Dessert

Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Name: Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries; 1 small Granny Smith apple, chopped; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 jalapeño, deseeded and diced; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Juice of one lime; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened; Crackers, for serving

ByAiden Wells February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

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Introduction

Cranberry salsa is a vibrant and tangy twist on traditional salsa, perfect for holiday parties or anytime you want a fresh, zesty dip. Combining tart cranberries with crisp apple and a hint of spice, it pairs beautifully with cream cheese and crackers.

A close-up view of a thick, finely chopped red salsa or relish placed inside a round white bowl, showing a mix of red, green, and white bits with a slightly chunky and moist texture. In the center, there is a fresh green cilantro leaf on top of the salsa. A golden spoon is partially dipped into the salsa on the right side of the bowl, causing a small well in the mixture. Surrounding the bowl, there are two green peppers on the top left, a green lime on the top right with a squeezed half next to it, and fresh cilantro leaves at the bottom left, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 small Granny Smith apple, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, deseeded and diced
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Juice of one lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, combine fresh cranberries, chopped Granny Smith apple, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice.
Step 2: Pulse the mixture until it is coarsely chopped and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Serve the cranberry salsa chilled, either alongside crackers or poured over softened cream cheese for a delicious dip.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level—you can leave some seeds in for extra spice.
For a smoother salsa, pulse longer or finely chop ingredients by hand.
Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for an extra zing.
Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.

Storage

Store cranberry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If mixed with cream cheese, keep the dip refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for the best flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a soft white block of cheese placed in the middle of a white plate. The cheese is topped with a thick, chunky layer of bright red cranberry relish mixed with small bits of nuts or herbs, giving it a rough texture. Fresh green cilantro leaves rest on top of the cranberry layer, adding a fresh contrast. Around the cheese on the plate, there are a few round golden cracker pieces. The setting features a white marbled surface with some blurred green jalapenos and cranberries in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cranberry salsa ahead of time?

Yes, cranberry salsa can be made up to 2 days in advance. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?

You can finely chop all the ingredients by hand using a sharp knife or pulse them in a blender in short bursts to avoid over-processing.