This vibrant Apple Cranberry Salsa is the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and zesty flavors, made with fresh cranberries, crisp apple, fennel, and a hint of ginger. It’s a healthy and festive appetizer or topping that’s ideal for holiday gatherings and seasonal entertaining!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: Provide tartness and a vibrant, festive color that complements the apple cranberry salsa perfectly.
- Apple: Adds natural sweetness and a crisp texture to the Apple Cranberry Salsa.
- Orange and lemon: Offer zesty, bright citrus notes that balance the flavors in the salsa.
- Fennel bulb: Brings a subtle, aromatic anise flavor for depth in the salsa.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, spicy kick to the overall Apple Cranberry Salsa.
- Sugar: Enhances sweetness and mellows the tart cranberries, particularly in the apple cranberry salsa.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the Apple Cranberry Salsa.
Alternative Ingredients
- Apple: Use pear or firm mango for a sweet, juicy alternative in the salsa.
- Fennel bulb: Replace with celery or jicama for crunch and mild flavor, making a variant of the Apple Cranberry Salsa.
- Fresh ginger: Substitute with ground ginger (1/4 tsp) or grated turmeric for warmth in the salsa.
Detailed Steps
Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and pat them dry. Dry cranberries blend better and avoid watering down the apple and cranberry salsa.
Chop the Orange and Apple: For the orange, remove the peel and white pith completely to avoid bitterness. Cut the orange into segments by slicing between the membranes to remove the flesh. Use a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance in the salsa. Peel the apple if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Slice the Fennel Bulb: Trim off the stalks and fronds, then slice the bulb into smaller pieces. Use the fronds as a garnish if you want to add a touch of color and light licorice flavor to the Apple Cranberry Salsa.
Prep the Ginger: Peel the ginger using the edge of a spoon for ease. Roughly chop it to ensure even blending. If you want a milder ginger flavor, reduce the amount or soak it in warm water for a few minutes before using in the salsa.
Combine Ingredients in Blender: Pulse in short bursts instead of blending continuously to maintain a chunky texture for your Apple Cranberry Salsa. Over-blending can make the salsa too watery.
Taste and Adjust: After blending, taste the salsa and adjust the sugar or salt to your preference. If it’s too tart, add a touch more sugar; if it needs more zing, squeeze in a bit of extra lemon juice to perfect your apple cranberry salsa.
Let the Flavors Meld: Transfer the apple cranberry salsa to a bowl and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salsa even more delicious.
Expert Tips
Use Fresh Cranberries for Best Flavor: Fresh cranberries give the salsa a brighter, more vibrant taste. If you use frozen cranberries, make sure they’re thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid in the Apple Cranberry Salsa.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salsa, increase the sugar or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup instead. For a less sweet version of the Apple Cranberry Salsa, you can even skip the sugar entirely and let the natural sweetness of the fruit shine through.
Balancing Texture: To achieve the perfect chunky texture, pulse the ingredients in the blender in short bursts. This way, you maintain some texture without turning the salsa into a puree that’s too smooth.
Enhance with Fresh Herbs: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your apple cranberry salsa, toss in some fresh cilantro or mint after blending. This adds a refreshing note that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
Make Ahead: The apple cranberry salsa can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even more. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before blending to avoid excess moisture.
This salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits.
Yes, this salsa can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together for a more robust taste.
Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the sugar to your preference or substitute with honey, maple syrup, or even a pinch of stevia.
Yes, if you don’t have fennel, you can substitute it with celery, jicama, or even cucumber for crunch and mild flavor.
If you like a spicy kick, try adding finely chopped jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the salsa.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Apple Cranberry Salsa with tortilla chips, crackers, or as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken, turkey, or pork. It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie for an elegant appetizer.
Storage Suggestions
Store the Apple Cranberry Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best flavor, let the salsa sit for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Whipped Brie
- Baked Brie With Jam
- Cranberry Mule Mocktail
- Zucchini Baba Ganoush
- Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Apple Cranberry Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 small orange (peeled, segmented, and seeds removed)
- 1/2 lemon (juiced and zest reserved)
- 1 small apple (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1/2 fennel bulb (roughly chopped)
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and pat them dry.2 cups fresh cranberries
- In a blender or food processor, combine cranberries, orange segments, apple, fennel, ginger, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and salt.1 small orange, 1/2 lemon, 1 small apple, 1/2 fennel bulb, 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/4 tsp salt
- Pulse until the mixture is lightly chopped but still has texture. Avoid over-blending for a chunkier salsa.
- Taste the salsa and adjust the sugar or salt if needed.
- Transfer to a bowl and let sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or as a topping for roasted meats or salads.
Video
@cookinglikekate Fresh, zesty Apple Cranberry Salsa combines tart cranberries, crisp apple, and citrus for a vibrant, versatile topping or dip perfect for any occasion. #cranberrysauce #easyrecipe #holidayrecipe #appetizer #foodtok #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ Christmas – neozilla
Notes
- Texture Preference: Pulse the ingredients in the blender for a chunky salsa or blend longer for a smoother consistency.
- Sugar Substitutes: Swap sugar for honey, maple syrup, or your favorite natural sweetener for a unique flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fennel Alternative: If fennel isn’t available, use celery, jicama, or cucumber for a similar crunch.
- Serving Tip: This salsa tastes even better after resting for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving as some liquid may separate.
- Holiday Twist: For a festive garnish, sprinkle pomegranate arils or chopped fresh mint over the salsa.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
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