Cranberry Salsa Recipe

This Cranberry Salsa recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapeños and the freshness of cilantro, creating a unique and flavorful dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Sweetened with white sugar and balanced with a burst of lime juice, this easy-to-make salsa is ideal for serving with tortilla chips, Ritz crackers, or cream cheese for a festive appetizer. Perfect for holidays, parties, or casual gatherings, this cranberry salsa will be a hit with your guests. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing snack!

Ingredients:

• 1 12-ounce bag cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)
• ½ cup green onions (roughly chopped, about 6 green onions or 1 bunch)
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers (minced, with seeds; see Notes)
• Juice of 1 lime (approximately 2 tablespoons)
• ⅓ cup white sugar (adjust to taste; see Notes)
• 1 pinch salt

To Serve:

• 1 8-ounce block cream cheese (softened, optional)
• Ritz crackers or tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Add cranberries, cilantro, green onions, jalapeño pepper(s), lime juice, sugar, and salt to a food processor fitted with a medium blade.
2. Pulse the ingredients until chopped to a medium consistency. For a chunkier salsa, pulse less; for a finer salsa, pulse a bit more.
3. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator if not eating right away. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Salsa is a unique and refreshing twist on traditional salsa, perfect for adding a burst of tart, sweet, and spicy flavors to your snacks or meals. The balance of cranberries, cilantro, and jalapeños creates a festive, vibrant salsa that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Tips

• Adjust the sweetness: You can add more or less sugar depending on your preference and the tartness of the cranberries. Start with ⅓ cup and taste before adding more.
• Spice level: For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeño peppers before mincing. For extra heat, leave in the seeds of both jalapeños.
• Food processor: If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand, but using a food processor ensures an even consistency and saves time.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute the cream cheese: Instead of cream cheese, try serving this salsa with a cheese spread or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Add fruit: Try adding orange or pineapple for a sweet tropical twist.
• Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, swap it with mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Sweeteners: You can substitute white sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

FAQs

Can I make this salsa ahead of time? Yes! This salsa can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together and improve overnight.

Can I freeze Cranberry Salsa? It’s not recommended to freeze this salsa as the texture of the cranberries will change after thawing, and it may become watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Can I serve this salsa warm? This salsa is typically served chilled or at room temperature, as it allows the flavors to blend and develop. Serving it warm might change the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Salsa is delicious when served with cream cheese as a dip for Ritz crackers or tortilla chips. It also pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for salads and tacos. Try it as a side dish for turkey or chicken for a festive touch, especially during the holiday season!