Extras, Sides

Fresh Cranberry Salsa: A Festive Holiday Appetizer

This fresh cranberry salsa is a festive holiday appetizer that balances bright citrus, subtle heat, and natural sweetness. Bursting with cranberries and fresh ingredients, it comes together quickly and can be prepared ahead, making it ideal for entertaining.

Here, I’ve created a Christmas appetizer graze board ~ Salty crisps, cool herbed cream cheese dip, fresh and dried fruits, purple kale, walnuts, herbs, and more, featuring cranberry salsa as the star for an impressive make-ahead festive holiday appetizer.

fresh cranberry salsa holiday appetizer — Cranberry Salsa Holiday Appetizer

Fresh Cranberry Salsa: A Festive Holiday Appetizer

Servings: Recipe makes 5 cups of cranberry salsa

What'll You Need

2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
2 teaspoons cumin (to taste)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
1/2 cup lime juice

1 large English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and small diced
1/2 cup finely diced purple onion
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 large jalapeńo pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 cup roughly chopped pineapple chunks, thoroughly drained – If using canned, buy pineapple in juice, not syrup.
1 cup chopped cilantro (leaves and stems)
1 1/2 cups roughly chopped black walnuts

Cranberry Salsa Recipe

In a large glass bowl, add dried cranberries.
Pour orange juice over cranberries and let the berries soak for 30 minutes.
Stir well, adding the cumin, cayenne, white pepper, red pepper flakes and salt.
Add cucumber, onion, garlic, jalapenö, pineapple and lime juice.
Test for flavor, adjusting for taste preferences.
For optimum taste, stir in the walnuts and cilantro leaves right before serving.
Place salsa in the refrigerator overnight to let flavors meld.
Before serving, stir salsa well. Adjust for seasonings.

This Cranberry Salsa is so deliciously versatile, here are a few ways to serve and enjoy it.

A few serving suggestions…

1. Feature as a holiday appetizer on a graze or charcuterie board. 2. Serve as side, it’s irresistable paired with proteins. 3. Serve with various cheeses – white cheddar, feta, goat cheese, brie are just a few. 4. Serve simply with chips!

Try this cranberry salsa with my Cherry Blossom Bourbon Cocktail.