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    Home » Recipe » Salads and Sides » Savory Spring Rhubarb Salsa

    Savory Spring Rhubarb Salsa

    Published: May 8, 2018 · Modified: May 17, 2023 by Sabrina Currie · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Have you tried rhubarb salsa yet? A crisp, tart and lightly spicy scoopable dip, rhubarb salsa is the best celebration of spring and a perfect partner for tortilla chips.

    Savory Rhubarb Salsa Easy Recipe
    Savory Rhubarb Salsa Easy Recipe
    Jump to Recipe

    Why Make Rhubarb Salsa

    Rhubarb is just coming into season here on the West Coast and should be here for a while.  I love to snap a piece off, dip it in sugar and remember being a kid again!

    In pies, muffins, crisps and crumbles, it's pretty easy to find a sweet recipe but did you know rhubarb is a vegetable?  It is, so I think it's a fun surprise to use it in places you wouldn't expect like salads and this salsa which is amazing on grilled pork and chicken.

    More Rhubarb Recipes

    I love rhubarb. From delicious easy Rhubarb Snack Cake and Vegan Rhubarb Crumble to my most popular muffin recipe, Rhubarb Strawberry Oatmeal Muffins to a festive treat, try my Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake. I'd love to hear from you if you try one or simply rate it with the easy star rating on the recipe card.

    Yogurt Olive Oil Rhubarb Coffee Cake
    Yogurt Olive Oil Rhubarb Coffee Cake
    Best Easy Summer Shortcake With Strawberries And Rhubarb
    Best Easy Summer Shortcake With Strawberries And Rhubarb
    Strawberry rhubarb muffins in a bowl
    Strawberry rhubarb muffins in a bowl
    Jump to:
    • Why Make Rhubarb Salsa
    • More Rhubarb Recipes
    • How To Grow And Harvest
    • Visual Step by Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Storage And Make Ahead Tips
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Get My Free Book
    • 10 Herbs 10Ways
    • 💬 Community

    How To Grow And Harvest

    I say snap because it should be pulled off the plant to try to avoid making flat spots that can trap water and cause rotting.   If you're growing your own, rhubarb should be fed yearly with some compost, well-rotted manure or a general 10-10-10 fertilizer and if they start to flower, clip the flowering stalks off so that the plants energy goes into the edible stalks. 

    Rhubarb is in the same family as Sorrel, another early spring growing perennial and is extremely cold hardy. 

    NOTE: The leaves are poisonous so only use the stalks and throw those leaves in your compost.

    Visual Step by Step Instructions

    Flowering Rhubarb
    Freshly Picked Rhubarb
    Garden Fresh Rhubarb
    Macerating Rhubarb with Salt Sugar and Vinegar
    Grinding Spices for the Salsa
    Salsa Ingredients
    Chopping Red Onion
    Red Onion Coriander And Cumin
    Chopping Jalapeno
    Adding Lime to Salsa
    Fresh Spring Salsa and Chips
    Fresh Spring Salsa and Chips
    Colorful Spring Rhubarb Salsa

    Expert Tips

    Letting your diced rhubarb macerate with the sugar and vinegar for a while before mixing the salsa, helps soften it while helping all the flavors meld together once mixed.

    If you are buying your rhubarb at the store, 1 lb fresh equals about 3 cups chopped. For this recipe, you will want to chop it in a fine dice, just like you would for tomatoes in regular salsa.

    Storage And Make Ahead Tips

    Rhubarb salsa will keep well, covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    You can make this salsa up to 3 days ahead. To make this ahead, add everything except cilantro, cover and refrigerate. Right before serving, add cilantro and toss.

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    Let me know what you're cooking up with your rhubarb or pop onto social and tag me if you try one of my recipes!

    Cheers,

    Sabrina

    For more on what I'm cooking up, follow me on Instagram or Facebook. You might also like my FREE printable weekly meal planner.

    Cheers friends! Sabrina

    📖 Recipe

    Rhubarb Salsa with Chips

    Savory Rhubarb Salsa

    A delicious, fresh and seasonal salsa perfect over grilled pork or chicken or serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
    4.96 from 24 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: PNW
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 26kcal
    Author: Sabrina Currie

    Ingredients

    • 1 c Rhubarb Finely diced (approx ⅛" dice)
    • 2 teaspoon Sugar
    • 1 teaspoon Red Wine Vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • ½ c Red Onion Finely chopped
    • 1 Jalapeno, small to medium Very finely diced
    • 1 Cilantro, Small Bunch Approx. ½ c chopped
    • ½ Lime Juiced
    • ⅛ teaspoon Ground Coriander and Cumin Each
    • Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper

    Instructions

    • Mix together rhubarb, sugar, vinegar and salt and let sit while chopping other ingredients and up to 30 minutes before. Stir occasionally.
    • Once the jalapeno, onion and cilantro are chopped, add them and the rest of the ingredients.  Stir gently and adjust salt and pepper to taste.  
    • Serve with tortilla chips and margaritas or as a condiment for grilled pork or dinner sausages.

    Notes

    Macerating the rhubarb in sugar while preparing the other ingredients tames the tartness but keeps it crisp for a bright and refreshing spring salsa.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 107IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @wckitchengarden or tag #wckitchengarden!
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    About Sabrina Currie

    Classically French trained cook, photographer and food stylist living on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melissa

      May 08, 2018 at 2:27 pm

      I usually only use rhubarb in a crisp. I love new easy ideas!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        May 09, 2018 at 9:03 pm

        I know right?!? or Strawberry Rhubarb pie which is great but kind of time consuming and we can't always have dessert 🙁 I'm planning 1 more savory rhubarb recipe and possibly a sweet one too, stay tuned 🙂

        Reply
        • Carey C

          June 27, 2021 at 5:20 pm

          4 stars
          I haven’t made the recipe yet but looking at it, it makes sense and I’m thinking rhubarb could be used anywhere tomatillos are used?

          Reply
    2. Laura

      June 11, 2019 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      Wow what a great idea! I’ve never thought of using rhubarb as a salsa, I can’t wait to try it, looks delicious!!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 11, 2019 at 9:35 am

        Thanks Laura! It’s a fun savoury take on this summer classic, enjoy!

        Reply
    3. JustineCelina

      June 11, 2019 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      This is such an innovative way to use rhubarb! And I have all the ingredients on hand. Absolutely trying this!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 11, 2019 at 4:04 pm

        Awesome! Thanks Justine, easy accessible ingredients are always important to me when I’m developing recipes. Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Micki

      June 11, 2019 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum! I love that these are made with rhubarb - what a fun recipe! That little pop of tart is just perfect, and makes them so tasty!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 11, 2019 at 4:03 pm

        Thank you for the kind words Micki, I’m so glad you like it 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jessica

      June 11, 2019 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      I always think of using rhubarb for sweet recipes so it's so nice to see a savoury recipe! And what a delicious way to use it!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 11, 2019 at 4:02 pm

        Thanks Jessica! I agree, if growing any amount of rhubarb it’s nice to have a healthier and non-dessert option, enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    6. Marieke

      June 11, 2019 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE the idea of using rhubarb in a salsa - can't wait to make this with fresh rhubarb from the market!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 11, 2019 at 7:32 pm

        Thanks for your kind words Marieke, I hope you love it as much as we do! Enjoy the market 🙂

        Reply
    7. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      June 12, 2019 at 5:46 am

      5 stars
      What a fun twist on salsa using rhubarb! Ours is just starting to grow and this would be a lovely use for it ...pass the chips 😉

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 12, 2019 at 7:17 am

        Thanks Dawn, I hope you have a bumper crop of rhubarb this year, so many delicious things to make with it. Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    8. Aryane @ Valises & Gourmandises

      June 12, 2019 at 7:27 am

      5 stars
      What an interesting way to use rhubarb! I tend to mostly use it in sweet stuff, like rhubarb cake or compote, but I love the idea of making salsa with it. I definitely need to try this for my next taco night 🙂

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 14, 2019 at 10:00 am

        Thanks Aryane, Rhubarb is delicious in sweet desserts but also nice in savoury dishes too. Enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Joss

      June 13, 2019 at 5:34 pm

      5 stars
      This is a unique way to use rhubarb. It is full of flavor and absolutely worth a try!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 14, 2019 at 10:01 am

        Thanks so much Joss for your kind comments, enjoy!

        Reply
    10. Sharon

      June 14, 2019 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      I love this unique spin with rhubarb! I grew up on the island and my mom grew rhubarb in our garden. Every year we had it stewed with a side a vanilla custard. 🙂 This salsa is such a fun opposite of that and I love it. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 14, 2019 at 10:54 am

        Thanks Sharon! Stewed with custard sounds super yummy and comforting 😋 yes this is opposite and a nice change when there’s lots growing, perfect with a margarita and tortilla chips!

        Reply
    11. [email protected]

      June 14, 2019 at 1:44 pm

      5 stars
      I love rhubarb (I've got two big stalks sitting on the counter right now, left over from making crisp), but I don't do enough versatile recipes with it! Not for lack of trying mind you - I do make rhubarb barbecue sauce and a rhubarb salad dressing - I'm just always looking for a new idea. This definitely fits the bill perfectly - it sounds delicious, and it's a use I've never thought of before. Great recipe - thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 14, 2019 at 6:08 pm

        Thanks Sean, I also love rhubarb. It’s fun to do some savoury dishes with it as much as the sweet 🙂
        PS. Is your bbq sauce recipe on your site? I’ve been thinking of making a batch soon.

        Reply
      • SARA FLEMING

        March 22, 2022 at 6:12 pm

        This is amazing a simple. Served it with shrimp and chicken fajitas with guac, cheese, and tortillas. Amazing.

        Reply
        • Sabrina Currie

          March 22, 2022 at 7:05 pm

          Awesome Sara!!! I haven’t tried it with shrimp yet but now I’m going to!

          Reply
    12. Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli

      June 14, 2019 at 1:55 pm

      5 stars
      I love rhubarb and this is such a fun and great way to use it! Not only in sweet recipes, moreover, it is a vegetable and not a fruit! Love all the pictures!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 14, 2019 at 6:05 pm

        Thanks Nicoletta 🙂 yes, little known facts about rhubarb! It’s tartness goes so nicely in savoury dishes. Cheers!

        Reply
    13. Terri

      June 20, 2019 at 4:04 am

      5 stars
      Perfect timing for me to read this because I FINALLY planted my own rhubarb! I wasn't aware of 'the snap' rule or the flowering issue, so this was helpful. But I'm still getting rhubarb from a friend this summer and this looks like a wonderful way to use it!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        June 20, 2019 at 6:28 pm

        Thanks Terri! Good luck with your newly planted rhubarb, it’s such an easy and rewarding perennial. I hope you also enjoy this recipe 🙂 Cheers!

        Reply
    14. Chris Rosenburg

      April 18, 2020 at 7:19 am

      5 stars
      Thank you Sabrina for a delicious refreshing recipe. It was a perfect way to celebrate the start of rhubarb season!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        April 18, 2020 at 2:25 pm

        Aw thanks Chris! I’m so goad you liked it, I think it’s such a fresh recipe for spring. Cheers!

        Reply
    15. Kelly Neil

      April 27, 2020 at 4:50 am

      5 stars
      Rhubarb won't be ready here for probably another month but I LOVE the idea of this salsa with grilled sausages. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        April 27, 2020 at 9:27 am

        Oooh, with sausages sounds like a great pairing! Thanks:-)

        Reply
    16. Colleen

      April 27, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      I have a nice big rhubarb plant in my garden, and I'm always looking for new ways to use it. This salsa is perfect. I can think of so many ways to use this, too. I think shrimp tacos will be first up. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        April 27, 2020 at 5:38 pm

        You’re welcome Colleen, and thank you for your kind words 💕 tacos are excellent as is any grilled pork!

        Reply
    17. Megan

      May 16, 2021 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      Love this salsa! Made this recipe for my parents who love rhubarb. A nice twist to the “regular” salsa. Will definitely make it every rhubarb season!

      Reply
      • Sabrina Currie

        May 17, 2021 at 8:46 am

        Thank you Megan! I really appreciate you letting me know. Happy rhubarb season!

        Reply
    18. Rosemary Soucie

      September 03, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      Have you tried it pulsed in a food processor and adding some tomatoes? Mine is really too chunky to use with chips or nachos.

      Reply
      • Sabrina Currie

        September 03, 2021 at 1:54 pm

        Hi Rosemary, no I haven’t! Did you? Did it turn out tasty?
        I’ve been working on a cooked and canned version I hope to share by next spring.

        Reply
        • Carrie

          November 04, 2022 at 9:08 pm

          Hi Sabrina,
          Have you tried your cooked or canned version yet? I’m looking to make a large batch that I can pass on for gifts. 🙂

          Reply
    19. Katie Youngs

      September 05, 2021 at 5:26 am

      5 stars
      Yum! This sounds like such a delicious and creative way to use rhubarb!

      Reply

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