Cranberry Relish is a vibrant, zesty side dish that instantly lifts any meal to holiday status. With its jewel-bright color, a zingy mix of sweet, tart, and citrusy notes, plus the satisfying crunch of nuts (if you like), this no-cook condiment is a true celebration of fresh flavors. Each spoonful bursts with brightness, and the fact that it comes together in minutes makes it a total game changer for both holiday feasts and ordinary weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering this for the first time, Cranberry Relish is about to earn a permanent spot at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Cranberry Relish:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 medium orange (seeded and roughly chopped, peel on)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Relish
Step 1: Chop Ingredients in the Food Processor
Combine the cranberries and roughly chopped orange (yes, the peel too!) in your food processor. Pulse 5–8 times until everything is finely chopped, but stop before it turns into a purée. You want a mix with a little texture—think small, colorful bits rather than a smooth blend.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Mix
Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar and stir thoroughly, making sure every little berry and orange piece gets coated. The sugar will start drawing out juices and helping the flavors mingle right away.
Step 3: Fold in Nuts (Optional)
If you’re using walnuts or pecans, add them now and fold gently. They’ll bring a subtle toasty flavor and that prized crunch, elevating the whole relish.
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Develop
Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better. This is when the real Cranberry Relish magic happens: all those bright, bold flavors marry together and the relish becomes lusciously juicy.
Step 5: Serve Chilled
Give the relish a good stir before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold, letting all the tangy, sweet, and citrusy notes shine. Spoon generously onto plates and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cranberry Relish
Garnishes
A little extra flair goes a long way here. Try a sprinkle of fresh orange zest, a handful of pomegranate seeds, or even a few extra crushed nuts over the top to make your Cranberry Relish look as special as it tastes. This finishing touch brings both color and crunch to your spread.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Relish was born for festive tables—think Thanksgiving turkey, roast chicken, or glazed ham. But don’t stop there! Spread it on a leftover sandwich, dollop it over creamy brie, or spoon it onto a bowl of vanilla yogurt for a bright, fruity kick at breakfast. Its punchy flavor livens up so many savory and sweet dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Give Cranberry Relish center stage in a pretty glass bowl or spoon it into hollowed-out oranges for a fun, edible vessel. Layer it into mini parfaits with Greek yogurt or swirl it onto a cheese board for extra drama. However you serve it, this relish adds a pop of festive color and excitement to any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply pop extra Cranberry Relish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps fresh for up to 5 days, and the flavors get even better after a day or two, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Cranberry Relish past the holidays, you can freeze it easily! Spoon it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then give it a good stir.
Reheating
No need to reheat Cranberry Relish—this dish is delicious served cold or at room temperature. Just let it sit out for a few minutes if you prefer it less chilled, then give it a quick stir to revive its texture.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Relish in advance?
Definitely! In fact, making Cranberry Relish a day or two ahead allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to store it in a sealed container in the fridge.
Do I really leave the orange peel on?
Yes—using the whole orange, peel included, is the secret to amazing Cranberry Relish. It adds an unbeatable aromatic zing and balances the tartness perfectly. Just wash the orange well and remove any seeds before chopping.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
You can absolutely cut back on the sugar or swap it for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Feel free to start with less and add more to fit your taste buds.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are my favorites, but you can also try almonds or even pistachios for a fun twist. If you’re nut-free, simply skip them—the relish will still taste fabulous.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work in this Cranberry Relish! Thaw and drain well before chopping to prevent the mixture from being too watery.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making your own Cranberry Relish, you’ll wonder how you ever got through a holiday without it. It’s fresh, bold, and bursting with flavor—plus it just makes every meal feel a little more festive. I can’t wait for you to experience the difference homemade relish makes. Give it a try and let it become your new tradition!
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Cranberry Relish Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and easy cranberry relish recipe that is bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for the holiday season. This raw relish features the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of oranges, and a hint of crunch from nuts.
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberry Relish:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 medium orange (seeded and roughly chopped, peel on)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Relish: Add the cranberries and chopped orange to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not puréed.
- Mix in Sugar: Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add Nuts: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Chill: Cover the relish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy the chilled relish as a side dish or topping as desired.
Notes
- This cranberry relish is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Pair this tangy relish with turkey, sandwiches, or use it as a versatile topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
