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!
Recipe
Cranberry Salsa
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
Originally published: November 20, 2011
Ed Hayes says
I like the idea of cooking the cranberries.
Barbara says
This is so good! I can’t wait to try it on fish or chicken tacos! Yum!
Toni Dash says
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!
CAROL FETTIG says
Can thus salsa be frozen
Toni Dash says
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.
Stephanie Manley says
Everyone in my house LOVES salsa, this is going to be a hit!
Rachel says
I think this is similar to something we had last year at Christmas. It was delicious.
Annie says
I have never tried to cook with fresh cranberries. I think I’ll try this recipe, it sounds amazing.
Colleen Cayes says
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.
Sandy says
I’ve been looking for a good cranberry salsa. This is delicious!
Jennifer says
I have made a ton of difference salsa Recipes in my life, but I’ve never made cranberry salsa! This looks like something I’m going to definitely have to try
Gervin Khan says
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.