Description
Fresh Cranberry Salsa is a vibrant and tangy appetizer that's perfect for holiday parties. This quick and easy recipe combines fresh cranberries, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, honey, and a touch of salt, served chilled alongside cream cheese and your favorite crackers for a delightful and festive starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Salsa Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1/4 cup finely minced red onion
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons finely minced jalapeño
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1/3 cup honey or agave
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
Serving Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (use 2 blocks for a large group)
- Your favorite crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the salsa ingredients. Rinse the fresh cranberries and finely mince the red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper. Use two tablespoons of jalapeño for a little extra heat, but adjust according to your taste preference.
- Mix the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Add the fresh lime juice, honey (or agave), and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Chill the salsa. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry salsa for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salsa to become nicely chilled.
- Prepare cream cheese and crackers. While the salsa chills, place the cream cheese block on a serving platter. Arrange your favorite crackers around the cream cheese for dipping.
- Serve the cranberry salsa appetizer. Spoon the chilled cranberry salsa over the cream cheese or serve on the side. Enjoy immediately as a festive appetizer at your party!
Notes
- This cranberry salsa is a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings and parties.
- Adjust the jalapeño quantity to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a smoother salsa, pulse the ingredients a few times in a food processor, but leaving it chunky adds great texture.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- If cream cheese is unavailable or you want a vegan alternative, try using a plant-based cream cheese.
- The salsa keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 cup salsa
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Sugar: 10.9 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.8 g
- Fiber: 1.7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
