Cranberry Orange Relish
vibrant and zesty accompaniment, Cranberry Orange Relish is a refreshing alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. Made with fresh cranberries, juicy oranges, and a touch of sweetness, this no-cook relish is the perfect complement to savory holiday dishes. Its bright flavor and crisp texture make it a standout side that’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Orang
PrintCranberry Orange Relish
A fresh, tangy, and sweet Cranberry Orange Relish that’s perfect for holiday dinners. Made with just a few ingredients, it adds a vibrant burst of flavor to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange (with peel, seeds removed, cut into chunks)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and drain well.
- Cut the orange into chunks, removing any seeds, but keeping the peel.
- Place cranberries, orange chunks, and sugar into a food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped and well combined, but not puréed.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- This relish can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange liqueur.
- Use more or less sugar depending on how tart you like it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry orange relish, holiday side, thanksgiving, no cook cranberry sauce
e Relish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. With only a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, it comes together in just minutes. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet oranges adds a unique burst of flavor that balances rich meats like turkey, ham, or roast chicken. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy holiday preparations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Fresh cranberries
-
Navel orange (with peel)
-
Granulated sugar
-
Optional: walnuts or pecans for texture
-
Optional: ground cinnamon or ginger for added warmth
Directions
-
Rinse the cranberries and orange thoroughly.
-
Cut the orange into smaller chunks, removing any seeds but keeping the peel on for added zest.
-
In a food processor, combine the cranberries and orange chunks.
-
Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed. Scrape down the sides as needed.
-
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the sugar.
-
Taste and adjust sweetness, adding more sugar if desired.
-
Optionally, fold in chopped nuts or a pinch of spice for extra flavor.
-
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes about 2 to 2½ cups of relish, serving 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
-
Apple addition: Add a peeled and chopped apple for a subtle sweetness and extra texture.
-
Citrus twist: Use a mix of orange and lemon zest for a more complex citrus profile.
-
Spiced relish: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger for a warm, festive flavor.
-
Nutty crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
-
Honey substitute: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cranberry orange relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To use after freezing, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This dish is served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make cranberry orange relish?
You can make it up to 3 days ahead. In fact, making it ahead enhances the flavor as the ingredients have time to meld.
Can I freeze cranberry orange relish?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Use an airtight container and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Thaw them before processing for best texture.
Do I need to peel the orange?
No, the orange peel adds a wonderful zest. Just make sure to remove any seeds and wash it thoroughly.
What type of orange should I use?
Navel oranges are ideal because they are seedless and sweet. You can also try blood oranges for a unique flavor and color.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste or use a sugar substitute like honey or a low-calorie sweetener.
Is this relish suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan. Just ensure your sweetener of choice aligns with vegan guidelines if substituting.
What can I serve cranberry orange relish with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, pork, or chicken. It also works well on sandwiches or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
How do I make it less tart?
Add more sugar or a sweeter variety of orange. A bit of apple or pineapple can also help balance the tartness.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
You can, but use the pulse function to avoid over-blending into a puree. A coarse texture is ideal.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Relish is a quick, flavorful, and vibrant side dish that brings a burst of freshness to any meal, especially during the holiday season. With minimal ingredients and no cooking involved, it’s an effortless way to elevate your table with something that’s both traditional and refreshingly different. Whether you’re serving it with roast meats or using it in creative ways, this relish is sure to become a favorite.
