Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Introduction

This 5-Minute Cranberry Salsa is the perfect holiday appetizer, combining sweet, tart, and spicy flavors in one vibrant dish. It pairs beautifully with crackers, tortilla chips, or as a topping for cream cheese. For more festive cranberry ideas, try this Cranberry Fluff Recipe or these Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels Recipe.

Ingredients

This vibrant cranberry salsa combines sweet, tart, and spicy flavors with a fresh herbal kick that will brighten up any holiday table or casual gathering.

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 2 green onions
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded (or substitute with serrano for more heat)
• 1 cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
• Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
• ¼ teaspoon cumin powder

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This fresh cranberry salsa recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes since it requires no cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Rinse 12 ounces of fresh cranberries under cold water and drain thoroughly. Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, 1/4 cup cilantro, and 1 jalapeño (seeds removed for milder heat). Zest and juice one lime, and measure 1/4 cup granulated sugar.

Step 2 — Pulse Cranberries

Place the rinsed cranberries in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until coarsely chopped—be careful not to over-process into a puree. The cranberry salsa should have a chunky texture with visible pieces.

Step 3 — Combine Ingredients

Transfer the chopped cranberries to a medium mixing bowl. Add the chopped red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime zest, lime juice, and sugar. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 4 — Adjust Sweetness and Acidity

Taste the cranberry salsa and adjust seasoning as needed. If it’s too tart, add more sugar 1 teaspoon at a time. For more brightness, add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Step 5 — Let Flavors Marry

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours. This resting time allows the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld together, reducing the cranberries’ sharp tartness.

Step 6 — Final Taste and Serve

Before serving, stir the cranberry salsa and taste again. Adjust salt if desired—a pinch can enhance the overall flavor. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, over cream cheese, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Nutritional Information

Calories	45
Protein	0.5g
Carbohydrates	11g
Fat	0.2g
Fiber	1.5g
Sodium	75mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lower Sugar — Swap granulated sugar for monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbs while keeping sweetness.
• Protein Boost — Mix in finely diced grilled chicken or black beans for a heartier, protein-rich cranberry salsa.
• Dairy-Free — Replace any creamy additions with avocado chunks for creaminess without dairy.
• Gluten-Free — Serve with gluten-free tortilla chips or vegetable sticks to keep the entire dish celiac-safe.
• Low-Sodium — Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and fresh lime juice instead of salted ingredients.
• Extra Fiber — Add chopped jicama or celery for crunch and additional dietary fiber.
• Spice Control — Reduce or omit jalapeños and use a dash of smoked paprika for mild, smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this vibrant cranberry salsa with creamy brie or goat cheese on crackers for an elegant appetizer.
• Serve alongside roasted turkey or grilled chicken to add a festive, tangy twist to your main course.
• Use as a zesty topping for fish tacos or grilled salmon to enhance flavor with its sweet and tart profile.
• Offer with tortilla chips as a refreshing alternative to traditional tomato salsa at parties.
• Dollop over a block of cream cheese for a quick, impressive holiday spread that guests will love.
• Accompany pork tenderloin or chops to balance the richness of the meat with bright, fruity notes.

This cranberry salsa is incredibly versatile—its bold flavor and festive color make it a standout for holiday gatherings, summer barbecues, or everyday meals. For a beautiful presentation, serve in a clear bowl to showcase its vibrant red hue, or garnish with fresh mint leaves and orange zest to elevate the visual appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using frozen cranberries straight from the freezer. Fix: Thaw and drain them completely to prevent a watery, diluted cranberry salsa.
• Mistake: Over-processing in the food processor. Fix: Pulse briefly for a chunky texture; over-blending creates a mushy puree.
• Mistake: Skipping the sugar or sweetener entirely. Fix: Balance cranberries’ natural tartness with a touch of honey, agave, or sugar.
• Mistake: Adding all ingredients at the same time. Fix: Fold in delicate herbs like cilantro just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
• Mistake: Not letting the salsa rest before serving. Fix: Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
• Mistake: Using bland or under-ripe jalapeños. Fix: Choose firm, bright green peppers and taste a sliver first to gauge heat level.
• Mistake: Forgetting to balance acidity. Fix: A splash of lime juice or orange juice brightens the entire cranberry salsa.
• Mistake: Storing with a loose lid. Fix: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odors from seeping in.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your cranberry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the salsa in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen cranberry salsa in the refrigerator overnight. Serve chilled; this salsa is not typically reheated.

Always ensure your cranberry salsa is stored at or below 40°F to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This vibrant Cranberry Salsa is a festive, flavorful twist perfect for holiday gatherings or as a unique appetizer. If you love cranberry creations, try our The BEST Cranberry Sauce Recipe or Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels Recipe. Give this salsa a try, rate the recipe, and subscribe for more delicious ideas!

Print

Cranberry Salsa

Print Recipe

A fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet cranberry salsa that combines cranberries with jalapeño, cilantro, green onions, lime juice, and sugar. Perfect served with chips, over cream cheese, or as a condiment with meats.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 2 green onions
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded
• 1 cup sugar
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder

Instructions

1. Wash cranberries and remove any stems.
2. Remove seeds and stem from jalapeno pepper.
3. Place cranberries, cilantro, green onions, jalapeno, sugar, cumin, and lime juice in a food processor and pulse until chopped and combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill for at least one hour in the refrigerator.
5. Serve over a block of cream cheese or with chips. Can also be used as a side sauce with turkey, pork, or chicken.

Notes

Adjust cumin powder up to 1/2 teaspoon depending on taste. You can make this salsa less spicy by reducing or removing the jalapeno seeds. Letting the salsa chill improves flavor melding.

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Salsa?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess liquid in your Cranberry Salsa.

How long does Cranberry Salsa last in the refrigerator?

Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors often meld and improve after a day.

What can I serve with Cranberry Salsa?

This Cranberry Salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork, or cream cheese and crackers. It’s a versatile condiment for many dishes.