There's something about that bright, zesty punch of cranberries mixed with a little kick that makes this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe a standout at any festive table. It’s fresh, fun, and so easy to whip up, you'll want it for every gathering, not just the holidays.

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

This Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to festive staples because it brings together tart, sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors in one colorful jar. It’s like a party for your taste buds that’s also ridiculously simple to make.

Vibrant Flavor Profile: The combination of cranberries, jalapeños, and citrus zest delivers a complex taste that’s both refreshing and exciting.
Super Quick Prep: In about five minutes and with just a food processor, you'll have a festive salsa ready to chill and impress guests.
Versatile Use: Perfect alongside turkey or grilled meats, as a dip, or even as a topping on crackers or toast.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It gets better after chilling, so you can prepare it ahead and have it ready for any holiday rush.

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

The magic of this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that balance tartness and sweetness with just a little heat. I always recommend grabbing firm, fresh cranberries and fresh cilantro to get the most vibrant flavor.

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: They bring the essential tartness and vibrant color—look for plump, firm berries.
Orange Zest: Adds a fragrant citrus lift that brightens the whole salsa.
Jalapeños: Provides the kick; removing seeds keeps it from getting too spicy, but still lively.
Green Onions: Adds a subtle onion flavor and crunch to balance the tart cranberries.
Cilantro: Brings fresh herbal notes that complement the fruit and spice.
Lime Juice: Enhances the acidity and freshness—fresh-squeezed is best.
Raw Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness without being overpowering.
Salt: Just a touch to bring all the flavors together and enhance depth.

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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 tweaking this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe depending on what I have in the kitchen. Sometimes I add a little extra orange zest or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy punch, but honestly, the original is brilliant as is.

Variation: Once, I added diced mango for a tropical twist, and it was a refreshing hit at summer parties.
For Less Heat: Use just one jalapeño or even swap for a mild pepper to tone down the spice.
Make It Vegan & Refined Sugar-Free: Substitute raw sugar with maple syrup or agave for a natural sweetness.

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

Step 1: Blend It Like You Mean It

Start by tossing the cranberries, orange zest, seeded jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro into your food processor or blender. Pulse gently until the ingredients are finely chopped but not mushy—you want that great texture, a little rustic rather than totally smooth. I usually pulse in short bursts and check often to avoid turning it into a puree.

Step 2: Mix and Chill

Transfer your chopped mixture to a bowl, then stir in the lime juice, raw sugar, and salt until everything’s evenly combined. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. This resting time is where the flavors really marry beautifully, so if you can, let it sit overnight.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe dozens of times, and a few small tweaks made all the difference—here’s what I’ve learned so you’ll get perfect results every time.

Pulse Carefully: If you over-blend, you lose the fresh texture that makes this salsa so appealing—I find short pulses work best.
Seed Jalapeños: Removing seeds controls heat, but feel free to leave some in if you want more kick.
Let It Rest: Chilling for at least two hours (ideally overnight) enhances the flavors and helps them meld together beautifully.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste after chilling and adjust sugar as needed; cranberries can vary in tartness depending on the season.

How to Serve Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little extra chopped cilantro and some thinly sliced green onions right on top before serving—it adds a pop of green that’s so inviting. A few pomegranate seeds are a fun, festive addition if you want a jewel-like sparkle.

Side Dishes

This salsa pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or grilled chicken, but I also love setting it out with a cheese board, alongside crispy tortilla chips or even dolloped on top of warm cream cheese on crackers—total crowd-pleasers!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cranberry salsa in mini glass jars adorned with fresh herb sprigs. It’s charming and lets guests serve themselves while admiring the colors. You can also spoon it into halved mini bell peppers for a festive edible bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps fresh and flavorful for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before serving again because natural separation can happen.

Freezing

Although I rarely freeze this salsa myself, it should freeze well in a sealed container. Just be aware the texture may soften slightly after thawing, so it’s best used in cooked dishes or as a topping rather than a fresh dip.

Reheating

This salsa is best served cold or at room temperature, so I usually just take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to let it warm slightly. If you want a warm version, try gently warming it on the stovetop with a splash of water, but don’t boil it—it can kill the fresh flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available. Just let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before pulsing to avoid a watery salsa.

How spicy is this salsa with jalapeños?

The heat is moderate and can be adjusted by removing seeds from the jalapeños or using fewer peppers. If you prefer milder salsa, start with one jalapeño without seeds and add more according to your taste.

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the salsa for at least two hours, or even overnight, allows the flavors to develop fully and results in a tastier dish.

What’s the best way to serve Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe?

It’s fantastic served as a dip with tortilla chips, spooned over roasted meats like turkey, or used as a bright, tart condiment on sandwiches and cheese boards. Get creative and find what you like best!

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Cranberry Salsa Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those rare dishes that’s both effortless and impressive. It brings a burst of color, brightness, and fun spice to the holidays and beyond. I encourage you to make this your own little festive tradition — your friends and family will thank you for it!