Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa
Fresh, vibrant, sweet, and spicy — this Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa is the perfect holiday appetizer or topping! It’s zesty, festive, and incredibly easy to make. Serve it with tortilla chips, spoon it over cream cheese, or use it as a topping for turkey, chicken, pork, or tacos. This salsa is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Salsa
- No cooking required — just chop, mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Holiday-ready colors — bright red cranberries and green jalapeños look stunning on any table.
- Sweet + heat combo that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer — flavors get even better as it chills.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce (use my homemade recipe)
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat (leave some seeds for spicy!)
- 1 small bunch of cilantro
- 2–3 green onions
- 1 small lime, juiced
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 small apple or pear, finely diced (adds sweetness + texture)
Instructions
1. Chop the produce
Pulse cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped — not puréed. Transfer to a bowl.
Finely chop jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions. Add to the cranberries.
2. Add flavor
Mix in sugar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
If using diced apple or pear, fold it in now.
3. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps mellow the cranberries and blend all the flavors.
4. Serve
Serve with:
- Tortilla chips
- Over cream cheese
- Tacos
- Roasted meats
- As a festive holiday dip
Tips & Variations
- More heat? Use 2 jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne.
- Sweeter salsa? Add extra sugar or a small diced apple.
- No cilantro? Try parsley or leave it out.
- Looking for a smoother salsa? Pulse everything together in the processor until the texture you like.
How to Serve
This salsa is especially delicious spooned over a block of cream cheese with crackers — a classic holiday appetizer! It’s also amazing with leftover turkey and makes tacos unbelievably flavorful.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavor gets better after the first day!
If you like cranberries or are looking for more ideas to use your leftover cranberry sauce, please check out our other recipes.
Please check out our other delicious recipes:
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Enjoy!
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