Pin it A vibrant, zesty salsa bursting with sweet cranberries, creamy avocado, and a touch of jalapeño heat is perfect for holiday appetizers or as a fresh topping for grilled dishes.
I first made this as a festive dip for a holiday party, and the sweet-tart cranberries paired with creamy avocado became an instant crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: 1 cup, roughly chopped
- Ripe avocado: 1 large, diced
- Jalapeño: 1 medium, seeded and finely chopped
- Red onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Fresh lime juice: 1/2 cup (about 2 limes)
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Pomegranate seeds (optional): 1/2 cup, for extra sweetness and crunch
- Roma tomato (optional): 1 small, diced
Instructions
- Combine salsa ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, avocado, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro.
- Whisk dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss salsa:
- Pour the dressing over the salsa ingredients and gently toss until well combined.
- Add extras:
- If using, fold in pomegranate seeds and diced tomato.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos.
Pin it My family loves scooping this salsa with tortilla chips while sharing stories around the kitchen table during the holidays.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains no major allergens. Double-check ingredient labels for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on 6 servings): 90 calories, 5 g total fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein
Pin it Scoop and enjoy this bright salsa while it's fresh. Its tangy bite and creamy texture always bring smiles to the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, thawed frozen cranberries can be used. Drain well before chopping for best texture.
- → How do I keep avocado from browning?
Generous lime juice slows oxidation. Serve immediately and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
- → What can I serve this salsa with?
Enjoy with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, tacos, or roasted vegetables.
- → Is this salsa spicy?
It has mild jalapeño heat. For extra spiciness, leave in some jalapeño seeds as desired.
- → Are there substitutions for lime juice?
Lemon juice works well if preferred for similar tanginess with slight flavor variation.
- → How long will this salsa stay fresh?
Best enjoyed freshly made. Avocado may brown after a few hours. Refrigerate promptly to extend freshness.