Save A vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy appetizer featuring fresh cranberry&jalapẽo salsa served in crisp endive leaves—perfect for festive gatherings.
I first made these salsa boats for a holiday party, and guests loved the lively combination of tart cranberries and spicy jalapẽo in crisp endive leaves. They became an instant favorite for their easy assembly and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: 1 cup (100 g), finely chopped
- Jalapẽo: 1 medium, seeded and finely diced
- Red onion: 1/4 cup (25 g), finely diced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup (4 g), chopped
- Lime: 1 medium, juiced
- Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons (25 g)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Belgian endive: 3 heads (about 24 leaves), separated and washed
Instructions
- Prepare the salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, jalapẽo, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more sugar for less tartness or more lime for tang).
- Arrange boats:
- Arrange endive leaves on a serving platter.
- Fill boats:
- Spoon 1&2 teaspoons of cranberry jalapẽo salsa into each endive leaf.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or chill salsa up to 2 hours ahead and fill boats just before serving.
Save These boats have become a cheerful addition to our family celebrations, enjoyed by adults and children alike for their tangy bite and playful presentation.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, and spoon make prepping quick and easy.
Allergen Information
Contains no common allergens&great for people with dietary restrictions. Always check labels for processed ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (3 boats): 32 calories, 0 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 0.5 g protein.
Save Bright, crisp, and tangy, these boats are sure to impress at any gathering and vanish quickly from the platter.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
The salsa may be prepared up to 2 hours in advance. Chill and fill the boats just before serving for freshest results.
- → What can I use instead of endive?
Mini sweet peppers or cucumber rounds are excellent alternatives, offering a milder taste and a sturdy base for the salsa.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free, making it accessible for most diets.
- → What toppings can add extra crunch?
Chopped toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds provide a pleasing crunch and flavor contrast on each boat.
- → How spicy is this appetizer?
The dish offers a mild kick, but you may omit or reduce jalapeño for less spice, or include seeds for more heat.
- → Can I serve this with other sides?
This cranberry-jalapeño salsa is also delicious scooped with tortilla chips or alongside roasted vegetables.