Cranberry Salsa is one of our favorite holiday appetizers because it’s fresh and sweet with just a little bit of spice.
Cranberries, cilantro, green onion, jalapeño, lime juice, sugar, and garlic salt blend together into a colorful salsa that looks so pretty on a Christmas or Thanksgiving table.
We love serving this over a block of cream cheese with crackers for the easiest party dip. It’s quick to make, can be prepped ahead, and adds the perfect pop of flavor to holiday appetizer spreads.
This dip is a perfect addition to your party spread, served with our other favorites like Spinach Artichoke Dip, Caramel Apple Dip, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dip.
Why You’ll Love It + Why it works:
- Adds a Pop of Color: Cranberries make it bright, festive, and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Save Time and Make Ahead of Time: Easy make-ahead appetizer for parties, potlucks, and holiday dinners.
- Cranberries Give it Bright Flavor: Their tartness balances the sugar and makes the salsa taste fresh.
- Cream Cheese Makes it Party-Ready: The creamy base balances the sweet and spicy salsa and makes it easy to scoop with crackers.
Cranberry Salsa Ingredeints
- Cranberries, fresh or frozen (12 ounces): Creates the tart, bright base and give the salsa its festive red color.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (1 bunch): Adds fresh herb flavor and color.
- Green onion, cut into 3 inch length (1 bunch): Adds mild onion flavor and freshness.
- Jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (1):Adds a little heat without making the salsa too spicy.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoon): Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
- Sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetens the cranberries and balances their tart flavor.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes (½ teaspoon): Adds savory seasoning and a little herb flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Salsa
CHOP. Fit your food processor with a medium blade. Place cranberries, cilantro, green onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, sugar, and garlic salt into the food processor. Chop until you get a medium blend.
SERVE. Serve at room temperature. We love to serve cranberry salsa with cream cheese and scoop it up with crackers.
REFRIGERATE. Chill in the fridge if you are not going to serve it right away.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries, but thaw frozen cranberries slightly if needed so they pulse more evenly.
- Pulse the mixture instead of fully blending so the salsa keeps some texture.
- Seed the jalapeno for a milder salsa, or leave in a few seeds if you want more heat.
- Serve over a block of cream cheese with crackers for an easy holiday appetizer.
- Make-ahead tip: prepare the cranberry salsa a day ahead and refrigerate it so the flavors have time to blend.
Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 bunch green onion, cut into 3 inch length
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
Instructions
- Fit your food processor with a medium blade. Add the cranberries, cilantro, green onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, sugar, and garlic salt to the food processor. Pulse until you get a medium blend.
- Serve at room temperature. We love to pour this over a block of cream cheese and scoop it up with crackers.
- Refrigerate if you are not going be serving right away.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries, but thaw frozen cranberries slightly if needed so they pulse more evenly.
- Pulse the mixture instead of fully blending so the salsa keeps some texture.
- Seed the jalapeno for a milder salsa, or leave in a few seeds if you want more heat.
- Serve over a block of cream cheese with crackers for an easy holiday appetizer.
- Make-ahead tip: prepare the cranberry salsa a day ahead and refrigerate it so the flavors have time to blend.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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This recipe was first shared November, 2020.
great tasting salsa. Cranberries are so yummy, thanks
I love this Salsa.
A must have dish at our thanksgiving and really great for any time too. Big hit with literally everyone who has tried it and it so easy and so fresh and so yum. definitely remake again and again.
Onion, cilantro, garlic, can all be added gradually to taste preference. It’s good!
Made 1 as is, and made a 2nd one with 2 jalapeños (one seeded) for the ones wanting a kick.
That’s fun to make one with a bit more kick! Thanks for sharing!
I’m wondering if you soften the cream cheese? Thank you!
So festive and fresh and yummy! Great like salsa with chips and great with soft/cream cheese on charcuterie.
My kids all love this. It is our go to for any gathering fall through winter. Super easy and everyone’s fav.
Already a family favorite! Delicious with a variety crackers but we found hint of lime tortilla chips to be our favorite.
I will have to try those! Thank you for sharing that!
great salsa. I love it. I will make it again and again.
Yay!! Thank you! I am so glad you like it!
I am testing out new recipes & found this! It was amazing! We tried it with crackers & it was a hit! So much flavor in one bite!
Cranberry Salsa…why have I never made this before? So yummy! I can think of lots food to put it on or dip it in! I will be adding this to our Thanksgiving menu this year for sure!