• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Appetizers ยป Cranberry Salsa: an Easy Holiday Appetizer You’ll Love!

    LAST UPDATED: May 26, 2021 โ€ข 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
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    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 โ€“ Step by Step:
    • More Cranberry Recipes Youโ€™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 92 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute minute
    Total Time: 21 minutes 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
    Cranberry Salsa in a white bowl title image
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: November 20, 2011

    « Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes in Mason Jars
    Pumpkin Polenta & Maple Bacon Gravy »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ed Hayes says

      December 10, 2020 at 11:01 am

      5 stars
      I like the idea of cooking the cranberries.

      Reply
    2. Barbara says

      November 28, 2020 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good! I canโ€™t wait to try it on fish or chicken tacos! Yum!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        November 28, 2020 at 5:41 pm

        So glad you love it! We put it on everything in cranberry season. I even freeze cranberries (buy them in season) so I can make it throughout the year. Happy Holidays!

        Reply
    3. CAROL FETTIG says

      November 04, 2019 at 7:21 am

      Can thus salsa be frozen

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        November 04, 2019 at 6:14 pm

        Carol I’ve never frozen cranberry salsa and I’m not sure how it would turn out if frozen. Often salsas can become watery and the flavor can change. My recommendation would be to make and eat this fresh.

        Reply
    4. Stephanie Manley says

      November 19, 2018 at 5:52 am

      5 stars
      Everyone in my house LOVES salsa, this is going to be a hit!

      Reply
    5. Rachel says

      November 15, 2018 at 10:18 am

      I think this is similar to something we had last year at Christmas. It was delicious.

      Reply
    6. Annie says

      November 15, 2018 at 9:27 am

      5 stars
      I have never tried to cook with fresh cranberries. I think I’ll try this recipe, it sounds amazing.

      Reply
    7. Colleen Cayes says

      November 15, 2018 at 8:00 am

      5 stars
      Toni, I think my New Mexico friends would love for me to bring this dip to a Thanksgiving pot luck, and my Idaho friends would think it very New Mexican of me to make it for them when I visit at Christmas. And they’ll never guess it originated in Boulder Colorado … I love the red and green colors together and the flavor promises to be outstanding, especially with salty chips. Thank you for this inspiring and novel idea.

      Reply
    8. Sandy says

      November 15, 2018 at 7:36 am

      5 stars
      I’ve been looking for a good cranberry salsa. This is delicious!

      Reply
    9. Jennifer says

      November 15, 2018 at 6:32 am

      5 stars
      I have made a ton of difference salsa Recipes in my life, but Iโ€™ve never made cranberry salsa! This looks like something Iโ€™m going to definitely have to try

      Reply
    10. Gervin Khan says

      November 15, 2018 at 6:21 am

      5 stars
      I have never tried to eat this but this recipe looks so delicious and the steps look so easy to follow. I hope I will able to make this on this coming weekends.

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »
    5 from 92 votes (44 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Picture of Toni

    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

    More about me โ†’

    Featured on....

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Grilling Recipes

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • steak on grill with flames How to Grill Steak Perfectly: Everything You Need to Grill Like a Pro
    • grilled porterhouse steak title Perfect Porterhouse Steak on the Grill
    • Grilled Kabob Recipes on grate (titled image) Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • bruschetta chicken title image Bruschetta Chicken recipe โ€“ Baked, Grilled or Stove Top
    • Chicken Shish Kabobs title Easy Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Recipe
    • homemade ketchup title image The Best Homemade Ketchup โ€“ Made with Fresh Tomatoes!
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright ยฉ 2010-2025 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.