If you love vibrant flavors that dance on your tongue and brighten up any gathering, this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. The tartness of fresh cranberries blends beautifully with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the zesty notes of citrus, while cilantro and green onions add that fresh, herbaceous touch. Perfectly paired with crispy Mission® Strips Tortilla Chips, this salsa bursts with color, texture, and a flavor punch that makes every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a white food processor filled tightly with bright red cranberries, creating one solid layer inside its clear plastic bowl, showing shiny and smooth textures. Around it, there are cut citrus halves in green and yellow hues placed on a white marbled surface, along with fresh green onions and a torn piece of a beige chip bag slightly open to reveal tortilla chips inside. The overall scene is vibrant and fresh with contrasting colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe, you’ll gather simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own magic to the mix. From the crisp cranberries to the bright citrus juices, every element plays a vital role in creating a salsa that’s both colorful and full of lively flavors.

Mission® Strips Tortilla Chips: These sturdy, crunchy chips are perfect for scooping and add a delightful salty crunch to every bite.
Fresh cranberries (12 ounces): Rinsed and drained, they provide a bright, tart base with vibrant color and texture.
Sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the tartness of the cranberries and helps mellow the heat from the jalapeños.
Jalapeños (2, ribs and seeds removed, minced): Adds a gentle spicy kick without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
Cilantro (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that rounds out the salsa.
Green onions (1/4 cup, finely sliced): Offer a mild onion flavor and a crisp bite.
Orange juice (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed): Contributes light citrus sweetness and juicy freshness.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed): Adds essential acidity to brighten and balance the salsa perfectly.

How to Make Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Chop the Cranberries

Start by placing your rinsed cranberries in a food processor. Pulse carefully until the cranberries are finely chopped but not pureed—you want those little bursts of cranberry texture in your salsa. This step ensures your salsa has the perfect balance of juicy bits without becoming a smooth sauce.

Step 2: Sweeten the Cranberries

Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl and sprinkle in the sugar. Stir well so every bit is coated with sweetness, which tames the natural tartness while allowing it to shine through. This simple addition is key to achieving that perfect harmony in flavor.

Step 3: Add the Fresh Ingredients

Next, fold in the finely minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. These vibrant ingredients bring layers of flavor and color that make this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe so special. Finally, drizzle in the orange and lime juices, which brighten the entire mix and tie all the flavors together.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial—it allows all those fresh, bold flavors to meld and intensify, leaving you with a salsa that bursts with complexity in every bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your salsa has chilled and the flavors have married beautifully, serve it alongside a big bowl of Mission® Strips Tortilla Chips. The crisp, salty chips are practically made for this bright, zesty salsa, creating an irresistible combination perfect for snacking or entertaining.

How to Serve Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe

A white bowl filled with a chunky bright red dip that has visible pieces of green jalapeno and some green herbs mixed in. A light yellow tortilla chip is held by a woman's hand, scooping the dip which looks textured and slightly wet, showing bits of red and green ingredients. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with some tortilla chips and red cherries or cranberries in the blurry background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle a few extra cilantro leaves on top before serving. A light dusting of finely chopped green onions or a thin wedge of lime on the side can also add the perfect finishing touch that makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salsa shines wonderfully as a vibrant appetizer alongside grilled chicken, tacos, or fish dishes. It’s also fantastic served next to a fresh cheese platter or alongside roasted vegetables for an extra pop of color and brightness at your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve the Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or small bowls carved from bell peppers. Layer the salsa atop creamy avocado slices or dollop it over a warm goat cheese spread to surprise your guests with unexpected combinations that taste as incredible as they look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious as time goes on. Just be sure to stir it before serving to redistribute any settled juices.

Freezing

While fresh salsa is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture might slightly change after thawing due to the cranberries’ water content, so it’s best used in cooked dishes rather than as a fresh dip once frozen.

Reheating

Since this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you do want to add it to a warm dish, gently warm it on the stove in a low pan, stirring carefully to maintain its texture and vibrant flavor without cooking it too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

While fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe because of their firm texture and vibrant flavor, frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping. The salsa may be a little softer, but the flavor will still be bright and delicious.

How spicy is the jalapeño in this salsa?

The jalapeños add a gentle, manageable heat that complements the tartness of the cranberries rather than overpowering it. Removing the ribs and seeds keeps the salsa mild enough for most palates while still offering a pleasant kick.

Can I adjust the sweetness to my liking?

Absolutely! The sugar balances the tart cranberries, but feel free to adjust the amount depending on your taste. If you prefer a more tangy salsa, reduce the sugar; if you like a sweeter salsa, add a little more gradually until it suits you perfectly.

Is this salsa suitable for a holiday party?

Definitely! The bright red cranberries and festive flavors make this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe a wonderful addition to any holiday spread. It’s fresh, eye-catching, and a welcome change from usual dips.

Can I make this salsa without a food processor?

You can, but chopping the cranberries by hand will take more time and patience to get them finely diced. The food processor is a helpful shortcut that saves time while ensuring a consistent texture, but finely dicing with a sharp knife will work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way this Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe blends tart, sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors into one irresistibly vibrant dish. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a zesty snack to brighten your day, this salsa delivers bold taste and beautiful color every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a beloved staple on your table just like it has on mine!