Rinse, chop, pulse, stir, and done. Sweet Fresh Cranberry Salsa is one of those beloved recipes that takes 10 minutes to pull together and is raved about for days. Sweet and a bit hot, fresh and addictive. This salsa is a welcome burst of bright, delightful flavor.

I love fruity salsas for their sweet and refreshing taste with an added kick of heat. I discovered Sweet Fresh Cranberry Salsa in 2009, when my friend Sara shared it with me. You can quote my initial reaction as “love at first bite.”

Can it be any easier?
First, rinse and coarsely chop the main ingredients, whir them in a food processor, then stir in some sugar and lime. This salsa gets better in the fridge, so go ahead and get ready for that party and know the flavors in your salsa are enhancing and improving with time! 

Double the Yum

Cranberry Salsa can be served two ways. Some prefer it in a bowl with tortilla chips on the side. This works for any gathering, from BBQs to work potlucks, to holiday gatherings. 

Option B is plating the salsa over a block of cream cheese or goat cheese, served alongside your favorite crackers. Cheese adds a mellow, smooth texture and flavor. 

Try both ways and see what works for you. 

5 tips for enjoying Sweet Fresh Cranberry Salsa

5. Stock up now as cranberries are a seasonal item. Cranberries can be kept fresh in a freezer storage bag for up to a year. 

4. Wear gloves when cutting and seeding any type of spicy peppers. Food handlers gloves can be found in most grocery or cooking supply stores. Nothing is worse than chopping a pepper and then rubbing your eye!

3. Pulse ingredients in batches if your food processor is smaller. A large food processor can handle an entire batch. 

2. Keep a batch on hand for unexpected visitors. Cranberry salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and can be frozen for up to three months. 

1. Keep this page bookmarked on your phone – guaranteed you’ll be asked for the recipe!

For more crowd-pleasing appetizer recipes

try Amazing Cafe Rio Queso Copycat, 10 Minute Microwave Spinach Dip, or Quick and Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs. 

Please comment below. We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences with this recipe. 

originally posted december 2009, this recipe has been updated with new photos and content.

Sweet Fresh Cranberry Salsa

5 from 1 vote
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Author: Si Foster
Course: Appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Sweet and a bit spicy, this salsa can be enjoyed with tortilla chips or spread on crackers with cream cheese. Either way, it's a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients 

  • 1-3 serrano or jalapeño peppers (see notes)
  • 1 bag fresh cranberries, washed
  • 1 handful cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest

Instructions

  • Using food handlers gloves or a plastic sack, wash and remove seeds from serrano or jalapeño peppers.
  • Place cranberries, cilantro, peppers, red onion, and garlic in a food processor. If your food processor is smaller, you may want to add ingredients in 2 batches. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped but not pureed.
  • Remove salsa to a medium-size bowl. Stir in sugar, salt, lime juice, and zest.
  • Can be served immediately, but for the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow flavors to blend.
  • Serve either with tortilla chips or over a cube of cream cheese or goat cheese paired with crackers. Either way, it's a great choice!

Notes

I use 1 jalapeño or 2 serrano peppers, but use more if you like a spicier salsa! 
 

Did you make this recipe?

Be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. I’d love to see a photo, tag @abountifulkitchen on Instagram!