Bursting with bold, festive flavors and a delightful crunch, Cranberry Pecan Relish is the secret weapon every holiday table needs. Sweet-tart cranberries meld with zesty orange, nutty pecans, and a warm hint of cinnamon, creating a condiment that’s as gorgeous to look at as it is irresistible to eat. Whether you’re pairing it with roasted meats, spreading it on leftover sandwiches, or simply eating it by the spoonful (no judgment here!), this no-cook relish brings brightness and vibrance to every bite. Get ready to fall in love with a new classic—Cranberry Pecan Relish truly delivers a burst of sunshine to your feast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to form something magical. Each ingredient in Cranberry Pecan Relish plays a vital role: from the crunch of pecans to the sweet tang of fresh cranberries and the citrusy pop of orange—every bit is essential for color, flavor, and texture.
- Fresh cranberries (2 cups): Their bright, tart flavor and ruby color are the centerpiece of the dish—use them fresh for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the cranberries’ tartness and helps draw out their natural juices.
- Pecans, toasted and chopped (1/2 cup): Toasting brings out their buttery flavor and adds irresistible crunch to every bite.
- Medium orange, zested and juiced (1): Both the zest and juice give an aromatic citrus lift and a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup): Adds depth and gently rounds out the overall sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): For warmth and a hint of holiday spice—don’t skip it!
- Pinch of salt: Just a pinch makes all the other flavors pop.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Relish
Step 1: Chop the Cranberries
Start by placing the cranberries in a food processor. Pulse them several times just until they’re finely chopped—aim for small, even pieces, but stop before the mixture turns into a puree. This way, you preserve that signature cranberry pop and appealing, chunky texture.
Step 2: Sweeten and Marinate
Transfer the chopped cranberries to a medium mixing bowl, then stir in the granulated sugar. Give it a good mix, then pause: let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This little rest lets the cranberries release their natural juices and slightly dissolve the sugar for the best burst of flavor.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Now for the magic! Stir in the toasted, chopped pecans, along with the orange zest and juice. Drizzle in your honey or maple syrup, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt, then mix until everything is evenly coated. Each ingredient will sing in the final relish.
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least one hour. During this time, the flavors meld together beautifully and transform this quick mix into irresistibly fresh Cranberry Pecan Relish. Serve chilled, or let it come to room temperature for the fullest flavor.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Relish
Garnishes
Cranberry Pecan Relish loves a little extra flair! Garnish with more chopped pecans, delicate curls of orange zest, or even a sprig of fresh mint. These additions add unexpected color and an inviting aroma—just the right touch for a festive table.
Side Dishes
This relish absolutely shines alongside classic holiday mains—think roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a hearty nut roast. For something extra fun, spoon it over creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or tangy goat cheese with crackers as a stunning appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the bowl: swirl Cranberry Pecan Relish into yogurt or oatmeal for a bright breakfast, spread it on leftover turkey sandwiches, or dollop it onto grilled chicken sandwiches for a flavorful twist. It’s delightful as a topping for pancakes or waffles, too—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cranberry Pecan Relish keeps beautifully for a couple of days in an airtight container in the fridge. The pecans stay crunchy, and the flavors become even more vibrant overnight—so it’s a perfect make-ahead dish for stress-free entertaining.
Freezing
If you want to get extra prepared, you can freeze Cranberry Pecan Relish for up to a month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, then thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture will stay lovely, and the flavors hold up remarkably well.
Reheating
This relish is best served cold or at room temperature, so heating isn’t necessary—just give it a good stir after storing. If you want it slightly warmer for serving, let it sit out for 30 minutes so the flavors can really shine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Pecan Relish?
Absolutely! If using frozen cranberries, let them thaw and drain any excess liquid first. They chop up just as well and will still make the relish vibrant and fresh.
What if I have a nut allergy? Can I swap the pecans?
Yes! If you need to avoid nuts, simply leave the pecans out or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch without the allergens.
How far in advance can I make Cranberry Pecan Relish?
You can make it up to two days ahead of time. The flavors get better as they rest, so making ahead is actually encouraged!
Is this recipe vegan?
It sure is, as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey. All other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making Cranberry Pecan Relish a hit with everyone.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving. You can easily double it for a crowd or halve it for a small gathering—just keep the ingredient ratios the same.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family this season, Cranberry Pecan Relish is a dish you simply have to try. It’s easy, vibrant, and unexpectedly versatile—why not let this deeply flavorful relish become your new holiday tradition?
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Cranberry Pecan Relish Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Cranberry Pecan Relish that balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of honey and orange, finished with the crunch of toasted pecans. This vegan condiment is perfect for holiday meals or as a versatile spread.
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberries:
2 cups
Granulated Sugar:
1/2 cup
Pecans, toasted and chopped:
1/2 cup
Medium Orange, zested and juiced:
1
Honey or Maple Syrup:
1/4 cup
Ground Cinnamon:
1/4 teaspoon
Salt:
Pinch
Instructions
- Pulse the Cranberries: In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a medium bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add sugar, let sit for 10 minutes. Stir in pecans, orange zest, orange juice, honey/maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This relish can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy as a spread on sandwiches or alongside roasted meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
