Best Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Introduction
This vibrant cranberry salsa is a tangy and sweet twist on traditional salsa, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a fresh, flavorful appetizer. Bright cranberries combined with jalapeños and ginger create a lively dip that pairs wonderfully with chips or crackers.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 1 to 2 medium jalapeños, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and pick over the cranberries, discarding any that are soft or bruised. Place them in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped but not mushy.
- Step 2: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl. Add the sliced green onion, minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and grated ginger. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the sugar over the mixture. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop a balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Step 4: Serve the cranberry salsa chilled with tortilla chips or spoon it over softened cream cheese for a delicious appetizer.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before mincing.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for an extra citrusy punch.
- Try swapping cilantro with fresh mint for a different herbal note.
- If you prefer a smoother salsa, process the mixture briefly after combining all ingredients.
Storage
Store the cranberry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving again. It’s best served chilled and can be refreshed by adding a bit more lemon juice or sugar if desired. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make cranberry salsa ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or even a day in advance enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What can I serve cranberry salsa with besides chips?
Cranberry salsa is excellent spooned over cream cheese with crackers, served alongside grilled meats, or used as a topping for tacos and sandwiches to add a fresh, tangy contrast.
Print
Best Cranberry Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Cranberry Salsa recipe is a vibrant and tangy condiment combining fresh cranberries, jalapeños, ginger, and cilantro, perfect for serving with tortilla chips or as a flavorful topping for softened cream cheese and crackers. It’s quick to prepare and develops deeper flavors after chilling.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 1 to 2 medium jalapeños, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse and drain 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, removing any that are soft or bruised. Place them in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped but not mushy.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl. Add 1/4 cup sliced green onion, 1 to 2 minced jalapeños depending on desired heat level, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tablespoons grated ginger. Pour in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/2 cup granulated sugar, then stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Chill to Develop Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salsa for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the tartness to mellow and flavors to meld, resulting in a more balanced and delicious salsa.
- Serve: Enjoy the cranberry salsa with tortilla chips as a zesty dip, or spoon it over softened cream cheese and serve with crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spiciness of the salsa.
- For a smoother texture, pulse cranberries more but avoid turning into puree.
- This salsa can be prepared a day in advance for even better flavor development.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days.
- Try adding a pinch of salt or a splash of orange juice for subtle variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry salsa, holiday salsa, fresh cranberry recipe, spicy cranberry dip, appetizer salsa
