Cranberry salsa is fresh, vibrant, and just a little bit unexpected for the holiday table. Bursting with color and bright flavors, it only takes minutes to make. It’s one of my favourite salsa recipes.
Contents
Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Cranberry salsa is a refreshing twist on traditional salsa with a sweet, tart, and zesty flavor. It mixes cranberries with jalapeños, red onion, lime, and cilantro, all finely chopped and mixed to perfection. This bold, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment can be served at a festive holiday dinner or a casual party.
What I love about cranberry salsa is how adaptable and quick it is. You can keep it mild or turn up the heat, make it ahead of time, and even swap in a few different ingredients depending on your taste or what’s in your pantry.
Cranberry salsa can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or crackers, spooned over cream cheese as an appetizer spread. You can also use it as a topping or accompaniment for various meats, sandwiches, wraps, or even fish. At brunch, it’s a lively accompaniment to eggs, omelets, and breakfast burritos.
It enhances a holiday plate with roast turkey or vegan meatloaf, and even adds a tangy punch to grilled meats like steak or chicken. For creative meal pairings, you can spoon cranberry salsa over quesadillas, baked brie, or use it as a vibrant salad dressing.
Here’s how to make the cranberry salsa:
Cranberry Salsa
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar or honey for natural sweetness
- 1-2 jalapeños seeded and chopped
- 1 small red onion chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime juiced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 orange juiced (about 3 tbsp)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries and pat dry.
- In a food processor, pulse cranberries until finely chopped (do not puree).
- Add jalapeños, onion, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, and sugar. Pulse until evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
- Serve with tortilla chips or over cream cheese as a dip.
Notes
- For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds and membranes.
- For a healthier version, substitute part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Can be made 1 day in advance; store in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers make a great topping for grilled chicken, turkey, or pork.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this cranberry salsa recipe! Here are a few delicious variations you can try at home:
- Cranberry Pineapple Salsa combines diced pineapple with the cranberries for extra sweetness and a tropical flair.
- Extra Spicy Version uses extra jalapeño or a bit of minced habanero for those who like a spicy kick.
- Ginger Infusion adds a finely grated knob of fresh ginger for a warm, aromatic contrast to the tart berries.
- Citrus Twist Version swaps some of the lime juice for orange juice, layering in more citrus flavor and natural sweetness.
- Cranberry Nutty Salsa folds in toasted pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and rich flavor.
- Herb-Forward Salsa mixes in fresh parsley or mint alongside the cilantro for a refreshing and herby profile.
- Frozen Cranberry Salsa uses thawed frozen cranberries when fresh aren’t available, making the recipe possible year-round.
- Savory Cream Cheese Spread layers sweet-tart salsa over a block of cream cheese for an easy, crowd-pleasing dip.
Whether you stick with the classic or try a bold variation, this salsa is a festive and flavorful highlight for any party spread or meal.