You can use granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
- Healthier Option: Mindful of tips for moderating added sugar intake? You can easily swap the sugar for liquid monk fruit or Stevia. This small tweak makes the salsa keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
The Chocolate “Chips”
We aren’t just eating raw chips here; we are melting them down to create custom dipping vessels. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is a fantastic choice as it pairs perfectly with berries and boosts the power of antioxidants found in berries and dark chocolate.
- Pantry Raid: You can use standard morsels, strawberry chocolate chips for baking, or even leftover high-quality chocolate from a batch of Freezer Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Low Sugar: Use Lily’s or another brand of sugar-free chips to keep this low-carb.
Coconut Oil
This is the secret ingredient. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melting chocolate thins it out for easier spreading and ensures it creates a crisp “shell” that snaps rather than bends. If you are curious about the fats involved, understanding the nutritional facts about coconut oil can help you fit this into your diet.
Step-by-Step: Mastering the Viral Recipe
Here is how to make the magic happen, including a crucial tip on shaping your chips that most TikTok videos leave out.
- Prepare the strawberries by washing, hulling, and finely dicing them into uniform pieces (using a veggie chopper can ensure consistent texture).
- Place the diced strawberries in a mixing bowl and toss with the sweetener (sugar, honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit).
- Allow the strawberry mixture to sit (macerate) for 10-15 minutes to draw out the juices and create the salsa texture.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Microwave the chocolate mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it into a thin layer OR spoon into small circles for individual dipping chips.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
- Remove from the freezer and break the chocolate bark into shards (if using the sheet method) or peel off the individual circles.
- Serve immediately by using the frozen chocolate pieces to scoop up the strawberry salsa.
If you prefer the rustic look, spread it thin, freeze it, and enjoy the satisfaction of cracking the bark into shards.
Flavor Variations to Level Up
Once you have the basics down, try these “sophisticated flavor additions” to impress your guests:
- Spicy Strawberry Salsa: A pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño adds a kick that cuts through the sugar.
- Fresh & Herby: finely chopped mint or basil adds a gourmet layer, reminiscent of the flavors in a Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake.
- Savory Contrast: A drizzle of balsamic glaze provides a tangy depth. If you love fruit in savory dishes like Grilled Salmon with Pineapple Salsa, this variation is for you.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this immediately! The contrast between the ice-cold, snappy chocolate and the room-temperature salsa is part of the experience. Arrange the chocolate chips around a chilled bowl of the red salsa for a stunning presentation.
Need to use up extra ingredients?
- Leftover Chocolate: Drizzle it over a Strawberry Crunch Cake or let it re-harden to use in a loaf of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.
- Pairing: Wash this sweet snack down with a creamy Strawberry Banana Milkshake for the ultimate berry overload.
Strawberry Salsa with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and finely diced
- 1-2 tbsp Granulated sugar honey, or maple syrup
- 1 cup Semi-sweet milk, or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp Coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries by washing, hulling, and finely dicing them into uniform pieces (using a veggie chopper can ensure consistent texture).
- Place the diced strawberries in a mixing bowl and toss with the sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
- Allow the strawberry mixture to sit (macerate) for 10-15 minutes to draw out the juices and create the salsa texture.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Microwave the chocolate mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread it into a thin, even layer.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
- Remove from the freezer and break the chocolate bark into chip-sized shards.
- Serve immediately by using the frozen chocolate shards to scoop up the strawberry salsa.
Notes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting too quickly?
Since homemade chocolate shards contain coconut oil, they have a lower melting point than tempered chocolate. Keep the chips in the freezer until the very second you are ready to serve. Using a chilled serving platter also helps extend their life outside the freezer.
How far in advance can I prepare the strawberry salsa?
You can dice the strawberries up to 24 hours in advance, but do not add the sugar until 15 minutes before serving. If you add the sugar too early, the strawberries will release too much water, turning your salsa into a soup that is difficult to scoop.
Can I make this recipe vegan or keto?
Absolutely. For a vegan version, use dairy-free dark chocolate and maple syrup. For a Keto/Low-Sugar version, use liquid monk fruit sweetener for the salsa and sugar-free chocolate chips (like Lily’s) for the shards.
