This fresh cranberry salsa recipe has been a favorite at my husband’s family holiday gatherings for years - bright, sweet, lightly spicy and incredibly addictive. For the past few seasons, I’ve made it with a splash of our Mindfully Made Elderberry Syrup, which deepens the berry flavor, color and adds a hint of warmth. It’s a simple twist that makes this cranberry salsa feel even more special, especially during the holidays.
This cranberry salsa is made with fresh cranberries, jalapeño, cilantro, ginger and a touch of lemon - no cooking required. It’s bright, refreshing, and the perfect holiday appetizer to serve with goat cheese and seed crackers. If you’re looking for something new to bring to a Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering, this is the dish everyone will ask you the recipe for.
ingredients
Bright • Refreshing • Addictive • Sweet Heat
1 (12 oz) bag or 3 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
¼ cup minced green onions
2 small jalapeño peppers, cored, seeded and minced (adjust for heat)
¼ cup turbinado sugar (use up to ½ cup depending on sweetness preference)
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely minced
2 Tablespoons freshly grated ginger (a key ingredient - don’t skip it)
2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 Tablespoons Mindfully Made Elderberry Syrup
Instructions
Rinse and drain cranberries, removing any soft ones.
Add cranberries to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped - textured, not mushy.
Transfer to a bowl and stir in green onions, jalapeño, sugar, cilantro, ginger, lemon juice and Elderberry Syrup.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors develop.
My Mother-in-Law’s Tip
Be liberal with the cilantro, chili peppers and the fresh ginger - that’s the secret!
How to Serve It
This salsa is incredibly versatile. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it:
As a dip with seed crackers & soft goat cheese - crowd favorite!
On top of roasted turkey or chicken (a fresh alternative to cranberry sauce)
Layered in leftover turkey wraps
Tossed into a fall salad with mixed greens + toasted pecans
Make-Ahead Friendly
This salsa actually gets better as it rests.
Make it the night before your holiday meal, and the flavors will deepen and brighten.
with gratitude
I want to extend special gratitude to my mother-in-law, who generously shared this recipe many years ago. Her love for the kitchen and for feeding others well is rooted in this one. I’m grateful she said yes to letting me share it with you. 💜