Bright, tangy, and just a little spicy, this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe is like a burst of festive sunshine on your taste buds. It’s the perfect easy crowd-pleaser that stands out on any holiday table, transforming simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

A white bowl filled with finely chopped cranberry relish, showing deep red and pink tones mixed with small pieces of green herbs, sits on a round wooden board. Around the bowl, there is one layer of round crackers, which are golden-brown with small holes, arranged closely in a circular shape. Some green sprigs are placed between the crackers for a touch of color. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Trust me, once you make this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe, you’ll want it at every festive gathering. It’s that magical mix of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors that works beyond just a salsa dip. I’ve served it with chips, on turkey sandwiches, and even as a zesty salad topper — and each time, it gets rave reviews!

Easy & Fast: You can whip this up in under 10 minutes with a food processor—no cooking needed.
Bold, Balanced Flavor: The tartness of cranberries paired with the zing of jalapeño and citrus makes it dance on your tongue.
Versatile: Use it as a dip, a topping for grilled meats, or a fresh side salsa – the options are endless.
Holiday Vibe: The vibrant red cranberries instantly add festive color to your table.

A round wooden board holds a white bowl full of bright red cranberry relish with small chopped bits, placed in the center. Around the bowl are three layers of round crackers: the top left layer is light golden with small holes, the top right layer is light beige with visible seeds, and the bottom layer is a plain light golden color with more holes. Green pine leaves are placed underneath the crackers, peeking out between them. The board sits on a white marbled surface scattered with red cranberries and more green pine leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a vital role in creating that perfect holiday zing. Fresh cranberries bring that signature tartness, the orange zest adds bright citrus notes, and jalapeños give the salsa its subtle kick. Plus, a touch of sugar balances everything out just right.

Flat lay of fresh whole cranberries scattered beside a small mound of bright orange zest, two halved green jalapeños with seeds removed, a neat pile of sliced green onions, a small bunch of chopped fresh cilantro, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl holding raw golden sugar crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl containing fine white salt, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh cranberries: Their natural tart flavor is the heart of the salsa, giving it a festive pop of color and brightness.
Orange zest: Adds aromatic citrus oils that elevate the whole dish and complement the cranberries perfectly.
Jalapeños: Brings gentle heat that wakes up your palate without overpowering the flavors.
Green onions: Provide fresh, mild onion flavor and crunch to balance textures.
Fresh cilantro: Gives a fresh herbaceous lift that works beautifully with the citrus and spice.
Lime juice: Adds acidity and brightness to marry the flavors.
Raw sugar: Sweetens the salsa just enough to mellow the tartness without being too sweet.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds everything out.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe by dialing up or down the heat depending on who I’m serving. Sometimes I swap cilantro for fresh mint for a refreshing twist. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!

Variation: Once, I added a splash of pineapple juice to add a tropical sweetness — unexpectedly delicious and a hit at my holiday brunch.
Dietary swap: If you’re sensitive to spice, try using milder peppers like poblanos instead of jalapeños.
Seasonal twist: Outside the holidays, mix in fresh chopped apples or pears for a fall version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prep & Pulse the Fresh Ingredients

Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries thoroughly and patting them dry. Toss cranberries, orange zest, chopped jalapeños (seeds removed if you want less heat), green onions, and cilantro into a food processor. Pulse in short bursts — I usually pulse about 8-10 times. The goal is a finely chopped but still a little chunky texture, not a puree. This keeps the salsa chunky and pleasing to the palate.

Step 2: Mix in Lime Juice, Sugar & Salt

Transfer your chopped mixture to a bowl. Stir in fresh lime juice, raw sugar, and salt until everything’s evenly combined. The sugar softens the tart cranberries, while the lime juice brightens the mix. Give it a taste here and adjust the sugar if you want it more or less sweet.

Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Marry

Cover your salsa tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. I actually like making it the night before to let those flavors marry overnight — it taste even better the next day! Before serving, give it a gentle stir and maybe add a little extra lime juice if it feels like it needs a fresh lift.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks to making the best Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe that shines every time on my table.

Use fresh cranberries: Frozen berries can get mushy when chopped and lose that bite and tartness.
Pulse, don’t puree: Keep a chunky texture by pulsing in short bursts rather than blending continuously.
Adjust sugar carefully: It’s easier to add sugar in small increments than to fix salsa that’s too sweet.
Chill adequately: Let your salsa rest in the fridge for a few hours to develop a deeper, balanced flavor.

How to Serve Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Garnishes

I like garnishing this salsa with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro and a few thin lime wedges on the side — it brightens the presentation and invites guests to add a fresh squeeze if they like. Sometimes some chopped toasted pecans on top add a lovely crunch!

Side Dishes

This salsa is my go-to condiment for holiday roasted turkey and ham. It also pairs beautifully with cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer. For a fresh spin, try topping a winter salad with a spoonful, or serve alongside grilled chicken or pork tenderloin.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like using a festive glass bowl surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs to echo the season’s colors. Another favorite is serving mini scoops of the salsa inside halved endive leaves for elegant, bite-sized hors d'oeuvres that disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cranberry salsa in an airtight container in the fridge — it keeps beautifully for up to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again because some settling might occur.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this salsa because fresh cranberries and ingredients lose their texture after thawing. But if you want to try, freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Expect a softer texture.

Reheating

This salsa is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t reheat it. If you want a warm version, try gently warming separately cooked cranberries with some added spices and serve warm on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least a few hours in advance or overnight to let the flavors blend and mellow nicely.

What can I substitute if I don’t have jalapeños?

You can swap jalapeños with milder peppers like poblano or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you don’t have fresh peppers. Adjust the heat to your preference.

Is raw sugar necessary for this recipe?

You can use other sweeteners such as white granulated sugar or honey, but raw sugar gives a nice subtle molasses note that complements the cranberries well.

How spicy is this cranberry salsa?

This cranberry salsa has a gentle kick from the jalapeños but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can remove all the seeds to reduce heat or add more peppers if you like a spicier version.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings vibrant color, bright flavors, and a fresh twist to holiday gatherings. It’s the kind of recipe I reach for when I want something easy but impressive — and it always delivers. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll be as hooked on it as I am!