Cranberry Jalapeno Salsa is quick, delicious, and perfect for dipping or topping. Simply throw in 5 easy-to-find ingredients; within 10 minutes, a flavorful side dish is ready for the holidays and the rest of the year.
I do not know why my hands always pick fresh cranberries whenever I see them fresh in grocery stores, maybe for their vibrant color, shape, or their sharp and tingling taste.
This cranberry jalapeno salsa combines two contrasting ingredients: cranberries and jalapeno. It creates fabulous flavors and textures, making it a perfect dip for my spicy tortilla chips(and this cranberry jalapeno dip and this cranberry jalapeno relish).
You do not need to wait for Thanksgiving dinner to make this easy cranberry Salsa.
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
This spicy cranberry jalapeno salsa has become a new tradition for our family during Thanksgiving dinner.
Its bright and vibrant color(imagine the cranberry's bright red color combined with the jalapeno's green color. It's incredible!) is a centerpiece over the dinner table on special occasions.
This cranberry jalapeno salsa is multipurpose; enjoy it as a dip, spread it, or serve it as a side.
The Ingredients
- Cranberries: I used one whole bag of fresh cranberries(14 oz) for today's recipe. However, this recipe is good with either fresh or frozen cranberries. If you are using frozen cranberries, thaw them before using them.
- Jalapeños: This dish tasted mildly hot for me(I have added only the flesh of the jalapeno). Each jalapeño varies in heat, so always reserve some seeds and the rib(the white membrane where the seeds are attached) to adjust the heat level to your preference later.
- Onions: I have used red onions for this recipe; Sweet or yellow onions play a perfect role, too.
- Sugar: It enhances and bridges all the ingredients' unique flavors. You can also swap it for other natural sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup.
- Lime Juice: A classic option. But you can substitute it with bottled lime juice or lemon juice.
How To Make This Cranberry Jalapeno Salsa
- Add fresh cranberries to a food processor.
- Pulse them until they are finely chopped.
- Add chopped cranberries, sugar, chopped jalapeno, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste in a large bowl.
- Stir everything well to mix. Transfer the crushed cranberry mixture to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, on tacos, or grilled meats.
Tips For The Best Results
- Choose firm, glossy-skinned fresh cranberries. These bounce well and float on the water.
- You can also add a finely chopped apple or an orange.
♨️How To Adjust The Heat
This cranberry jalapeño salsa has a noticeable heat level.
However, you can minimize the spice level by removing the seeds and the white membrane inside the jalapeños(as the heat is more concentrated in these areas). Removing them can mellow down the heat while retaining all fresh jalapeno flavors.
You can increase the heat by adding more chopped jalapeno.
FAQs
Yes, making the salsa ahead of time(about 2-3 hours and chilled in the refrigerator) intensifies the flavors. You can prep this dish one day in advance.
If fresh cranberries are out of season or unavailable, you can substitute frozen or canned ones. Candied cranberries are not recommended for this recipe.
You can balance the tartness with the amount of sugar, honey, or salt.
Yes, this salsa is naturally a vegan recipe with only plant-based ingredients.
📖 Recipe
Cranberry Jalapeno Salsa
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries /1 bag
- ¼ cup sugar adjust to taste
- 1-2 jalapenos seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ¼ cup lime juice about 2 limes
- ¼ teaspoon Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Place the cranberries in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, sugar, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
- Enjoy the salsa with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, or alongside grilled meats.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen cranberries work well but ensure they are fully thawed before use.
- Adjust the heat level by removing or retaining the seeds and membranes of the jalapeños; for spicier salsa, include more chopped jalapeño or Chipotle peppers.
- Prep ahead for enhanced flavors; refrigerate for 2-3 hours or up to one day in advance.
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