Looking for a new and exciting appetizer to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than this delicious cranberry salsa recipe! This unique twist on traditional salsa is sure to impress your guests and uses a few simple ingredients.

cranberry salsa in a white bowl with salted crackers on a white counter.

Made with fresh cranberries, jalapeños, and cilantro, this salsa is bursting with flavor and perfect for the holiday season.

Whether you’re serving it with chips or using it as a topping for your favorite dishes, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little extra pizzazz to their party spread.

So why wait? Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress your guests with this delicious cranberry salsa recipe!

If you need some other great holiday recipes, be sure to check out my Christmas Charcuterie board, Christmas chocolate covered pretzels, or my Christmas toffee!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Salsa

Looking for a new and exciting twist on traditional salsa?

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this unique and flavorful recipe:

It’s perfect for the holidays: Cranberries are a staple of holiday meals, and this salsa is the perfect way to incorporate them into your menu. The bright red color also adds a festive touch to your table.
It’s healthy: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients, making this salsa a healthy addition to your meal. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, so you can indulge without the guilt.
It’s versatile: Cranberry salsa can be served in a variety of ways. Use it as a dip for chips or veggies, spoon it over grilled chicken or fish, or even mix it into your favorite salad for an extra burst of flavor.
It’s easy to make: This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
It’s a crowd-pleaser: With its unique flavor and vibrant color, cranberry salsa is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a new appetizer to serve at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

With its delicious flavor, health benefits, and versatility, it’s the perfect addition to any meal or occasion.

Ingredients for Cranberry Salsa

This recipe is perfect for the holiday season, with its bright red color and tangy flavor. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! These tart berries add a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color to the salsa.
Lime Juice: Adds a tangy and acidic flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cranberries.
Green Onions: These mild onions add a subtle onion flavor and a bit of crunch to the salsa.
Jalapeño Peppers: For a bit of heat! These peppers are not too spicy, but add a nice kick to the salsa.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh and bright flavor to the salsa.
Maple Syrup: Balances out the tartness of the cranberries and adds a touch of sweetness.
Ginger Paste: Adds a hint of warmth and depth of flavor.
Brick of Cream Cheese: Gives the salsa a creamy and smooth texture.

cranberry salsa in a food processor with salted crackers on a white counter.

How to Make Cranberry Salsa

To make this delicious appetizer, follow these simple steps:

Gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh cranberries, jalapeño pepper, green onion, cilantro, lime juice, maple syrup, and salt.
Combine the cranberries, jalapeño, and green onion in a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Add the cilantro, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger paste, and salt to the food processor. Pulse a few more times until everything is well combined.
Transfer the salsa to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

To serve, simply pair the cranberry salsa with your favorite dippers, such as tortilla chips, wheat thins, or Ritz crackers.

For an extra special presentation, try spreading the salsa on top of a block of cream cheese and serving with crackers.

What to Serve with Cranberry Salsa

Cranberry salsa is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of different foods.

Here are some ideas for what to serve with your cranberry salsa:

Tortilla chips: This is the most common way to serve cranberry salsa. The sweet and tangy flavors of the salsa pair perfectly with the salty crunch of tortilla chips.
Crostini: Spread some goat cheese or cream cheese on a slice of toasted baguette and top with a spoonful of cranberry salsa for an elegant appetizer.
Grilled chicken: Top grilled chicken breasts with a generous spoonful of cranberry salsa for a flavorful and healthy meal.
Baked brie: Top a wheel of brie cheese with cranberry salsa and bake in the oven for a warm and gooey appetizer that is sure to impress your guests.
Turkey sandwich: Spread some cranberry salsa on a turkey sandwich for a delicious twist on a classic lunch.
Quesadillas: Spread some cranberry salsa on a flour tortilla, top with shredded cheese and your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, or veggies), and fold in half for a quick and easy meal.

Get creative and try it with your favorite foods!

When to Serve This Recipe

Cranberry salsa is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served at a variety of occasions.

Thanksgiving Season

The Thanksgiving season is a great time to serve cranberry salsa. Its vibrant red color and tangy flavor make it a festive addition to any Thanksgiving spread.

Christmas Parties

If you’re attending a Christmas party and need to bring an appetizer, cranberry salsa is a great choice. It’s easy to make and can be served with tortilla chips or crackers. Plus, it’s a healthier option than many other holiday appetizers.

New Year’s Eve Party

If you’re already planning a New Year’s Eve party, consider adding cranberry salsa to the menu. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made in advance, which will save you time on the day of the party.

Super Bowl Appetizer

Looking for the best Super Bowl appetizer? Look no further than cranberry salsa. It’s easy to customize to your liking. Add more jalapenos for extra spice, or add some honey for a sweeter flavor.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

Once you’ve made your delicious cranberry salsa, you may be wondering how to store it properly. The good news is that this recipe is a great make-ahead option, perfect for parties and gatherings.

To store your cranberry salsa, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir to redistribute the ingredients and bring it to room temperature before serving.

One thing to keep in mind when making this recipe ahead of time is that the flavors will continue to meld and develop over time. This can be a good thing, as it can make the salsa even more flavorful, but it’s also something to keep in mind if you prefer a milder taste.