Name: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh Cranberries: 2 cups; Jalapeño: 1 small, seeded and finely chopped; Red Onion: ¼ cup chopped; Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup chopped; Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon; Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup; Salt: ¼ teaspoon; Lime Zest: zest of 1 lime

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Meet your new holiday (and anytime!) crowd-pleaser: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa. This jewel-toned salsa bursts with the punchy tang of fresh cranberries, a playful kick of jalapeño, and a refreshing balance of citrus and herb. Whether you’re looking to bring some serious zing to your appetizer table or searching for that perfect taco topping, this salsa delivers a flavor explosion that’s just as pretty as it is delicious. The unique mix of sweet, spicy, tart, and savory will have everyone going back for seconds (and thirds!).

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly amazing how just a handful of fresh ingredients transform into such a vibrant, irresistible dish. Each one plays a starring role in building the taste, color, and texture that makes Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa unforgettable.

Fresh cranberries: The tangy, crisp base of the salsa—give them a quick rinse before using for the brightest flavor.
Jalapeño (1 small, seeded and finely chopped): Brings that lively heat, and you can easily scale it up or down to suit your spice preference.
Red onion (¼ cup, chopped): Offers a sharp, mellow crunch and gorgeous color contrast.
Fresh cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a burst of herbal brightness that makes the salsa incredibly fresh-tasting.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Balances sweet and tart notes while keeping the salsa light and zippy.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Softens the cranberries’ tartness and beautifully harmonizes with the heat and citrus.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all those vibrant flavors and pulls them together.
Zest of 1 lime: Pumps up the citrus aroma and makes everything pop.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa

Step 1: Chop the Cranberries

Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries well, then transfer them to a food processor. Pulse just a few times—enough to coarsely chop them, but not so much that they turn into a puree. Leaving some texture lets the cranberries shine with every bite, and prevents the salsa from becoming too watery.

Step 2: Combine All the Good Stuff

Scoop the chopped cranberries into a mixing bowl. Now, toss in the finely diced jalapeño, red onion, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, granulated sugar, salt, and lime zest. Each ingredient lands in the bowl with purpose, layering complexity and color into what will become a truly memorable salsa.

Step 3: Mix Well

Give everything a generous stir—make sure the sugar and salt are fully integrated, and that the juicy lime and zesty herbs mingle with the cranberries. The salsa will start to glisten, and the aroma alone will convince you this is something special.

Step 4: Chill and Meld

Cover the salsa tightly and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This bit of patience is the secret that lets the flavors meld and deepen—the cranberries soften just enough, and the spicy-sweet combo becomes harmonious and bold.

Step 5: Serve Up the Magic

When you’re ready to serve, give your Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa one last stir and get ready for the compliments to roll in. Serve it cold, with plenty of tortilla chips (or alongside your favorite main dish—you won’t be sorry).

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa

Garnishes

For that little extra sparkle, sprinkle some extra fresh cilantro on top, or even a last-minute grating of lime zest. If you want to boost the festive factor, a few pomegranate seeds scattered over the salsa look gorgeous and add a surprising crunch.

Side Dishes

Naturally, a big bowl of crispy tortilla chips is a classic pairing, but this salsa also plays beautifully with grilled chicken, turkey, or even spicy tacos. Try spooning it over baked brie for an easy, elegant appetizer, or pair it with roasted sweet potatoes on a hearty grazing board.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve your Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa in mini mason jars for individual appetizers, or hollow out a bell pepper for a colorful serving bowl. For a fun twist, layer it on a cream cheese-topped cracker or swirl it through sour cream for a dip with even more texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store your Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay at its best for about three days, and the flavors often become even more delicious as they continue to blend.

Freezing

Cranberry salsa can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture will soften once thawed. Place the salsa in a freezer-safe container, leave a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for optimal flavor.

Reheating

Since Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa is meant to be served cold, there’s no need for reheating. Simply give it a good stir straight out of the fridge, and if any liquid has separated, drain off a little or re-mix to restore the original texture.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead gives the flavors an extra chance to meld, resulting in an even tastier salsa. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

How can I adjust the heat level?

The easiest way to customize the spice is by tweaking the amount of jalapeño. Remove the seeds and membrane for milder heat, or add another half pepper if you crave a bolder kick. You could also swap in a serrano for a different flavor.

What can I use in place of cilantro?

If you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh parsley makes a great substitute for its bright green color, or try a mix of mint and green onion for a different herbal character. Either way, your salsa will be delicious.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can! Just thaw the cranberries completely and pat them dry. The texture may be a bit softer, but the flavor will still be stellar.

Is Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa vegan and gluten-free?

You bet—this salsa is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories. It’s a universally friendly appetizer everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the way Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa lights up any table, blending tangy, sweet, and fiery notes in every spoonful. If you haven’t tried this showstopper yet, it’s time to make it your signature dish! Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and savor every vibrant bite with your friends and family.

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors with this vibrant Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa. Fresh cranberries, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and lime come together to create a zesty salsa that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a tasty topping for your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Fresh Cranberries:

2 cups;

Jalapeño:

1 small, seeded and finely chopped;

Red Onion:

¼ cup chopped;

Fresh Cilantro:

¼ cup chopped;

Lime Juice:

1 tablespoon;

Granulated Sugar:

¼ cup;

Salt:

¼ teaspoon;

Lime Zest:

zest of 1 lime

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Rinse the cranberries: Place them in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
Transfer: Cranberries to a mixing bowl, add jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, sugar, salt, and lime zest. Stir well.
Cover and refrigerate: Chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Chilled with tortilla chips or as a topping for meats or tacos.