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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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)

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

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Recipe

Originally published: November 20, 2011