Description
A vibrant and zesty Spicy Cranberry Salsa paired perfectly with creamy cream cheese, making an ideal festive appetizer or snack. This no-cook, quick-to-prepare salsa combines fresh cranberries, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the smoothness of cream cheese. Serve chilled with crackers or bread for a deliciously tangy and spicy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Salsa Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 pinch of salt
For Serving
- 1 block cream cheese
- Crackers or bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Chop Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries in the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times until they are finely chopped, creating a coarse cranberry base for the salsa.
- Add Sugar: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl and stir in the white sugar to evenly sweeten the mixture.
- Mix in Fresh Ingredients: Add the chopped cilantro, green onions, minced jalapeño, a pinch of salt, and the freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Chill the Salsa: Spoon the salsa into a glass dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prepare for Serving: Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. Using a slotted spoon, carefully mound the chilled cranberry salsa on top of the cream cheese to prevent excess liquid from overpowering the texture.
- Serve: Present the cranberry salsa-topped cream cheese with crackers or slices of bread as a tangy and spicy appetizer.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, reduce or omit the jalapeño seeds entirely.
- Allowing the salsa to chill overnight enhances the flavor and softens the cranberries.
- This salsa can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use a slotted spoon to serve the salsa so excess liquid stays in the bowl, keeping the presentation neat.
- Feel free to substitute part of the sugar with honey or a sugar alternative for different sweetness.
