Spicy Cranberry Salsa

This make-ahead Spicy Cranberry Salsa with jalapenos brings fresh, holiday flavors to your holiday spread. It’s an excellent appetizer or food topper!

This Cranberry Salsa is the fresh addition you need on your holiday spread. It has a sweet and slightly spicy kick that marries or well with so many dishes makes the party even merrier! Every time I make it for a party, I leave with an empty dish.

It’s the perfect make ahead appetizer or side dish to for chips, toasts, and proteins like steak or salmon. Plus with just 8 ingredients and 20 minutes of prep, you can whip this up in almost no time.

We love to simply serve it with cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, but it’s also excellent on a pumpkin or butternut squash soup or fish tacos. One of my favorite ways to use it is on my Gobbler Sandwich that can be made with leftover holiday turkey or deli turkey. It’s also amazing mixed with my Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Burst of Flavor. The combination of spicy jalapeños with the sweet-tart taste of cranberries creates a incredible blend of flavors
• Pairs with so many things. Cranberry salsa is incredibly versatile. It can be paired with so many dishes like tacos, grilled meats, or simply enjoyed with regular or cinnamon sugar tortilla chips.
• Make-Ahead Appetizer or Side Dish. Recipes like this one that can be made ahead of time for a get-together make for easier entertaining.
• Perfect for the Holidays. The vibrant colors of the salsa, featuring red cranberries and green jalapeños and cucumbers, make it the perfect addition to a festive gathering.

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Recipe Card for the Full Recipe and Ingredient Amounts 

• Fresh Cranberries: Cranberries are the star of the show, providing a sweet and tart flavor to the salsa. They also contribute a juicy and slightly crunchy texture. The cranberries add a festive and vibrant color to the salsa.
• Green Onions: Brings a savory depth and a satisfying crunch to the salsa.
• Cilantro: Contributes freshness, color, and a citrusy note.
• Jalapeños: Provides crunch and the perfect amount of heat.
• Cucumber: Adds a fresh crunch and offsets the heat of the jalapeños.
• Sugar: Balances the taste by offsetting the heat and tartness.
• Lemon & Lime: The acidity not only enhances the taste but also helps meld the flavors together.
• Cinnamon Sugar Chips or Pita Chips (optional): The vehicle to scoop up the salsa to snack on.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Dry Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Citrus Squeezer

How to Make Cranberry Salsa

1. To a medium bowl, combine cranberries, green onion, cilantro, jalapeño, cucumber, sugar, lemon juice, lime juice and salt. 

2. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate 2 hours or up to overnight. 

3. Serve with cinnamon sugar chips, tortilla chips or as a dish topper.

What to Serve with Cranberry Jalapeno Salsa

The options are endless. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this delicious holiday salsa.

• Tortilla Chips: Classic and simple, dipping regular or cinnamon sugar tortilla chips into jalapeño cranberry salsa is perfect for a celebration or holiday get-together.
• Soup Topper: A scoop of salsa on top of pumpkin, acorn, or butternut squash soup will give you all the warm and fuzzy feels of fall and winter!
• Tacos: Add a spoonful of the salsa to your tacos for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs well with various proteins like grilled chicken, fish, or even vegetarian options.
• Grilled Meats: Top grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, with jalapeño cranberry salsa to enhance their flavor and adds freshness.
• Quesadillas: Incorporate the salsa into your quesadilla filling for a unique and zesty twist.
• Baked Brie or Cream Cheese: Serve the salsa over baked brie or cream cheese for an appetizer that combines creamy and spicy flavors.
• Salads: Use the salsa as a vibrant dressing for salads.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: Spread jalapeño cranberry salsa on sandwiches like the Gobbler Sandwich or in wraps to elevate the taste with a hint of spice and sweetness.
• Seafood Topping: Pair the salsa with seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or fish.
• Serving with Cheese Platter: Include jalapeño cranberry salsa as part of a cheese platter to offer a sweet and spicy element alongside different cheeses.
• Breakfast Accompaniment: Add a spoonful to your morning eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos for a flavorful kick.

Tips and Substitutions

• Experiment with Cranberries: Based on availability, use fresh or frozen cranberries that have been thawed. Frozen will yield a slightly wetter end product but equally as delicious. It’ll also be a bolder red color.
• Yummy Additions and Substitutions: This salsa can be modified to your taste preference and is fun to get creative with. Other ingredient that pair well with these flavors are pomegranate arils, diced mango, avocado chunks, orange zest, jicama cubes, diced bell peppers, diced apple, chopped pineapple, and toasted nuts.
• Adjust Heat to Taste: Control the spiciness by modifying the quantity of jalapeños. For a milder salsa, remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
• Balance Sweetness: Tailor the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or use honey, agave syrup, or sugar substitutes as alternatives.
• Let It Marinate: Allow the salsa to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This enhances the melding of flavors, resulting in a tastier salsa.
• Fresh Lime and Lemon Juice: Opt for fresh lime juice for a vibrant citrus flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for acidity.
• Pepper Variations: If jalapeños are too hot, consider milder peppers like poblanos or bell peppers. Conversely, for more heat, experiment with serranos or other spicy peppers.
• Onion Varieties: Experiment with different onion varieties such as red, white, or sweet onions to alter the salsa’s flavor profile.
• Nutty Addition: Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra texture and flavor complexity. These will soften
• Fruit Variation: Not a fan of cranberries, check out this sweet and spicy Strawberry Salsa recipe! It’s got the similar flavors but with a strawberry twist. Fresh mint is an optional add in that can give it a fresh and pretty touch!

Cranberry lovers, you’ve got to try this delicious Cranberry Snack Cake that can be made with fresh or frozen cranberries. Butternut Squash with Cranberries is also a cranberry holiday hit that’s a great side dish for so many meals!

Storage and Freezing

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the texture may change over time. It is not recommended to freeze and thaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try these other Appetizer Recipes

• Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast
• Fresh Pico de Gallo
• Herb and Onion Dip
• Fall Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe