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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Cranberry Salsa: an Easy Holiday Appetizer You’ll Love!

    LAST UPDATED: May 26, 2021 • FIRST PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 By Toni Dash 73 Comments

    Cranberry Salsa: an Easy Holiday Appetizer You’ll Love!

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Cranberry Salsa in a white bowl title image

    Cranberry Salsa is a fun, seasonal twist on traditional salsa perfect for the holidays! Easy to make and gobble up!

    Cranberry Salsa in a white bowl title image

    The availability of cranberries is always exciting!

    Just in time for delicious homemade cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving or whimsical holiday recipes like sugared cranberries.

    I always am on the lookout for the first bags of cranberries for another favorite recipe: Cranberry Salsa.

    Homemade salsa is very easy and delicious to make but change it up with fresh cranberries? You have an easy appetizer to impress.

    Jump to:
    • What is Cranberry Salsa?
    • Is Cranberry Salsa Easy to Make?
    • Time Saving Tips
    • Want to Make Cranberry Salsa Other Times of the Year?
    • TIP for Removing Seeds from Jalapeno Peppers
    • What to Dip in Cranberry Salsa?
    • How to Make Cranberry Salsa – Step by Step:
    • More Cranberry Recipes You’ll Love:
    • Try These Recipes Too!
    • Recipe
    Cranberry Salsa ingredients

    What is Cranberry Salsa?

    Cranberry Salsa is a dip recipe using the classic ingredients in salsas (jalapeno peppers, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, onion) and swapping the traditional tomatoes with cranberries!

    Some sugar is also added creating a spicy, tangy, sweet salsa that is a holiday favorite.

    Is Cranberry Salsa Easy to Make?

    It’s incredibly easy and fast!

    After the salsa is made it can be eaten immediately or chilled in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend and the consistency to thicken.

    It’s a perfect appetizer to have around all through the holiday season.

    Cranberry Salsa with a mixture of tortilla chips

    Time Saving Tips

    • Put the garlic and seeded jalapeno peppers in a mini chopper to dice.
    • Put the limes in the microwave for 10 seconds before juicing and use a handheld juicer OR use good quality bottled fresh lime juice.

    Want to Make Cranberry Salsa Other Times of the Year?

    Cranberry season is mid-September through mid-November yearly.

    MY TIP: Buy some extra bags, put them in a larger freezer zipper top bag and throw them in the freezer. Then you can make cranberry salsa all year!

    TIP for Removing Seeds from Jalapeno Peppers

    The seeds create much of the heat in peppers so removing them dials it back a bit while still retaining the flavor and some spiciness.

    I’ve developed a quick trick for removing the seeds from jalapeno peppers without having to touch them:

    • Slice the pepper lengthwise
    • At the tip of the pepper, insert the rounded end of a small dining spoon underneath the white membrane and seeds of the pepper keep the back of the spoon flush with the inside wall of the pepper. Push the spoon up toward the stem end of the pepper, releasing the membrane and seeds.
    • Turn the spoon over and using the pointed end again scrape out (and discard) and remaining seeds.
    how to remove jalapeno pepper seeds (photo collage)

    NOTE OF CAUTION when working with any peppers: the oils from the peppers can remain on hands after cutting or touching the peppers even with handwashing. In turn if you touch your eyes or nose, you’ll feel a burning sensation.

    Wash hands thoroughly after handling peppers or wear some food safe gloves (rubber, vinyl, latex) when handling hot peppers.

    What to Dip in Cranberry Salsa?

    Just like other salsas, tortilla chips are a win with Cranberry Salsa too.

    I love finding colorful chips to serve guests when they come over.

    Also, for a lean dipper, try some slices of jicama! It has a light sweet flavor and great crunch!

    How to Make Cranberry Salsa – Step by Step:

    Cranberry salsa is easy to whip up, making it a perfect holiday appetizer!

    cranberry salsa instruction steps (photo collage)

    STEP 1: Combine the fresh cranberries with 1-quart (4 cups) water in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat. (photo 1)

    Cranberry Salsa boiled cranberries in pan
    After a quick 1-minute boiling, some of the cranberries will have ‘popped’ or split, others will be whole.

    STEP 2: Bring to a boil for 1 minute (do not overcook). Some of the cranberries with pop (you’ll hear it) or split.

    STEP 3: Remove from heat and drain the water. (photo 2)

    STEP 4: In a large mixing bowl combine: garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, scallions (green onions) and cranberries. (photo 3)

    STEP 5: Using a large spoon, stir the ingredients together, smashing some of the cranberries in the process (leave the rest whole).

    STEP 6: Add the lime juice and sugar. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired. Serve fresh or chill until serving. (photo 4)

    Cranberry Salsa with cilantro leaves and tortilla chips

    More Cranberry Recipes You’ll Love:

    • Winter Salad & Warm Cranberry Honey Dressing
    • Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy
    • Homemade Cranberry Vinegar (with printable gift tags)
    • Cranberry Moscow Mule with Homemade Cranberry Simple Syrup
    • Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
    • Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Party Appetizer
    • Sparkling Vodka Cranberry Punch

    Try These Recipes Too!

    • Spicy Chocolate Martini
    • Pumpkin Cheesecake
    • Candied Pecans
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    Recipe

    Cranberry Salsa in a white bowl title image

    Cranberry Salsa

    The varied flavors and seasonality of this salsa make it truly unique. So many types of tortilla chips are available these days. For my presentation I included red corn and white corn chips for the holidays.
    5 from 59 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute
    Total Time: 21 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 22kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
    • 1 medium garlic clove , minced
    • 1-2 jalapeno chile pepper , cored, seeded and minced*
    • 4 tablespoon cilantro , finely chopped
    • 3 scallions , thinly sliced
    • Juice of 3 fresh limes (approximately 1/3 cup)
    • 1/3 to ½ cup granulated sugar (use 1/3 cup, taste when salsa is combined and add more if needed)
    • Salt and Pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Combine cranberries and 1 quart of water in a sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and boil for one minute. Cranberries will begin to pop; do not over cook. Drain.
    • In a mixing bowl combine the garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, scallions and cranberries. Mix by hand, squeezing some of the berries to a pulp and leaving the rest whole.
    • Add lime juice, sugar and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with colorful tortilla chips or thin slices of peeled jicama.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 8.7mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: November 20, 2011

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Comments

    1. Julie Fiddick says

      December 26, 2022 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      I made this for the first time last year (2021); it was a HUGE HIT! Threw it together last-minute rather than the usual cheese spread for Christmas dinner apps – and another home run scored! Thanks Toni for this fabulous addition to holiday cranberry season!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 27, 2022 at 10:01 am

        I’m so glad to hear it Julie! I love this recipe too. Happy New Year!

        Reply
    2. Natasha says

      November 22, 2021 at 6:50 am

      5 stars
      I’m officially saying goodbye to store-bought cranberry salsa. I made it and it was a success! My husband loved it too, thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Lisa says

      November 20, 2021 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious! Most popular dish at Friendsgiving. 🙂

      Reply
    4. Renee L says

      November 19, 2021 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      AHmazing!! I had never heard of Cranberry Salsa until I found this recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart and spicy. Great for the holidays.

      Reply
    5. serena says

      November 19, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Love pairing this with chips!

      Reply
    6. Audrey says

      November 19, 2021 at 11:12 am

      5 stars
      This was fantastic!! Loved it

      Reply
    7. Jessica Bailey says

      November 19, 2021 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      This was delicious!! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
    8. Kim says

      November 19, 2021 at 9:50 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for the recipe. I didn’t have any tortilla chips, so I used Fritos. Delicious!

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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