Festive Cranberry Salsa with Jalapeños is the perfect flavorful addition to any gathering, offering a bright mix of tart cranberries and spicy jalapeños that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Serve it over cream cheese or enjoy it as a standalone dip with crackers or chips.
Looking for more festive flavors? Try our Easy Baked Brie with Fig Jam for a creamy, melty pairing or whip up a batch of Cranberry Compote to add to panckes, waffles, or a holiday cheese board!
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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.
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.
Cranberry Salsa with Jalapenos Ingredients
- 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.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Pomegranate Seeds: Substitute with diced apples for a different texture or omit.
- Cream Cheese: Swap with whipped goat cheese for a tangy alternative.
How to Make Cranberry Salsa with Jalapeños
STEP 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Move to a mixing bowl.
Add diced jalapeños, pomegranate seeds, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and zest to the cranberries. Stir to mix.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors and dissolve the sugar.
STEP 2: Layer the Cream Cheese
Spread softened cream cheese on a serving platter.
STEP 3: Add Cranberry Salsa
Top with the cranberry mixture.
STEP 4: Serve
Serve with crackers or tortilla chips.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Let the cranberry mixture marinate in the fridge for at least two hours.
✔️ DO Serve over whipped cream cheese for a smoother texture.
✔️ DO Make it in advance; it holds well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Storage
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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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📖 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.
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