If you’re dreaming of a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dip that packs a flavorful punch, look no further than Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa. This refreshingly bright salsa is perfectly balanced with tart cranberries, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a gentle heat from jalapeño. It’s a show-stopping appetizer for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a cozy gathering with friends. With its jewel-toned color and irresistible flavor, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe all year round!

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa comes together using easy-to-find, fresh ingredients. Every single component plays an important role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make this salsa pop.

Fresh cranberries (12-ounce bag): These ruby-red gems deliver bright tartness and a pop of color that define this salsa.
Fresh cilantro (small bunch): Roughly chopped, cilantro brings a burst of herbal freshness that keeps each bite lively.
Red onion (small, finely chopped): Adds subtle pungency and a satisfying crunch, rounding out the salsa’s complexity.
Jalapeño pepper (1, seeded and minced): For heat—remember, you can adjust the amount or leave seeds in for extra kick.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness that tames the cranberries’ tartness and the jalapeño’s bite.
Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup): Adds zing and balances the flavors with a citrusy tang.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors forward and tying everything together.
Zest of 1 lime: Incorporates aromatic oils from the lime peel, adding fragrance and even more bright flavor.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa

Step 1: Chop the Cranberries

Start by giving your fresh cranberries a good rinse, then drain them well. Pop them into your food processor, and pulse until they’re coarsely chopped—you want visible pieces, not a purée. This creates that delightful chunky texture that sets Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa apart from the rest.

Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients

Transfer your chopped cranberries to a medium mixing bowl. Add in the roughly chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño. Stir everything together gently to distribute the colors and flavors throughout.

Step 3: Make the Tangy-Sweet Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, salt, and the fragrant zest of one lime. Mix until the sugar begins to dissolve—this will make sure your dressing is smooth and ready to infuse every bite of salsa with flavor.

Step 4: Mix and Marinate

Pour the citrusy dressing over the cranberry mixture. Stir well to fully combine all the ingredients. You’ll notice the salsa becoming glossy and colorful as everything melds together. Now, be patient—let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes (longer if you can manage!) in the fridge or at room temperature. This marinating time lets the flavors develop into something truly special.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready, give the salsa a final stir and scoop it into your favorite serving bowl. It’s delicious served chilled for extra refreshment, or at room temperature for a more mellow, rounded flavor. Dive in with tortilla chips, or get creative with how you enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa!

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa

Garnishes

Dress up your bowl of Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, a little more lime zest, or some finely diced jalapeño for color and heat. For even more crunch and brightness, a few thinly sliced green onions scattered on top look lovely and taste fantastic.

Side Dishes

This salsa is famously paired with crisp tortilla chips, but it’s also a knockout on a platter with pita wedges, seeded crackers, or even alongside a cheese board. Try it spooned over grilled chicken, salmon, or roasted turkey for a stunning pop of color and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun appetizer, spread a layer of softened cream cheese on a platter and top with a generous shower of Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa—serve with crackers and watch it disappear! Mini tacos, lettuce cups, or crostini topped with this salsa are sure to impress at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so leftover salsa might taste even better on day two!

Freezing

While fresh is best for this salsa, you can freeze it in a well-sealed container for up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and give it a good stir to redistribute any juices that have separated.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t required or recommended for Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa. It’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature for the brightest, freshest flavors and the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones work wonderfully for Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa. Just thaw them fully and drain away any excess moisture before using.

How spicy is this salsa?

It’s perfectly balanced but customizable. Removing the seeds from the jalapeño keeps it mild, but if you’re a heat lover, toss in the seeds or add a second pepper for extra spice.

What can I use instead of cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your thing, try replacing it with fresh parsley or even a mix of parsley and mint. The salsa will still be vibrant, fresh, and delicious, just with a gentler herbal note.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa actually gets better after it sits for a few hours or even overnight. The flavors meld together and the cranberries soften slightly, making for an even tastier salsa the next day.

Is Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa vegan?

It sure is! There are no animal products involved, so it’s naturally vegan, dairy free, and perfect for a plant-based crowd.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bold, beautiful dish that always gets rave reviews, you can’t go wrong with Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to bring color and excitement to your table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite year after year!

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa is a delightful twist on traditional salsa, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapeños and the freshness of cilantro. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a unique topping for meats, this vegan salsa is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Cranberry Salsa:

1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
1 small bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lime

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Instructions

Prepare the Cranberry Salsa: Add the cranberries to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño to the bowl and stir to combine.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, lime juice, salt, and lime zest until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and stir well. Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or over grilled meats.