Description
Fresh Cranberry Salsa is a vibrant and tangy appetizer perfect for holiday parties. Made with tart fresh cranberries, zesty lime juice, spicy jalapeño, and sweetened with honey or agave, this salsa pairs beautifully with creamy cream cheese and your favorite crackers to create a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salsa
- 1 (12-ounce) package 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
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese (use 2 blocks for a large group)
- Your favorite crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse and drain the fresh cranberries thoroughly to remove any debris or stems.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the cranberries, finely minced red onion, roughly chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño, fresh lime juice, honey or agave, and salt.
- Pulse to Desired Consistency: Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are combined but still slightly chunky, preserving some texture in the salsa.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salsa and add more salt or jalapeño if desired to adjust the heat and flavor balance.
- Chill the Salsa: Refrigerate the salsa for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and to slightly mellow the tartness of the cranberries.
- Serve: Spread the cream cheese block(s) on a serving platter or plate, then spoon the chilled cranberry salsa generously over the top.
- Accompany with Crackers: Serve immediately with your favorite crackers for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- This cranberry salsa is the perfect holiday appetizer and always a hit at parties.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level.
- For a sweeter salsa, increase the honey or agave slightly to 1/2 cup.
- Using two blocks of cream cheese is recommended for serving larger groups.
- If you prefer a smoother salsa, blend longer, but be careful not to puree completely.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
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
