Christmas Cranberry Salsa

Posted by on Friday, December 19th, 2014

Cranberry-Salsa

I enjoy creating new recipes for Christmas each year.  This recipe was inspired by a photo I thought I pinned to Pinterest but never could find when I wanted to make the dish.  So I have created my own recipe for Christmas Cranbery Salsa.  It can be served with corn chips. But I like to spread the salsa over 2 bricks of soft cream cheese and dip Wheat Thins or Pita Chips in the salsa.  It’s tart and sweet at the same time with a hint of cilantro, orange zest, and a jalapeno pepper.  Remove the seeds from the jalapeno for a milder salsa or leave the seeds for a hotter version.  Either way this dish makes a festive party appetizer.  I took it to my daughter’s Christmas program reception last night and found the following note on my empty dish:

please note

Place the following ingredients into a food processor and pulse until ingredients are finely chopped:

  • 1 12 oz package fresh whole cranberries
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro (about a cup)
  • 1 small purple onion – skin removed and onion quartered
  • 1 jalapeno pepper – remove seeds for mild salsa, leave seeds for some heat
  • zest of one orange
  • 2  1/4 ounce packets of unflavored gelatin
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 cup sugar – More or less to suit your tastebuds

Pulse all ingredients until cranberries and onions are finely chopped, but not pureed.  Pour salsa into a large bowl, cover and place in refrigerator at least 4 hours.  While salsa is chilling, let 2 8 oz packages of cream cheese set on counter to soften. Spread cream cheese over a pretty plate or dish, then top with the salsa.  Serve with pita chips, Wheat Thins, or Triscuits.  Refrigerate leftovers IF there are any leftover!

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Filed in Appetizers,Christmas,Holidays | 7 responses so far

7 Responses to “Christmas Cranberry Salsa”

  1. Richardon 06 Dec 2011 at 3:41 pm 1

    Great post! The Salsa was very good too!

  2. Anneon 07 Dec 2011 at 11:00 am 2

    I would love to try this. What do you think about a substitution for the cilantro?

  3. Taraon 07 Dec 2011 at 5:25 pm 3

    Hi Anne,

    I can’t think of something that might work in place of the cilantro. It is such a nice compliment to the tartness of the cranberries. You might try omitting it an not substituting anything. I wonder what it would taste like with a few mint leaves or parsley? Guess it depends on what herbs you prefer? Good luck with it though.

  4. Amyon 08 Dec 2011 at 1:45 pm 4

    Tara,

    I am so trying this! Thank you for sharing your creations!!

    I’m also going to try your herb roasted pork tenderloin soon. You are quickly becoming my go-to place for family meal time. We are having that roast again tomorrow. :) :)

    Happy Three Year Anniversary, and let’s get that cookbook rolling!

  5. Taraon 08 Dec 2011 at 3:18 pm 5

    Thanks Amy!

  6. Lori Spainon 31 Dec 2011 at 1:10 pm 6

    Made this on Christmas Eve, it was a huge hit with the entire family. Thanks so much!

  7. carolinaheartstringson 16 Dec 2013 at 8:12 am 7

    Tara, this looks fantastic. You make the best recipes. Happy Holidays!