Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to share a recipe that’s about to become your new obsession. I’m talking about Cranberry Salsa, the flavor bomb that turns any meal into a party! Get ready for a happy dance because this is going to be delicious.
Ever since I decided to take regular salsa to the next level, I’ve been obsessed with adding a sweet and tart twist. This Cranberry Salsa is the result of countless kitchen experiments, and trust me, it was worth every single second. It’s a burst of flavor you won’t believe!
I wanted a salsa that was festive, fun, and totally unexpected. This Cranberry Salsa checks all those boxes and more. It’s not just a condiment; it’s a flavor experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Picture this: the tangy cranberries, the zesty lime, the spicy jalapeño, all dancing together in perfect harmony. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. I am sure that this Cranberry Salsa will deliver, every time!
This isn’t your grandma’s cranberry sauce – unless your grandma is a total flavor rebel! I wanted to take that classic holiday flavor and give it a Grill Drip twist. The result? A Cranberry Salsa that’s both familiar and wildly exciting.
Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is for you. I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps, so you can create Cranberry Salsa magic in your own kitchen. This is where delicious memories are made, so let’s get cooking!
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s more than just food; it’s a way to bring people together. So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite tunes, and let’s make some Cranberry Salsa! Are you ready to turn every meal into a celebration? Let’s do this!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Cranberry Salsa ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab everything you need on your regular shopping trip.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries: These are the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup red onion: Adds a savory bite.
- 1/2 cup cilantro: For that fresh, herby goodness.
- 1-2 jalapeños: Adjust to your spice preference – I like mine HOT!
- 1/4 cup lime juice: Brightens everything up.
- 2 tablespoons honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the tartness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin: This Cranberry Salsa gets its amazing taste from that warm, earthy note.
No worries if you don’t have fresh cilantro – I use dried cilantro all the time in my Cranberry Salsa. Just use about 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro.
For the jalapeños, I recommend starting with one and then adding more to taste. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away! I love adding extra jalapeño to my Cranberry Salsa for that extra kick!
My secret ingredient that takes it from good to incredible? A pinch of smoked paprika! It adds a subtle smokiness that complements the cranberries perfectly.
You can store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge. The cranberries will keep for a few weeks, so you can make this festive salsa again and again!
I usually prep my red onion and jalapeños ahead of time to save time during the weeknights. Just chop them up and store them in the fridge. This recipe is a breeze to make if you do this one easy step ahead of time!
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Cranberry Salsa – watch the delicious magic happen! I’m right here with you, cheering you on every step of the way.
- First, give those cranberries a good rinse. Make sure to pick out any stems or mushy ones. We only want the best for our holiday salsa!
- Next, roughly chop the red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Remember to remove the seeds from the jalapeño if you don’t want it too spicy. In my kitchen, this Cranberry Salsa usually takes about 15 minutes to prep, so this quick step is important!
- Now, throw the cranberries, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño into a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped but not completely pureed. We want some texture in our Cranberry Salsa. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the lime juice, honey, salt, and cumin. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is well combined. At this stage your Cranberry Salsa should smell absolutely incredible right now.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more honey if you want it sweeter, more lime juice if you want it tangier, or more jalapeño if you want it spicier. This is your Cranberry Salsa, so make it your own!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it tastes! This allows the flavors to marry together and create that unforgettable cranberry dip experience.
- Before serving, give it another good stir. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Salsa looks a little watery at first; that’s just the cranberries releasing their juices. A good stir will bring it all together.
And that’s it! You’ve just made your own Cranberry Salsa. Seriously, how easy was that? I told you this would be a weeknight winner! While your Cranberry Salsa is doing its thing in the fridge, get ready for some amazing aromas!
My secret shortcut for busy weeknights? I often make a big batch of this Cranberry Salsa on Sunday and then enjoy it all week long. It’s a total time-saver!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Cranberry Salsa hits the table with cream cheese and crackers. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy!
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this:
- With tortilla chips: This is a classic for a reason! The Cranberry Salsa adds a festive twist to your favorite snack.
- Over cream cheese: Spread some cream cheese on a platter and top it with the Cranberry Salsa. Serve with crackers or baguette slices for an elegant appetizer. You can see how Brunch with Babs makes it here: Cranberry Salsa over cream cheese If you need a no-bake ….
- As a topping for grilled chicken or fish: Adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
- In tacos or burritos: Give your Mexican dishes a unique twist.
- With roasted vegetables: The sweetness of the holiday salsa complements the savory vegetables perfectly.
- On a cheese board: Adds a festive and unexpected element.
- With brie and crackers: Warm brie with a cranberry appetizer offers an unforgettable flavor experience
This Cranberry Salsa is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! A little bit of delicious magic goes a long way.
For a fun fusion variation, try adding some diced mango or pineapple to the Cranberry Salsa. It adds a tropical twist that’s unexpected and delicious.
I love serving this at holiday parties because it’s always a hit. People are always surprised by the unique flavor combination, and they can’t get enough! Try this recipe for Spicy Cranberry Salsa too: https://grilldrip.com/spicy-cranberry-salsa
For a beautiful presentation, serve the Cranberry Salsa in a festive bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs. It’s all about making it look as good as it tastes!
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can use them to make a delicious cranberry vinaigrette. Just whisk together the Cranberry Salsa with some olive oil and vinegar.
FAQs:
I know you might have some questions about this Cranberry Salsa, so I’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked ones. Let’s dive in!
CONCLUSION:
This Cranberry Salsa is more than just a recipe for me; it’s a source of joy and a way to bring people together. I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they taste it for the first time. Give it a try and prepare yourself to be amazed.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This makes a huge difference in the overall flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings: Add more or less of each ingredient to suit your taste.
- Let the flavors meld: Refrigerating the Cranberry Salsa for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to come together and create a truly unforgettable experience.
- Spicy Cranberry Salsa: Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Salsa: Add some diced mango or pineapple.
- Smoked Cranberry Salsa: Add a pinch of smoked paprika.
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Cranberry Salsa
This vibrant cranberry salsa is a festive and flavorful appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines the tartness of cranberries with the heat of jalapeño and the freshness of cilantro for a sweet and spicy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process.
- Transfer the chopped cranberries to a medium bowl.
- Add the red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, brown sugar, and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or grilled chicken/fish.
Notes
For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. You can also add a pinch of cumin for a smoky flavor.