Best Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Introduction
This best cranberry salsa is a vibrant, tangy twist on traditional salsa, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a fresh, flavorful dip. The combination of tart cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and zesty ginger creates a delightful balance that pairs beautifully 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, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the cranberries and pick over them to discard any soft or bruised berries.
- Step 2: Place the cranberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped but not mushy.
- Step 3: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl. Add the sliced green onion, minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and grated ginger.
- Step 4: Pour the lemon juice and granulated sugar over the mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
- Step 6: Serve the salsa as a dip with tortilla chips or spoon it over softened cream cheese with crackers.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level; remove seeds for less spice.
- For a sweeter salsa, add a little more sugar or substitute with honey.
- Try adding a small diced apple or orange segments for a fruity variation.
Storage
Store the cranberry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled and can be reheated briefly if serving warm, though it is typically served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this salsa?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping to avoid a watery salsa.
How spicy will this salsa be?
The spice level depends on the amount and type of jalapeños used. Removing seeds and membranes reduces heat, while keeping them increases the spiciness. Start with one jalapeño and adjust to taste.
PrintBest Cranberry Salsa Recipe
A vibrant and tangy cranberry salsa that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapeños and the freshness of cilantro. This easy-to-make salsa is great for serving with tortilla chips or as a flavorful topping for softened cream cheese and crackers, making it a festive addition to any appetizer spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce / Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 1 to 2 medium jalapeños, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Rinse and prepare cranberries: Rinse and drain 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, picking over them carefully to discard any that are soft or bruised. Place the cranberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until they are finely chopped but not mushy.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup sliced green onion, 1 to 2 minced medium jalapeños depending on your preferred heat level, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Stir in 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger.
- Add lemon juice and sugar: Pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/2 cup granulated sugar over the mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Chill the salsa: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salsa for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and reduces the initial tartness, resulting in a flavorful salsa.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry salsa chilled as a dip with tortilla chips or spoon it over softened cream cheese to enjoy with crackers for a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your spice tolerance.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor and texture.
- Sugar can be reduced or substituted with a sweetener of choice for lower sugar content.
- The salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allowing the salsa to sit refrigerated overnight enhances the flavor even more.
Keywords: cranberry salsa, holiday appetizer, fresh cranberry dip, spicy salsa, easy cranberry recipe, festive appetizer
