Festive Cranberry Salsa with Jalapeños is the perfect quick and flavorful addition to any gathering, offering a bright mix of tart cranberries and spicy jalapeños that’s easy to prepare and endlessly versatile. This dip comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute holiday gatherings. Serve it over cream cheese or enjoy it as a standalone dip with crackers or chips.
This salsa brings a unique fusion of seasonal cranberries and bold jalapeños to create a vibrant, festive dip that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or quick family meals. Originally inspired by classic cranberry cream cheese dips, this salsa balances flavors for a mix of fresh, tart, spicy, and creamy. It’s great on its own or over cream cheese for an irresistible combination.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Festive and Colorful: Adds a pop of color to any table, perfect for the holiday season.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: Pairs well with crackers, chips, or as a topping for grilled meats.
- Healthy and Fresh: Made with fresh cranberries and green onions, this salsa offers a guilt-free snack.
If you like this Thanksgiving recipe, you may also love Creamy Cranberry Dip or Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread.
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What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Fresh Cranberries: Bright, tart, and full of antioxidants, cranberries add a beautiful red hue.
- Jalapeños: Adjust to taste; remove seeds for a milder salsa or keep them for extra heat.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
- Sugar: Helps balance the tartness of cranberries.
- Lime Juice and Zest: Enhances flavor with fresh citrus.
- Green Onions: Mildly oniony, adding subtle flavor.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness.
- Cream Cheese: Softened and spread on a platter for a creamy base.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Cranberry Salsa with Jalapeños
STEP ONE: Prepare the Cranberries
Pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Move to a mixing bowl.
STEP TWO: Combine Ingredients
Add diced jalapeños, pomegranate seeds, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and zest to the cranberries. Stir to mix.
STEP THREE: Marinate
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors and dissolve the sugar.
STEP FOUR: Serve
Spread softened cream cheese on a serving platter, and top with the cranberry mixture. Serve with crackers or tortilla chips.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Pomegranate Seeds: Substitute with diced apples for a different texture or omit.
- Cream Cheese: Swap with whipped goat cheese for a tangy alternative.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet-Friendly: Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter dip.
- Spice Level: Increase or decrease jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- Presentation: Serve in a festive bowl or add a few cilantro sprigs as garnish.
How Should You Store This?
Store leftover Cranberry Jalapeno Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to blend over time, enhancing the taste.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For the best flavor, let the cranberry mixture marinate in the fridge for at least two hours.
Serve over whipped cream cheese for a smoother texture.
Make it in advance; it holds well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
This salsa is best enjoyed cold, but if using as a topping for meats, bring it to room temperature for a fresher taste.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover cilantro to make this Fresh Restaurant Style Guacamole
- Add any extra cranberries to a smoothie for a tart kick.
- Mix pomegranate seeds into a holiday salad.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with pita chips or sliced baguette for added texture.
- Add as a topping for grilled chicken or turkey.
- Try with roasted veggies for a fresh flavor boost.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Mango Salsa
- The Best Fire Roasted Salsa
- Pineapple Habanero Salsa Recipe
- Chipotle's Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe
- Tomato Avocado Salsa
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FAQ
Yes, you can make this salsa up to two days in advance. Storing it in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it even tastier when served. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
This salsa pairs well with tortilla chips, pita wedges, or as a topping for tacos and grilled chicken. It adds a fresh, tangy kick to both appetizers and main dishes.
To make the salsa milder, remove the seeds and inner membranes from the jalapeños or use only one jalapeño. For extra heat, keep the seeds or add a second jalapeño for a spicier kick.
📖 Recipe
Cranberry Salsa with Jalapenos
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Serving Platter or Shallow Dish
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 2 jalapeños seeded and finely diced (adjust for heat preference)
- Seeds from ½ pomegranate
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon lime juice plus zest of 1 lime
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse cranberries until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add jalapeños, pomegranate seeds, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and lime zest to the bowl with cranberries. Stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors and dissolve sugar.
- Spread softened cream cheese on a serving platter. Spoon cranberry mixture on top, spreading evenly.
- Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds and cilantro. Serve chilled with crackers, baguette slices, or pita chips.
Notes
- Pomegranate Seeds: Substitute with diced apples for a different texture or omit.
- Cream Cheese: Swap with whipped goat cheese for a tangy alternative.
Nutrition
Cranberry Salsa with Jalapeños is a bright, festive addition to any gathering, offering a unique mix of flavors that families and guests will love.
Make this versatile dip for your next holiday celebration, and don't forget to share your results in the comments or tag us with #HolidaySalsa!
Important Food Safety Tips
When handling jalapeños, consider wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation. Store leftovers within two hours of serving and consume within three days.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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