This Cranberry Salsa recipe is perfect for all of your holiday gatherings! It is easy to make, super flavorful, and looks stunning on your appetizer table. 
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If you need a quick and easy appetizer that will work for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, this Cranberry Salsa recipe is just what you need.
When I say easy, I mean super easy. All you need to do is put the ingredients in your food processor and pulse a few times. Does it get any better than that?
It’s made with fresh cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice – it’s a perfect mix of sweet, spicy and tangy flavors. and that’s why it’s the best holiday appetizer. Serve it with some tortilla chips or crackers for a delicious way to start your next holiday party.
The holiday season means cranberry season. From sauces and cocktails to desserts and baked goods, everyone’s favorite tart cranberries find their way to our holiday parties every year. I admittedly LOVE cranberry season and make the most out of the time when you can get them fresh.
I love the flavor and health benefits, but also how cranberry goodies make the holiday spread look more festive! Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas party – you gotta have them on the menu for his time of the year!
This cranberry salsa recipe is a perfect combination of tartness and heat that will impress your guests and I guarantee they’ll all be asking for this recipe.
I love that it’s so easy to make. All you need are five minutes (or less) of blitzing in a bowl of a food processor. And you don’t even need anything fancy. Just use these simple ingredients, and you’re good.
Ingredients for Cranberry Salsa
Fresh Cranberries – The main player of the recipe! Grab a bag of fresh cranberries from your nearest grocery store. Besides their bright tartness, cranberries are loaded with antioxidants. There’s also a whole lot of vitamin C, fiber, and manganese in these little gems!
Fresh Cilantro – Cilantro is a salsa staple! The green looks beautiful against the bright red of the cranberries. Plus, it adds a fresh and slightly citrusy taste to the salsa. Yum! Use both the leaves and stems for the best flavor.
Jalapeño Pepper – Leave the seeds in if you prefer a sizzle, or remove them for a mild salsa. Either way, you’ll need jalapeños!
Lime Juice – Lemons and limes are a godsend. They are packed with a ton of vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them healthy. If I’m making salsa, it’s going to have some lime!
Sugar – Sucunat, coconut sugar, or regular sugar–they’ll all work. We need the sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and lime.
Salt – A pinch of salt will bring all the flavors together.
Scroll down to check the recipe card. You’ll find all the measurements there!
Variations and Tips
Make your favorite holiday appetizers stand proud next to this delicious cranberry jalapeño salsa. And if you want, you can tweak the flavor as per your liking.
I have some variation tips for you:
- Use green onions along with cilantro to add a different dimension of flavor.
- Add some red onions for a hint of sweetness and crunch.
- Swap lime juice for orange juice. It’ll add more sweetness and give the salsa an extra layer of depth.
- For a smoky twist, roast the jalapeño pepper before adding it to the salsa. Yum!
- If you prefer a spicier salsa, add in some habanero peppers along with the jalapeño. 🔥
- Want a chunkier texture? Roughly chop the cranberries instead of pulsing them in a food processor.
- Allow your salsa to rest for half an hour before diving in. Cover the prepared salsa with a plastic wrap or tight lid, and let it chill.
Serving Cranberry Salsa
This fresh cranberry salsa recipe is a lifesaver! There are so many ways you can serve it – it’s simply amazing.
Here are my go-to ways of serving this festive cranberry salsa:
- Serve as a dip with wheat thins, Ritz crackers, or any of your favorite crackers for a crunchy bite. This is an easy holiday appetizer that’ll never go wrong!
- Drop some spicy cranberry salsa over a brick of cream cheese (softened) and serve it with apple slices. Super!
- Serve as a refreshing topping for your favorite tacos or burritos. The sweet and spicy flavors of the salsa will pair perfectly with savory meats and toppings.
- Use it as a condiment for grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or salmon.
Once you understand the flavor profile, you’ll be able to come up with your own creative ways to serve this delicious cranberry salsa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Store Cranberry Salsa for Later?
Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead recipe. You can store a batch in your fridge (in an airtight container) for about seven days. Whenever you’re ready to enjoy it, take it out, dip your favorite crackers, and chomp!
Is the Salsa Freezer-Friendly?
Of course it is! Make the salsa according to the recipe. Then, pour it into a freezer bag, flatten it, and slide it into your freezer. It’ll stay edible for three months. Remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I Store Cranberries for Later?
Please do! It’s tricky to find fresh cranberries throughout the year. So, when they’re here, it only makes sense to make the most of them.
You’ll have to follow a procedure to safely freeze these bitter berries.
- Wash them well.
- Pat them dry.
- Place cranberries in a freezer-safe bag. Flatten them.
- Freeze!
If you try this Cranberry Salsa recipe, or any of my other healthy recipes, please consider leaving a star rating and review below. It’s so helpful for other readers to see if a recipe is tried and true! I’d love to keep in touch! Let’s connect via Instagram or Facebook.
I love seeing what you make! Share your recipes and tag me on social media and I’d love to feature you!
Would you like more fresh cranberry recipes? Scroll below the recipe card to see my other favorites that I know you’ll love, too.
Print
Cranberry Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 6 minutes
Description
This Cranberry Salsa is tart, sweet, and spicy and makes a colorful and delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and stems (about 1/2 a bunch)
- juice from 1 large lime
- 1/4 cup Sucanat or regular sugar
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper*
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until everything is just broken down and combined. Do not over-process.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
*Remove all of the seeds from the jalapeño pepper for less heat, more seeds for more spiciness.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 76
- Sugar: 3.7 grams
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 19.6 grams
- Fiber: 0.1 grams
More Recipes with Fresh Cranberries
Crockpot Slow Cooker Cranberry Eggnog Oatmeal (pictured above) –A perfect overnight recipe for Christmas morning!
Cranberry Smoothie Recipe–I love this anytime I have some leftover fresh cranberries.
Cranberry Margarita–a festive cocktail!
Overnight Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls –use your leftover cranberry sauce to make these!
Gluten-Free Cranberry Oat Bars — with fresh cranberries, oats, and chocolate chips!
Cranberry, Apple, and Pear Crisp–this is the perfect fruit crisp for the winter months and your holidays.
Crustless Cranberry Pie — this is gluten-free and really easy to make.
Don’t miss my Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe , Easy Sourdough Stuffing , Foolproof Thanksgiving Turkey recipe , Sweet Potato Casserole, and Healthy Green Bean Casserole when you’re making your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast!
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The picture is very beautiful. He looks very much like an artist.
This Cranberry Salsa recipe is perfect for a holiday party! Not only is it delicious, it’s also healthy and goes perfectly with tortilla chips. If you want to play a fun game while you’re preparing your food, try Slope Game for added fun!
This is the first time I know this dish. Its color is very beautiful. aa route planner
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