Add 1 cup of cranberries, sugar, cilantro, chopped green onions, chipotle, and salt into the bowl of a manual or electric food processor and process until the mixture is in small pieces, like the size of a quartered cranberry. If using an electric food processor just pulse a few times, you don't want the mixture to be too pulverized. Refrigerate mixture for 1 hour to allow the flavors to combine.
Warm the cream cheese just slightly. You only want it softened, not melted. I used the Ninja Foodi's steam function to gently warm my cream cheese, but any method is fine. See post for more details on other options.
Fold the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese. Line a round bowl with plastic wrap and fill the bowl with the cream cheese & cranberry mixture. Place the bowl in the refrigerator or even the freezer for 1-2 hours to set up.
Crush the pistachios in a food processor or by hand. Dump into a bowl and place your cheese ball in the crushed nuts to cover the top and sides. You can also cover the bottom if you'd like.