This Homemade Cranberry Salsa is a fresh and festive addition to any holiday table! Bursting with the bold flavors of fresh cranberries, zesty lime, and a hint of jalapeño, this salsa brings a delightful twist to traditional holiday fare. Whether you're scooping it up with crunchy tortilla chips or pairing it with a succulent roast turkey, this vibrant condiment is sure to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your festive gatherings. Quick and easy to prepare, it's the perfect last-minute dish to brighten up your seasonal celebrations!
Welcome to your new favorite holiday recipe—Homemade Cranberry Salsa! As the festive season approaches, we’re all on the lookout for something uniquely delicious to spice up our traditional menu, and this salsa is just the ticket. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty kick of lime and jalapeño, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on holiday flavors. It’s not only a vibrant addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast but also a quick and easy way to impress your guests.
Whether you serve it as a lively appetizer with crispy tortilla chips or as a gourmet topping for turkey or grilled chicken, this cranberry salsa is bound to be the highlight of your festive spread. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time!
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This Homemade Cranberry Salsa blends tart cranberries with lime and jalapeño for a fresh, zesty condiment that’s perfect for adding a festive twist to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz of fresh cranberries, sorted and washed
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
2/3 cup diced yellow pepper
1/3 cup diced jalapeno
1/4 cup sliced green onion
Instructions
STEP 1:Prepare the Cranberries. In a food processor, pulse the 12 oz of fresh cranberries until they are coarsely chopped. Alternatively, you can use a grinder or the grinder attachment of a KitchenAid mixer to prepare the cranberries. Take care not to over-process; aim to retain some texture in your salsa for the best results.
STEP 2: Mix the Sugar. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a medium mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of sugar and mix well. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the cranberries to release their natural juices and the sugar to dissolve slightly.
STEP 3: Add Lime Juice and Peppers. To the cranberry and sugar mixture, add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, 2/3 cup of diced yellow pepper, and 1/3 cup of diced jalapeño. Stir well to combine.
STEP 4: Add Green Onions. Stir in 1/4 cup of sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor and a bit of color.
STEP 5: Let It Marinate. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salsa for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
STEP 6: Serve. Give the salsa one final stir before serving. This cranberry salsa can be served with tortilla chips, over grilled chicken, or as a vibrant side to your holiday dishes.
Consider adding chopped cilantro or mint to give the salsa a fresh, aromatic lift.
Spice It Up
For a spicier kick, add diced habanero peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Add Cream Cheese for Tasty Cranberry Dip
To elevate this cranberry salsa into an irresistible holiday dip, spread a layer of cream cheese on a serving dish and generously spoon the salsa over the top. Serve with an assortment of crackers for a festive and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests!
OUR PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR CREATIVE KITCHEN
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If you’re in need of some guidance on creating this delightful recipe, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find comprehensive instructions. We’ve enriched these sections with visuals like photos and videos to aid your cooking experience and ensure a successful culinary adventure.
STEP 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Begin by sorting through the 12 oz of fresh cranberries, removing any spoiled or bruised berries. Rinse the cranberries under cold water, then drain them well.
Place the washed cranberries into a food processor and use short pulses to chop them until they are coarsely ground, taking care not to puree them. Alternatively, if you prefer a different method, you can use a grinder or the grinder attachment on a KitchenAid mixer. This method also demands careful attention to ensure the cranberries are chopped rather than mushed. Personally, I find using the grinder gives me better control over the texture.
STEP 2: Sweeten the Cranberries
Transfer the chopped cranberries into a medium-sized bowl. Add 1 cup of sugar to the cranberries and stir well to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out the juices from the cranberries, enhancing the flavors.
STEP 3: Add Lime Juice and Peppers
Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to the cranberry and sugar mixture. Add 2/3 cup of finely diced yellow pepper and 1/3 cup of finely diced jalapeño. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
STEP 4: Incorporate Green Onions
Stir in 1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions to add a mild onion flavor and enhance the salsa’s color. While the green onions contribute additional depth to the flavor profile, they are not essential. Feel free to omit them if you prefer a salsa without an onion taste.
STEP 5: Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salsa to marinate for at least two hours, though longer is preferable if time allows. This step is crucial as it lets the flavors meld together, creating a more cohesive and robust taste.
STEP 6: Final Stir and Serve
Before serving, remove the salsa from the refrigerator and give it a good stir to mix any juices that may have settled. This ensures every bite is as flavorful as the last. To garnish, add thinly sliced jalapenos to the top and slice of lime to the side. NOTE: Don’t be alarmed if your yellow peppers turn red from the cranberries juices.
Serve your Homemade Cranberry Salsa chilled or at room temperature, as a vibrant accompaniment to tortilla chips, over grilled meats, or even as a unique side dish for festive occasions. Enjoy the fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that make this salsa a delightful addition to any meal.
DETERMINING THE RIGHT QUANTITY: HOW MUCH TO MAKE
When deciding how much cranberry salsa to make, consider the number of guests and how you plan to serve the salsa. As a general guide, this recipe yields about 3 cups, making it suitable for a small gathering as an appetizer or side dish.
If it’s one of several appetizers, a quarter cup per person should suffice. However, if you anticipate it being a standout favorite or if it’s among fewer options, you might want to double the recipe. Additionally, this salsa can be a refreshing addition to leftovers, so making a little extra isn’t a bad idea—it pairs wonderfully with turkey sandwiches or as a vibrant topper for a cheese board the day after a big meal. Always consider the storage life too; cranberry salsa can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a handy make-ahead option for festive occasions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Be sure to let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before chopping.
How do I control the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can either remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño for a milder salsa or add more jalapeño (or a hotter pepper) for extra heat. Taste as you go to find your preferred level of spiciness. Heat level changes the longer the salsa is allowed to marinate.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salsa is perfect for making ahead. In fact, allowing it to marinate for several hours or overnight enhances the flavors. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How long does cranberry salsa last in the fridge?
Cranberry salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
What can I serve with cranberry salsa?
This salsa pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled chicken or turkey, or as a flavorful condiment alongside cheese platters. It’s also great as a festive accompaniment to holiday meals.
Can I make this recipe without sugar or use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like Stevia can be used instead of sugar. Keep in mind that the tartness of the cranberries may require a sweetener to balance the flavors.
Are there any substitutions for yellow pepper?
You can use red or orange bell peppers instead of yellow, or even skip the pepper if you prefer a simpler salsa. The bell pepper adds crunch and a touch of sweetness, but it is not crucial.
Can I freeze leftover cranberry salsa?
Yes, you can freeze cranberry salsa in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving, though the texture may be slightly softer after freezing.
What can I do if the salsa is too tart?
If the salsa is too tart for your taste, you can add a bit more sugar or a splash of orange juice to balance the flavors. Taste and adjust gradually to avoid making it too sweet. ONLY adjust the flavor after it marinates overnight.
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