Cranberry salsa is a tangy, sweet, and spicy dip that's perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. This delicious salsa is made with fresh cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, ginger, and green onions, and can be served over cream cheese with crackers, bread, or chips for dipping. The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Making cranberry salsa is quick and easy, and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. All you need is a food processor or blender to chop up the cranberries and other ingredients, and then mix everything together in a bowl. You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the salsa to your liking by adding more or less sugar and jalapeños. This versatile dip can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even as a topping for grilled meats and fish.
If you're looking for a festive and flavorful dip to serve at your next party, give cranberry salsa a try. With its bright colors and bold flavors, it's sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Cranberry Salsa Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dip
Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Are you looking for an easy and delicious appetizer to impress your guests? Look no further than our Cranberry Salsa Recipe! This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a snack at home.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 12 oz bag of cranberries
- ¼ c sugar
- ¼ c sliced green onions
- ¼ c fresh cilantro leaves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 jalapenos minced
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems or bad berries.
- In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until they are finely chopped but not mushy.
- Add in the sugar, cilantro, ginger, green onions, jalapeño pepper, lemon juice, and salt.
- Pulse the mixture until it is combined, but still has some texture.
- Transfer the salsa to a bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Ingredient Breakdown
When it comes to making a delicious Cranberry Salsa, the ingredients are key. Here's a breakdown of the essential ingredients you'll need to make this festive and flavorful salsa:
Cranberries
The star ingredient of this recipe is, of course, the cranberries. Fresh cranberries are the way to go, as they provide the perfect tartness to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients. Make sure to rinse and dry them before using them in the recipe.
Onion
We recommend using green onions for this recipe, as they add a nice crunch and mild onion flavor without being overpowering. Cut them into 3-inch lengths and add them to the salsa.
Jalapeno
For a bit of heat, you'll need a jalapeno pepper. Remove the seeds and mince the pepper before adding it to the salsa. If you want a milder salsa, you can use less jalapeno or remove it altogether.
Salt
A pinch of salt is all you'll need to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the salsa.
Sugar
To balance out the tartness of the cranberries, you'll need some white sugar. We recommend using 3/4 cup, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the salsa. Squeeze the juice of 2 medium limes into the salsa.
Cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the salsa. Chop up a bunch and add it to the mix.
Cream Cheese
For serving, we recommend spreading a brick of cream cheese onto a serving dish and pouring the salsa over it. The creaminess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the tart and spicy flavors of the salsa.
Overall, these ingredients come together to create a festive and flavorful Cranberry Salsa that's perfect for the holiday season.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, cranberry salsa is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty snack. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information for cranberry salsa:
- Calories: A serving of cranberry salsa typically contains around 40-50 calories, making it a low-calorie snack option.
- Fat: Cranberry salsa is naturally low in fat, with most recipes containing less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
- Protein: While cranberry salsa is not a significant source of protein, it does contain a small amount – usually around 1 gram per serving.
- Sodium: Depending on the recipe, cranberry salsa can be high in sodium, so it's important to check the nutrition facts before consuming.
- Fiber: Cranberry salsa is a good source of dietary fiber, with most recipes containing around 2 grams of fiber per serving.
- Vitamin C: Cranberries are a great source of vitamin C, and cranberry salsa is no exception. In fact, a serving of cranberry salsa can provide up to 20% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
- Calcium: While cranberry salsa is not a significant source of calcium, some recipes may contain small amounts.
- Iron: Cranberry salsa is not a significant source of iron.
- Potassium: Cranberry salsa is a good source of potassium, with most recipes containing around 100-150 milligrams per serving.
- Carbohydrates: While cranberry salsa is not a low-carbohydrate snack, it does contain healthy carbohydrates from the cranberries and other ingredients.
Overall, cranberry salsa is a healthy and delicious snack option that can provide a range of important nutrients. However, it's important to check the nutrition facts for each recipe, as the nutritional content can vary depending on the ingredients used.
Preparation and Serving Suggestions
Now that we have the ingredients ready, it's time to prepare the Cranberry Salsa. The process is simple and straightforward, and it won't take much time to put it all together.
First, we need to pulse the cranberries in a food processor until they are finely chopped but not mushy. We can also chop them manually if we prefer a chunkier texture. Next, we mix the cranberries with green onions, jalapeños, cilantro leaves, and ginger. We pour lemon juice and sugar over the mixture and stir everything together. We then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop.
When it's time to serve the Cranberry Salsa, we can take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. We can serve it over cream cheese, as it is a classic pairing that complements the tangy and sweet flavors of the salsa. We can also serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread.
If we have any leftover Cranberry Salsa, we can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, we can freeze it for up to three months. Before serving the frozen salsa, we need to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated liquids.
Overall, the Cranberry Salsa is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer or a condiment. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a perfect addition to any holiday or party spread.
Serving with Crackers and Chips
When it comes to serving Cranberry Salsa, there are many options to choose from. You can serve it with crackers, chips, or even crostini. In this section, we will cover some of the best options for serving Cranberry Salsa with crackers and chips.
Crackers
Cranberry Salsa goes great with a variety of crackers. Some of our favorite options include Wheat Thins, Ritz Crackers, and Triscuits. These crackers have a nice crunch and a mild flavor that pairs well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the salsa.
Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are another great option for serving Cranberry Salsa. They have a slightly salty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cranberries. Plus, their sturdy texture makes them perfect for scooping up the salsa.
Crostini
If you want to get a little fancier with your presentation, you can serve the Cranberry Salsa on crostini. Simply toast some slices of baguette and top them with a spoonful of the salsa. This makes for a great appetizer that is sure to impress your guests.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Cranberry Salsa is a delicious and unique appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. Just be sure to have plenty of crackers, chips, or crostini on hand!
Related Post:
- Cranberry Mint Cocktail
- Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail Recipe: Perfect for Fall Gatherings
Pairing with Meat
When it comes to pairing cranberry salsa with meat, there are a variety of options that can complement the tangy and sweet flavors of the salsa. Whether you are serving turkey, pork, chicken, or leftover turkey, cranberry salsa can add a burst of flavor to your meal.
One classic pairing is serving cranberry salsa with roast turkey. The sweetness of the cranberries and the spiciness of the jalapeño peppers can help balance the savory flavor of the turkey. You can also try serving cranberry salsa with pork tenderloin for a tasty combination of sweet and salty flavors.
Another great option is to serve cranberry salsa with grilled chicken. The salsa can add a pop of color and flavor to the chicken, making it a perfect addition to your summer barbecue. If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, you can also use it to make a turkey sandwich with cranberry salsa as a condiment.
For a more unconventional pairing, you can try serving cranberry salsa with meatballs. The sweetness of the salsa can help balance out the savory flavor of the meatballs, making for a tasty and unexpected combination.
Overall, cranberry salsa is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of meats. Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, the salsa can add a burst of flavor to your meal and make it more enjoyable.
Adjusting Spice and Flavor
When it comes to making cranberry salsa, adjusting the spice and flavor can make all the difference. Whether you prefer a mild or spicier salsa, there are a few things you can do to customize the flavor to your liking.
Choosing the Right Pepper
One of the main ways to adjust the spice level of your cranberry salsa is by choosing the right pepper. Jalapeño peppers are a popular choice, but if you prefer a milder salsa, you can use fewer jalapeños or substitute with a milder pepper like Anaheim or poblano. On the other hand, if you want a spicier salsa, you can add more jalapeños or use a hotter pepper like serrano or habanero.
Balancing Sweet and Sour
Cranberries are naturally tart, so adding sugar or another sweetener can help balance out the flavor of your salsa. However, it's important to find the right balance between sweet and sour. Too much sugar can make the salsa too sweet, while too little can make it too tart. We recommend starting with a small amount of sugar and adjusting to taste.
Adding Other Spices
In addition to peppers and sweeteners, you can also add other spices to your cranberry salsa to give it more depth of flavor. Cumin, coriander, and chili powder are all popular choices. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a fresh, herby flavor.
Overall, adjusting the spice and flavor of your cranberry salsa is a fun and easy way to make it your own. With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy to suit your taste buds.
Website and User Reviews
When it comes to finding the best Cranberry Salsa recipe, there are plenty of options available online. We scoured the internet and found several websites with great recipes and user reviews. Here are some of the best websites and user reviews we found:
The Recipe Critic
One website that stood out to us was The Recipe Critic. Their recipe for Cranberry Salsa is a fresh cranberry mixture of sweet and savory that is laid over the top of cream cheese, making it the perfect holiday appetizer. The website also includes step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial to help you make the salsa at home. Users gave this recipe a 5-star rating, with many commenting on how easy it was to make and how delicious it tasted.
Allrecipes
Another website that we found helpful was Allrecipes. Their recipe for Cranberry Salsa is tangy and sweetened with a bit of sugar, spiced up with some minced jalapeño, and always requested at gatherings. Users gave this recipe a 4.7-star rating, with many commenting on how versatile it was and how it could be used as a dip or topping for various dishes.
Spend With Pennies
For an easy anytime appetizer, we recommend Spend With Pennies. Their recipe for Cranberry Salsa is beautifully bright with a sweet and tart flavor. This recipe needs just a few ingredients along with cranberries, jalapenos, some cilantro, and some onions. Users commented on how easy it was to make and how it was the perfect snack to serve with tortilla chips or other dippables like crackers or crostini.
The Stay At Home Chef
Finally, we came across The Stay At Home Chef website, which has a recipe for Cranberry Salsa over Cream Cheese. The recipe includes crushed cranberries, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro leaves, ginger, lemon juice, and sugar. Users gave this recipe a 4.9-star rating, with many commenting on how it was the perfect appetizer to serve at holiday gatherings.
Overall, we found that these websites had excellent recipes and user reviews for Cranberry Salsa. We hope this information helps you find the perfect recipe to make at home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some variations of Cranberry Salsa?
Cranberry Salsa is a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients. Some variations include adding jalapeños, red onions, or even mangoes to the recipe. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add more flavor.
What are some recipes that use Cranberry Salsa?
Cranberry Salsa can be used as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for meats such as turkey, chicken, or pork. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a filling for quesadillas.
Where can I buy Cranberry Salsa?
Cranberry Salsa can be found in most grocery stores during the holiday season. It is usually located in the refrigerated section near the dips. You can also make your own Cranberry Salsa at home using fresh ingredients.
Can Cranberry Salsa be frozen?
Cranberry Salsa can be frozen, but it is not recommended as the texture may change when thawed. It is best to consume Cranberry Salsa fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How can I adjust the tartness of Cranberry Sauce?
To adjust the tartness of Cranberry Sauce, you can add more sugar or honey to the recipe. You can also add other fruits such as oranges or apples to balance out the tartness.
What are the ingredients in Cranberry Chutney?
Cranberry Chutney is a variation of Cranberry Salsa that includes additional ingredients such as raisins, ginger, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. The recipe may also include vinegar or lemon juice to add acidity to the chutney.