Description
This fresh cranberry salsa is a vibrant and tangy holiday appetizer that's quick to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Combining tart cranberries, zesty lime, spicy jalapeño, and sweet honey, it pairs perfectly with creamy cream cheese and your favorite crackers for a delightful snack that bursts with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Salsa Ingredients
- 12-ounce package fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1/4 cup finely minced red onion
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons finely minced jalapeño
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1/3 cup honey or agave
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
To Serve
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese (use 2 blocks for a large group)
- Your favorite crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the fresh cranberries and drain well. Finely mince the red onion and jalapeño, and roughly chop the cilantro. Juice one fresh lime to measure 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
- Mix the Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, honey (or agave), and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the honey is dissolved.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste the salsa and adjust the salt or jalapeño to your preferred level of seasoning and heat. Mix again to combine any adjustments.
- Prepare the Serving Base: Place the block of cream cheese onto a serving plate. For larger groups, use two blocks side by side.
- Top with Salsa: Spoon the cranberry salsa evenly over the top of the cream cheese. Spread gently if needed to cover the surface.
- Serve: Arrange your favorite crackers around the plate and serve immediately for a fresh and festive appetizer.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds.
- Honey can be substituted with agave syrup or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- This salsa is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; however, the texture will firm as the cranberries absorb moisture.
- Use gluten-free crackers to keep the appetizer gluten free if needed.
- Double the ingredients for larger gatherings to ensure everyone gets plenty of this festive treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 cup salsa
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Sugar: 10.9 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.8 g
- Fiber: 1.7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
