If you are looking to brighten up your snack time or impress your guests with something unexpectedly delightful, this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe hits every note perfectly. Bursting with the tart zing of fresh cranberries, a little kick from jalapeños, and the fresh vibrancy of herbs and citrus, this salsa is a celebration of flavors and colors that just can’t be beaten. It’s a crisp, sweet, spicy, and zesty twist on traditional salsa that pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips or even as a vibrant topping for grilled meats. Trust me, once you try this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe, it will become your go-to for any festive occasion or casual get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, with ingredients that are easy to find but essential to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. Each element adds something unique—cranberries provide tartness and texture, jalapeños bring heat, while the freshly squeezed citrus juices brighten everything up.
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries: The star ingredient, fresh cranberries bring a bold, tart flavor and gorgeous color to the salsa.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the salsa just enough to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- 2 jalapeños: Minced with ribs and seeds removed, they add a mild heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup cilantro: Finely chopped for a fresh, herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup green onions: Thinly sliced to add subtle sharpness and crunch.
- 1 tablespoon orange juice: Freshly squeezed for a touch of sweet, citrusy brightness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds acidity and a classic salsa zing.
- 1 bag Mission® Strips Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping and crunching alongside this vibrant salsa.
How to Make Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Chop the Cranberries
Start by placing your rinsed and drained fresh cranberries in a food processor. Pulse just until finely chopped. Be careful not to puree them completely—you want to keep small, juicy pieces that give the salsa a fantastic texture and bursts of flavor.
Step 2: Sweeten the Cranberries
Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl and stir in the sugar. This step balances the natural tartness of the cranberries, turning the salsa into a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Ingredients
Next up, fold in the minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, orange juice, and lime juice. These ingredients bring freshness, heat, and depth, transforming simple fruit into an exciting salsa.
Step 4: Chill and Marinate
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all those vibrant flavors marry and intensify, making every bite truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to share your creation, serve the Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe with a generous helping of Mission Strips Tortilla Chips. The crisp, salty chips complement the colorful, flavorful salsa beautifully, making it impossible not to dig in.
How to Serve Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle a little extra chopped cilantro or a few finely diced red onions on top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra fresh lime juice can also brighten flavors right at the table.
Side Dishes
This salsa works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken or fish, adding a zesty, fruity contrast that revitalizes your plate. It also pairs well with a simple cheese platter or as a topping for tacos and bowls.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe inside halved avocados for an elegant appetizer, or spoon it over cream cheese on crostini for a festive party bite. Its vibrant color and fresh flavors make it a showstopper anywhere it goes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen further, so it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
Freezing cranberry salsa isn’t recommended because the fresh ingredients and texture don’t hold up well to freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and crunch.
Reheating
This salsa is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, simply bring them out of the fridge and let the salsa sit for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in the Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe?
While fresh cranberries are ideal for their texture and color, you can use thawed frozen cranberries in a pinch. Just drain any excess liquid to avoid making the salsa too watery.
How spicy is this salsa?
The heat level is moderate since the jalapeños are deseeded. If you prefer more spice, keep the seeds in or add an extra jalapeño.
Is this salsa gluten-free?
Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the tortilla chips packaging to ensure they are certified gluten-free if needed.
Can I substitute the citrus juices?
Fresh orange and lime juice bring the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, but fresh lemon juice can work as a substitute for lime in a pinch.
How long does the salsa keep its best flavor?
It’s best enjoyed within four days of making it. After that, the fresh ingredients may lose their crunch and brightness.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe enough if you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and exciting to serve at your next gathering or just to brighten up your snack routine. Its fantastic balance of tart, sweet, and spicy flavors makes every bite a joy, and the simple preparation is sure to please anyone—whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a quick, impressive dish. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite salsas to whip up again and again.
Print
Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and tangy Fresh Cranberry Salsa that combines tart cranberries with a hint of sweetness, spicy jalapeños, and fresh herbs. Perfectly paired with crunchy Mission® Strips Tortilla Chips, this no-cook salsa is a festive and refreshing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Salsa
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (rinsed and drained)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 jalapeños (ribs and seeds removed, minced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onions (finely sliced)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
For Serving
- 1 bag Mission® Strips Tortilla Chips
Instructions
- Process Cranberries: Add cranberries to your food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Be careful not to puree; you want small pieces for texture.
- Mix with Sugar: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl, then add the sugar and stir to combine well, ensuring the cranberries start to macerate.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, freshly squeezed orange juice, and lime juice until fully mixed.
- Chill for Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the cranberry salsa into a serving dish and pair it with Mission® Strips Tortilla Chips for dipping and snacking.
Notes
- Remove ribs and seeds from jalapeños to reduce heat; include them if you prefer spicier salsa.
- This salsa is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a more tart salsa, reduce the sugar slightly or adjust based on your taste preference.
- Pulse cranberries gently to maintain a nice chunky texture rather than a puree.
- Try it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish for a festive twist.
