Cranberry Orange Relish

I've always loved having a bright and tangy side dish on the holiday table, and this magical, fresh, and zesty cranberry orange relish is my go-to this year. It's simple to make and no cooking is required! And it adds a bright pop of color and freshness to the meal. The cranberries pair beautifully with the nuttiness of pecans and walnuts, the slight burst of citrusy flavor from the orange, and the crunch of the apples.

This recipe feels festive, comes together effortlessly, and is surprisingly good. It's also addictively tasty! This is a perfect accompaniment to the rest of our holiday feast; sweet potato casserole, Dutch oven turkey breast and homemade bread stuffing.

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Why You'll Love This Cranberry Relish!

This cranberry relish isn't just another holiday side dish you usually see on the table; it's a kind that always brings people together and gets them talking at the table. It's tangy, fresh, and a little crunchy at the same time, making this dish achieve the perfect balance to a rich and comforting holiday dish. And the best part? It's so easy to make, yet it feels special to have on the table!

Here are the reasons why I think you'll love this cranberry relish too:

• It's a quick & easy cranberry orange relish, coming together in just 10 minutes.
• Citrusy orange, crisp apples, and crunchy nuts make it a refreshing alternative to the traditional cooked cranberry sauce.
• It's versatile, serve it as a side dish, a spread on leftover turkey sandwiches, or a topping.
• It can be made ahead, saving you time on busy holiday mornings.
• Its vibrant and bright color, along with its bold flavor, make it the absolute best relish for your holiday table.

Equipment Needed

• Food processor
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Serving dish

Key Ingredients

Cranberries - The main event. Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well.

Orange zest and juice - It's the source of bright citrus notes that lift the flavor.

Sugar - It adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the cranberries. You can always taste the relish and add more sugar if necessary.

Apple - It adds natural sweetness and a crunchy texture.

Pecans and walnuts - the nutty bite complements the fruit.

Mint - It adds a refreshing note to this easy & fresh cranberry apple relish.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Add the cranberries to a food processor and pulse until chopped but not pureed.

Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl, then stir in orange juice, zest, and sugar.

In the processor, pulse the mint and apple until finely chopped. Add them to the cranberries.

Pulse the pecans and walnuts until coarsely chopped, without overprocessing, to retain their texture and natural flavor. Add to the bowl.

Mix everything well, then transfer to a serving dish. You can refrigerate it or serve it right away.

Serving Recommendations

This relish pairs beautifully with :

• Chicken
• Ham
• Dutch oven roasted turkey breast
• Perfect to pair alongside bread stuffing, green bean casserole, or mashed butternut squash for a festive spread.
• For a twist, you can use the leftovers as a swirl in yogurt for a refreshing snack.
• As a sandwich spread.

Make Ahead

You can prepare this relish up to 2 days ahead. Cover it tightly or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. This cranberry relish is best when the flavors have had time to set.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months, just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Expert Tips

• Even though all of the ingredients are chopped in the food processor, I prefer to pulse them separately so that I can control how chopped the ingredients are and they do not become overly processed. Apples can become apple sauce and nuts will become nut butter if pulsed too much!
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries. Frozen cranberries just need a quick rinse under cool water before pulsing in the food processor.
• Taste the mixture and add extra sugar if needed.

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!