Description
A vibrant and tangy cranberry salsa bursting with fresh cranberries, apple, jalapeno, and spices. Perfect served chilled with cream cheese and crackers or as a flavorful side dish to meats and chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Salsa
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, roughly chopped
- 1/2 red onion, peeled, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, more or less to taste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 ounces can diced green chilies
- 2–4 jalapenos, seeded, roughly chopped (reserve the seeds)
- 1 inch ginger, peeled, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For Serving
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (2 blocks)
- crackers, crostini, or bread if serving with cream cheese
- tortilla chips if serving plain
Instructions
- Prepare Salsa Ingredients: Combine all the salsa ingredients in a food processor and process to your desired consistency, preferably fine for a smooth texture.
- Chill the Salsa: Refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes and up to one week to allow the cranberries to macerate and mellow the tartness.
- Adjust Flavor Before Serving: Drain excess liquid and adjust sweetness with sugar, tanginess with lime juice, and heat with jalapeno seeds or red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve with Cream Cheese: Place softened cream cheese on a plate or spread it evenly in a dish, then spoon the drained salsa over the top. Serve with crackers, crostini, or bread.
- Alternative Serving Suggestions: Serve the salsa plain with tortilla chips or as a side to chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, or steak for added flavor.
Notes
- Prep time does not include chilling time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- When ready to serve leftover salsa, drain excess liquid and adjust seasoning and sugar due to mellowing flavors.
- The salsa can be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and drain before serving.
- Pureeing the salsa before freezing can help preserve texture and makes a great sauce or dip.
- Serves 12 to 15 people.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
