Cranberry Salsa: A Holiday Favorite

Alright, come on in, grab a cup of coffee! Let’s chat about one of my absolute favorite things to make, especially around the holidays: Cranberry Salsa! Seriously, this stuff is like little jewels of flavor exploding in your mouth, and it’s so much easier to whip up than you might think.

I remember the first time I ever tried Cranberry Salsa. It was at a friend’s potluck, and I was instantly hooked. But, me being me, I couldn’t just enjoy it – I had to try making it myself! The first attempt? Well, let’s just say I may have gone a little overboard with the jalapenos. My family loves spice, but that batch could practically breathe fire! It was a good learning experience, though, and now I’ve perfected a Cranberry Salsa recipe that’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and just a little bit of heat.

Honestly, between school runs, after-school activities, and everything else that comes with family life, finding time to cook can be a real challenge. That’s why I’m all about recipes that are quick, easy, and – most importantly – delicious. And this Cranberry Salsa? It checks all the boxes! It’s been a staple in our house during the holidays for years, and now I even make it other times of the year, too, because it’s so good!

I think I originally stumbled upon the idea, maybe from a magazine clipping or something similar, but the recipe I’ve landed on is now uniquely my own. And I promise, you’re going to love how versatile it is. You can serve it with tortilla chips (my kids’ favorite), over cream cheese for a simple appetizer (perfect for holiday parties), or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

I have found that many people over at CRANBERRY SALSA over cream cheese If you need a no-bake … make it as well and have great success.

So, ditch the store-bought cranberry sauce this year and give this Cranberry Salsa a try. I promise, you won’t regret it. I am even making some Cranberry Brie Bites, check out my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. Let’s get started, shall we?

What You’ll Need for This Cranberry Salsa

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty simple list! Here’s what I always use when I make my Cranberry Salsa:

12 ounces fresh cranberries: I always use fresh cranberries for my Cranberry Salsa. Frozen will work in a pinch, but the texture is just not the same. When making Cranberry Salsa, you can find fresh cranberries in the produce section of most grocery stores during the fall and winter months.
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Red onion adds a nice bite and a pop of color to the Cranberry Salsa.
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh cilantro is a must for that vibrant, herby flavor.
1-2 jalapenos, seeded and minced: This is where you can adjust the heat to your liking. Start with one and add more if you like it spicy. Here’s a Cranberry Salsa trick I learned: If you’re sensitive to spice, be extra careful to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos.
1/4 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works too. It adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
2 tablespoons lime juice: The lime juice balances out the sweetness of the cranberries and adds a zesty tang to the Cranberry Salsa.
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: I like to use honey for a more floral sweetness, but maple syrup is a great vegan option.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors.
Pinch of ground cumin: This adds a warm, earthy note that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Ingredients for making homemade cranberry salsa

When the holidays roll around, I like to stock up when I see a good deal on cranberries and freeze them! It can be a cost-saving tip if you like to make fresh Cranberry Salsa year-round.

Oh, and storage! If you happen to have leftover Cranberry Salsa (though that rarely happens in my house!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. This fruit salsa recipe really is that good!

If you love cranberry recipes as much as I do, try some Cranberry Meatballs!

Let’s Make This Cranberry Salsa Together

Alright, are you ready to get cooking? Trust me, this is so easy, you’ll be making Cranberry Salsa all the time! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Cranberry appetizer in no time:

Prep the Cranberries: First, rinse the cranberries and pick out any that are soft or mushy. Nobody wants those in their Cranberry Salsa! Then, give them a rough chop. You can use a food processor for this, but I actually prefer to do it by hand. I think it gives the salsa a better texture.
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, orange juice, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and cumin. I learned the hard way with Cranberry Salsa that it’s better to start with a smaller amount of jalapeno and add more to taste. You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
Mix Well: Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Salsa looks a little chunky at this point. It will soften up as it sits.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cranberries to soften. In my kitchen, Cranberry Salsa usually tastes best after it’s been chilling for a couple of hours.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give the Cranberry Salsa a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more honey if you like it sweeter, or a little more lime juice if you want it tangier.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your holiday salsa with tortilla chips, crackers, or as a topping for grilled meat or fish. My favorite way to enjoy it is over a block of cream cheese with some crackers. So easy and so good!

While the Cranberry Salsa is chilling, I usually like to clean up the kitchen and maybe sneak a little taste of whatever else I’m making for dinner. Your Cranberry Salsa should smell like a mix of tart cranberries, zesty citrus, and a hint of spicy jalapeno. It’s absolutely divine! For another twist on the recipe, consider checking this Cranberry Salsa Recipe.

How I Love to Serve This Cranberry Salsa

Okay, so you’ve made your Cranberry Salsa – now what? Well, the possibilities are endless! My family loves this Cranberry Salsa when I serve it with tortilla chips as a festive appetizer. It’s always a hit at parties and gatherings. I also love to spoon it over a block of cream cheese and serve it with crackers. It’s such an easy and elegant appetizer, and it’s always the first thing to disappear!

This christmas salsa is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering. It adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your holiday table. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all those extra cranberries! For presentation, I like to serve it in a pretty glass bowl with a spoon. You can also garnish it with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a lime wedge for an extra touch of elegance.

If you have extra Cranberry Salsa, you can use it as a topping for grilled chicken, pork, or fish. It’s also delicious on sandwiches or salads. One of my favorite ways to use leftover Cranberry Salsa is to mix it with some shredded chicken and make Cranberry Salsa chicken salad sandwiches. So good!

As for seasonal variations, I sometimes like to add a little bit of chopped apple or pear to my Cranberry Salsa in the fall. It adds a nice sweetness and crunch. In the summer, I might add a little bit of diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. This Cranberry Salsa reminds me of another family favorite: Cranberry Brie Bites.

Friends always ask for this Cranberry Salsa recipe after they try it. It’s just that good. I really think you are going to love the fresh cranberry salsa recipe that I make.

Your Cranberry Salsa Questions Answered

I know you might have some questions about making Cranberry Salsa, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones. I know that fresh cranberry salsa recipe is sometimes hard to do but I promise it is so easy!

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? While fresh cranberries are best, you can use frozen in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them. You know what I do when my Cranberry Salsa recipe calls for fresh and all I have frozen? I just make sure I drain the thawed cranberries very well!
How long will Cranberry Salsa last? When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Cranberry Salsa will last for about 3-4 days.
Can I make Cranberry Salsa ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making Cranberry Salsa a day or two ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together. It tastes even better the next day!
Can I freeze Cranberry Salsa? While you can freeze Cranberry Salsa, the texture may change slightly after thawing. The cranberries may become a bit softer. But, if you have a lot left over, freezing is definitely better than letting it go to waste.
What can I serve with Cranberry Salsa? Cranberry Salsa is delicious with tortilla chips, crackers, cream cheese, grilled meats, fish, sandwiches, and salads. It’s also a great addition to a cheese board.
Is Cranberry Salsa spicy? It can be, depending on how much jalapeno you add. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of jalapeno and add more to taste. My family likes it with a little bit of heat, but not too much.
Can I add other fruits to Cranberry Salsa? Absolutely! Apples, pears, mangoes, and pineapple all make great additions to Cranberry Salsa. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. My daughter, Emily, loves when I add diced apples to it!

Another great place to find some ideas is here Fresh Cranberry Salsa recipe – only 6 Ingredients! « Running in a Skirt.

My Final Thoughts on This Cranberry Salsa

Honestly, this Cranberry Salsa recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a recipe that my family loves and that I can always rely on to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, delicious, and festive – everything I look for in a holiday recipe! It really makes the perfect holiday salsa recipe!

My Cranberry Salsa Pro Tips:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors. Add a little more honey if you like it sweeter, or a little more lime juice if you want it tangier.
Make it ahead of time. The flavors will meld together and the Cranberry Salsa will taste even better.
Use the best quality ingredients you can find. Fresh cranberries, fresh herbs, and good quality honey will make all the difference.

As for variations, I’ve tried a few different ones over the years. I mentioned adding apples or pears for a fall twist, which my son, Michael, really enjoys. I’ve also tried adding a little bit of ginger for a warm, spicy flavor, which my husband adores. And, as I mentioned earlier, a tropical version with mango or pineapple is always a hit in the summer. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Cranberry Meatballs.

I really hope you’ll give this Cranberry Salsa recipe a try. It’s so easy to make, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. I hope that your Cranberry Salsa cooking experience is filled with joy, laughter, and deliciousness! If you like to make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast! Take a look here. Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.

Don’t be afraid to make this Cranberry Salsa your own. Add your own personal touch and create a version that your family will love. And most of all, have fun! Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. So relax, put on some music, and get ready to make some delicious Cranberry Salsa. You are going to love this fruit salsa!

Cranberry Salsa

Print Recipe

This festive cranberry salsa is a sweet and tangy appetizer perfect for the holidays. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces fresh cranberries
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until coarsely chopped.
Transfer the cranberries to a medium bowl.
Add the red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, sugar, and salt.
Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and stir to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled with tortilla chips or your favorite grilled protein.

Notes

For a spicier salsa, leave the seeds in the jalapeño. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.