If you’re searching for a bright, zesty, and irresistibly fresh addition to your holiday table, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe. It’s the perfect way to brighten up any meal with a burst of color and lively flavor. This delightful side dish is light enough not to overpower yet packed with a harmonious blend of citrus and tart cranberries that really cut through heavier holiday dishes, making every bite more exciting and memorable. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and once you try it, this recipe is sure to become a treasured staple year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients, this Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe combines the freshest produce and a couple of sugars to create a harmonious balance of sweet and tart. Each component plays an essential role in delivering that perfect texture, color, and bright flavor that we love so much.
- 1 large orange unpeeled (~2 cups with rind ON): The whole orange gives a wonderful citrus punch and adds a slight bitterness from the peel that balances the sweetness and tartness.
- ½ Granny Smith apple cored and sliced (~1 cup): This apple provides crispness and natural sweetness while lending a pleasant texture contrast.
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries rinsed (about 3 cups): The star of the show, cranberries bring that classic tartness and vibrant red color that’s synonymous with festive meals.
- ½ cup granulated white sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to mellow out the tart cranberries without overpowering the citrus notes.
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar: Brings a deeper, molasses-like richness that complements the bright fruit flavors.
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (~½ a lime): A sharp, aromatic lift that enhances the overall freshness and takes the relish to the next level.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Orange and Apple
Start by cutting your large orange into eight even pieces, peel and all. The peel might sound unusual, but it adds amazing flavor. Next, core and slice the Granny Smith apple. These fresh ingredients are the foundation of your relish, bringing zest and crunch to each spoonful.
Step 2: Pulse Orange and Apple
Place those orange pieces and apple slices into a food processor or blender. Pulse them 4 to 5 times just to begin chopping. You want small pieces but not a puree—this helps ensure every bite has a lovely texture.
Step 3: Add Cranberries and Sugars
Now add your fresh cranberries, granulated white sugar, dark brown sugar, and lime zest right into the same processor. The cranberries add their signature tartness, while the sugars and lime zest bring sweetness and brightness that blend beautifully.
Step 4: Pulse Until Finely Chopped
Pulse the mixture about 8 to 10 more times until everything is finely chopped but not liquefied. This step is key for maintaining a relish that’s chunky and colorful—avoid over-processing to keep those fresh textures intact.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Scoop your vibrant relish into a large bowl or dish that can hold around 4 cups. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or even overnight if you can wait. This chilling time lets all the flavors mingle and develop, making your relish taste even better.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
Garnishes
To add a festive touch and a little extra texture, consider sprinkling freshly chopped nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts on top. A few sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary can also brighten the presentation and add a lovely herbal note that pairs perfectly with the citrus and berry flavors.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe is an outstanding companion to rich, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even pork loin. It also works as a tangy side to creamy mashed potatoes or buttery stuffing, helping to cut through the richness and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, serve the relish in mini mason jars or festive ramekins for an individual touch. You could also spoon it atop cream cheese spread on crackers for a quick appetizer, or mix some into warm oatmeal or yogurt in the morning for a fresh, fruity kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cranberry orange relish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. It’s perfect to make a few days ahead, giving the flavors extra time to meld and develop even more depth.
Freezing
You can freeze this relish for 2 to 3 months if you want to prepare it way in advance. Just keep in mind that the texture may become a little watery once thawed, as the fruit’s cell structure breaks down with freezing and thawing. Thaw it slowly in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
This relish is best served cold, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you need to bring it to room temperature, simply let it sit out for a bit before serving. Warming it up may soften the texture too much and mute the fresh flavors you worked so hard to achieve.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe and can even save you prep time. Just thaw them slightly before pulsing to avoid excess water in your relish.
Is it okay to peel the orange before adding it?
While you can peel the orange if you prefer a milder flavor, keeping the peel adds a subtle bitterness and complex citrus notes that make this relish stand out. The peel is finely chopped, so it won’t be overpowering.
How long can I make this relish ahead of time?
Making this cranberry orange relish up to three days in advance is ideal. The flavors deepen over time, especially when refrigerated. Just be sure to keep it covered to retain freshness.
Can I adjust the sweetness to suit my taste?
Definitely! The sugars in this recipe balance the tart berries and citrus, but feel free to reduce or increase the amount of granulated or brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can chop the ingredients very finely by hand using a sharp knife, though it will require a bit more effort. The key is achieving a finely chopped but not pureed consistency to keep that delightful texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe is a bright, zesty, and easy way to boost any holiday meal or everyday dinner with fresh, vibrant flavors. Its colorful appearance and perfect balance of tart and sweet make it an absolute crowd-pleaser. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that once you make it, you’ll want to keep coming back to every season. Happy cooking and even happier tasting!
Print
Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Orange Relish is a light, bright, and flavorful side dish that complements heavy holiday meals with its vibrant color and taste. Combining tart cranberries, sweet and tangy orange, crisp Granny Smith apple, and a hint of lime, this easy no-cook relish adds a refreshing zest to any festive table.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 large orange, unpeeled (~2 cups with rind ON)
- ½ Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced (~1 cup)
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed (about 3 cups)
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (~ ½ a lime)
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange: Use a knife to cut the unpeeled large orange into 8 even pieces, keeping the peel on. This adds aromatic oils and bright flavor to the relish.
- Start Chopping: Place the orange pieces and sliced Granny Smith apple into a food processor or blender. Pulse 4 to 5 times to begin chopping the fruit evenly without pureeing.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the fresh cranberries, granulated white sugar, dark brown sugar, and lime zest into the food processor with the chopped orange and apple.
- Pulse to Combine: Pulse the mixture about 8 to 10 times until evenly chopped with a coarse texture. Avoid over-processing to prevent pureeing; the relish should have noticeable bits of fruit.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Scoop the relish into a large dish or bowl that can hold about 4 cups. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to overnight to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve Cold: The relish is best enjoyed cold as a vibrant, tangy side that pairs beautifully with holiday meals.
Notes
- Make the relish a few days in advance and keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Relish can be frozen for 2-3 months, though thawed relish may have a slightly watery consistency.
- Use a food processor or blender to chop fruit; avoid over-processing to keep texture.
- Keep the orange peel on to add natural oils and brightness to the flavor.
