Hey there, fellow food lovers! Get ready to turn ordinary meals into flavor explosions with my latest obsession: spicy cranberry salsa! I’m Nyla from Grill Drip, and I’m so excited to welcome you into my delicious world, where comfort food gets a bold twist and every bite is a party in your mouth.
This spicy cranberry salsa isn’t your average holiday side. It’s a game-changer. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about cranberries.
I remember one late-night in the kitchen, I was experimenting with some leftover cranberries. I wanted to take them beyond the usual sauce. After some delicious magic, this spicy cranberry salsa was born. It was a happy accident turned into a flavor favorite! Now, I’m sharing it with you because good food is meant to be shared. Get ready for a flavor adventure!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This spicy cranberry salsa ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Grab these ingredients on your next trip to the store:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (more or less to taste, depending on your spice preference!)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
No worries if you don’t have fresh cilantro – I use dried cilantro all the time in my spicy cranberry salsa for a super flavorful twist! It blends right in and is usually in my pantry.
This spicy cranberry salsa gets its amazing taste from the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. The cranberries provide the sweetness, the jalapeños bring the heat, and the lime juice adds that essential zing.
Here’s my spicy cranberry salsa secret that takes it from good to incredible: a tiny pinch of cumin. It adds a warmth that complements the other flavors perfectly! You can grab this during your normal shopping trip. I love adding extra cilantro to my spicy cranberry salsa for that extra kick.
For ingredient prep shortcuts, you can chop the red onion and jalapeños in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time on busy weeknights. Store your salsa in the fridge to keep its freshness.
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making spicy cranberry salsa – watch the magic happen!
- First, roughly chop the cranberries. I like to give them a quick pulse in a food processor, but you can also chop them by hand. Don’t over-process them. You want them to still have some texture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. This spicy cranberry salsa is already looking amazing!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and stir well to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This spicy cranberry salsa gets better as it sits!
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more jalapeño for extra heat or more honey for extra sweetness.
- Serve chilled and watch the happy dances begin!
In my kitchen, this spicy cranberry salsa usually takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to chill. While your spicy cranberry salsa is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
Don’t worry if your spicy cranberry salsa looks a little chunky at first. The flavors will come together beautifully as it chills. And if you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chilling time, but I highly recommend letting it sit for at least 30 minutes.
One time, I accidentally added a little too much jalapeño to my spicy cranberry salsa. Instead of throwing it out, I added a bit more honey and orange juice to balance the flavors. It turned out even better than the original! That’s why I love experimenting in the kitchen – happy accidents happen all the time!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this spicy cranberry salsa hits the table with some cream cheese and crackers. I love to enjoy this spicy cranberry salsa with:
- Cream cheese and crackers: This is my go-to appetizer. The creamy cheese complements the sweet and spicy salsa perfectly. If you need a no-bake knock everyone socks off treat try this Cranberry Salsa over cream cheese
- Grilled chicken or fish: The spicy cranberry salsa adds a burst of flavor to grilled meats. It’s especially good with chicken or salmon.
- Tacos or nachos: Add a spoonful of spicy cranberry salsa to your favorite tacos or nachos for a festive twist.
- Pork tenderloin: The sweetness of the cranberries pairs wonderfully with pork.
- As a topping for baked brie: This is a show-stopping appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
This spicy cranberry salsa is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
For presentation ideas, try serving the spicy cranberry salsa in a festive bowl with colorful crackers. You can also garnish it with a sprig of cilantro or a few extra cranberries.
For creative leftover transformations, you can use the spicy cranberry salsa as a marinade for chicken or pork. Or, you can add it to a quesadilla for a sweet and spicy kick.
I’ve also experimented with adding a bit of ginger to my spicy cranberry salsa for a fusion twist. It adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor.
When I serve this spicy cranberry salsa at potlucks, it’s always the first thing to disappear. Everyone loves the unique flavor combination and the festive colors. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this spicy cranberry salsa? Absolutely! This recipe is super easy and straightforward. If you can chop vegetables and stir ingredients, you can make this spicy cranberry salsa.
What if I mess up my spicy cranberry salsa? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Don’t worry! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s very forgiving. If you add too much jalapeño, just add more honey or orange juice to balance the flavors. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice.
How can I prep this spicy cranberry salsa for busy weeknights? You can chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to serve. It keeps well!
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them. This will help prevent the salsa from becoming too watery.
How long does this spicy cranberry salsa last in the fridge? It will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will actually meld together and become even more delicious over time!
Can I make this spicy cranberry salsa without jalapeños? Of course! If you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave out the jalapeños altogether. Or, you can substitute them with a milder pepper, like a poblano.
What kind of crackers go best with this spicy cranberry salsa? I like to use a variety of crackers, including plain crackers, whole wheat crackers, and flavored crackers. The Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa from My Pretty Brown Eats is also a super popular item. Experiment and find your favorite!
Can I freeze this spicy cranberry salsa? I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the cranberries may change when thawed. It’s best to make it fresh.
CONCLUSION:
This spicy cranberry salsa brings me so much joy because it’s a delicious, easy, and festive way to add a burst of flavor to any meal. I love seeing the surprised and delighted faces of my friends and family when they try it for the first time.
- Add a pinch of cumin for warmth.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures.
Here are some delicious spicy cranberry salsa variations I’ve tested:
- Cranberry Walnut Salsa: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Cranberry Ginger Salsa: Add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger for a warm, spicy flavor. This festive salsa is a flavor packed appetizer!
- Cranberry Mango Salsa: Add 1/2 cup of chopped mango for a tropical twist. Check out this festive cranberry salsa, so good!
I usually make the Cranberry Walnut Salsa for Thanksgiving, the Cranberry Ginger Salsa for Christmas, and the Cranberry Mango Salsa for summer barbecues.
Fellow food lovers, I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures. You never know what delicious discoveries you might make!
I’m so excited for you to try this spicy cranberry salsa. I know you’re going to love it! For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my spicy black bean soup! And if you are looking for a warm and savory snack, try these spicy jalapeno popper twists. This spicy cranberry salsa reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my spicy cranberry BBQ meatballs. Get ready to do a happy dance!
spicy cranberry salsa
This vibrant spicy cranberry salsa is a festive and flavorful condiment perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines the tartness of cranberries with the heat of jalapeños for a delicious sweet and spicy kick.
- 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 cranberries
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until coarsely chopped.
- Transfer the cranberries to a medium bowl.
- Add the red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
Serve with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, or turkey. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.