Are you always on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-transport appetizer during the holidays? If so, this is the recipe you absolutely need in your rotation! This festive Cranberry Salsa is bursting with fresh, bold flavors and has become a staple at our holiday gatherings year after year.
Made with vibrant fresh cranberries, jalapeños, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and the perfect blend of seasonings, this salsa is the ultimate sweet-heat combo that always disappears fast. Even better, it’s super versatile—serve it spooned over a whipped cream cheese and sour cream layer with crackers, or simply with tortilla chips for a fresh, tangy bite that everyone loves.
Honestly, I love this recipe so much I always freeze a few bags of cranberries to make it again long after the holidays have passed. Trust me—once you try it, you'll be hooked too! So go ahead and save this one now… your appetizer table will thank you!
This is hands down one of my most favorite cranberry recipes! It is PERFECT to bring to a holiday gathering! Everyone loves it!
If you need more holiday appetizer ideas try this Texas Caviar, it looks so pretty with red and green bell peppers in a festive bowl!
Ingredients
- cranberries
- green onion
- sugar
- cilantro
- lime
- jalapeno
- cumin
- salt
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- chips or crackers
See exact quantities in recipe card below.
Instructions
This recipe could not be easier! I personally like to add all of the salsa ingredients to a food processor- whole. Then pulse until I have the consistency I want! So much faster than dicing it all by hand.
If serving this as a dippable creamy appetizer, simply mix together the sour cream and cream cheese together and spread onto a platter. Then pour salsa on top and serve with crackers or thick chips.
See the video below to watch it come together so quickly!
Storage
Oh My! I love having this salsa in the fridge! It will stay fresh for about a week and will just get better everyday!
Top Tip
Use a food processor so you don't have to chop ANYTHING!
Equipment
Hands down my most favorite food processor is right HERE! It has been worth every dime and I am going on 15 years of owning it!
Christmas Recipes
If you are on the hunt for more party recipes try one of these!
- Creamy Salsa
- Texas Caviar
- Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
- Christmas Funfetti Cookies
- Peanut Butter Christmas Tree Kiss Cookies
- Classic Cheese Ball
- Mini Cinnamon Rolls
Serving
My favorite way to eat this salsa is by itself on a chip! But for a gathering I will spread it on top of a cream cheese and sour cream mixture. Just to give it an extra something! See below!
Recipes to Try
Cranberry Salsa
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper finely chopped
- 4 green onions finely chopped
- ½ bunch cilantro finely chopped
- ½-3/4 Cup sugar
- 1 lime juiced
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Dip Style
- ½ cup sour cream light works great
- 8 oz cream cheese â…“ less fat works great
Instructions
- Combine the first 7 ingredients, set aside. (Instead of chopping I use a food processor so it all comes out evenly chopped) You can serve it as a salsa just like this or make into a dippable appetizer by combining the sour cream and cream cheese. Spread on a platter and spread the salsa on top. Serve with Tortilla chips or crackers.
Leanne says
Making this appy for thanksgiving this year. It looks like a yummy twist on salsa.
Misty Tannery says
I hope you love it! It's delish!