Cranberry Salsa with Jalapenos

5 from 2 votes

Cranberry Salsa with Jalapeños is a bright, sweet-spicy dip with fresh cranberries, crisp jalapeños, and an easy make-ahead prep that’s perfect for parties or holiday snacking. This cranberry salsa recipe uses a simple no-cook method where everything is pulsed, mixed, and chilled so the sugar dissolves and the flavors settle into a balanced appetizer you can spoon over cream cheese or serve with crackers.

Prep Time15

Chill Time2

Total Time2 15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 97kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Food processor
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

Storage Store leftover Cranberry Jalapeno Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freeze This dish is not freezer-friendly.

Reheat This salsa is best enjoyed cold, but if using as a topping for meats, bring it to room temperature for a fresher taste.

Substitutions

Pomegranate Seeds: Substitute with diced apples for a different texture or omit.
Cream Cheese: Swap with whipped goat cheese for a tangy alternative.

Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition