The Best Cranberry Relish Recipe: Fresh, Tangy, and No-Cook!

When the holidays roll around, there’s one side dish that everyone looks forward to — cranberry sauce! But if you’re looking to switch things up and bring something fresh, tangy, and vibrant to the table, this Cranberry Relish is exactly what you need. With its zesty citrus notes, the crunch of fresh cranberries, and a touch of sweetness, this relish is the perfect complement to your holiday spread. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe that requires no cooking, making it an ideal choice for those busy holiday mornings or when you’re prepping multiple dishes for a big dinner.

Whether you’re serving it with turkey, ham, or even a vegan meal prep plan, this Cranberry Relish will add that perfect burst of flavor and color to your meal. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time, so when the time comes, you’ll just pop it out of the fridge and it’s ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Relish is so much more than just a condiment; it’s a refreshing, flavorful twist on traditional cranberry sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here are just a few reasons why this relish is sure to become your new go-to holiday side dish:

• No cooking required: That’s right, this recipe is completely no-cook — it’s as easy as chopping and blending. In just minutes, you’ll have a bright and zesty relish ready to enjoy.
• Fresh and tangy: Unlike the cooked cranberry sauce, which can sometimes be a bit too sweet or heavy, this relish is all about keeping it fresh and light, with a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Easy prep: It takes only 10 minutes to prepare, and you can let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours while you finish up other dishes. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
• Make ahead: Cranberry relish is ideal for holiday meal prep, allowing you to get ahead of the game and focus on other components of your meal.
• Versatile and colorful: Whether served alongside roasted meats, in sandwiches, or on a cheese board, this relish brings a pop of color and flavor to any dish.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What really makes this Cranberry Relish shine is its simplicity. With just a few fresh ingredients — cranberries, orange, and a touch of sugar — you get a burst of bright flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying. But it’s the use of fresh orange with the peel on that really takes this recipe to the next level. The zest from the orange adds a citrusy punch that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries, creating a fresh and lively contrast to the more traditional, cooked cranberry sauces.

Plus, unlike a cooked sauce that can often end up with a dense, heavy texture, this relish retains its crispness and texture. The finely chopped cranberries give it a slight crunch, while the optional apple or nuts add some extra heartiness. It’s all about creating balance — sweet, tart, crunchy, and zesty in every bite.

Ingredients

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For this simple, fresh, and zesty Cranberry Relish, you’ll need just a few ingredients. It’s the perfect example of how budget-friendly recipes can be both delicious and healthy!

• Fresh cranberries: 12 ounces, rinsed and drained.
• Orange: 1 medium orange (unpeeled and seeded, cut into chunks).
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup (adjust to taste).
• Optional: 1 small apple (for extra texture) or ½ cup chopped walnuts (for added crunch).

How to Make It Step-by-Step

This Cranberry Relish is quick and easy to make, so you’ll be done in no time! Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by rinsing and draining your fresh cranberries. Then, cut the orange into chunks, removing any seeds. If you’re adding an apple or nuts, chop those as well.
2. Pulse in a Food Processor: Place the cranberries and orange chunks in a food processor. Pulse a few times until everything is finely chopped. You want it to be chunky, not pureed, so be careful not to over-process.
3. Mix in the Sugar: Transfer the chopped cranberry-orange mixture to a bowl. Stir in the sugar and taste the relish. If it’s too tart for your liking, add a little more sugar to balance out the flavors.
4. Add Extra Texture (Optional): If you want to add a bit more texture and depth to your relish, now’s the time to stir in the chopped apple or walnuts. These add a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.
5. Chill and Let the Flavors Meld: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the relish for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows all the flavors to come together, making the relish even better. It’s a great make-ahead recipe for those busy holiday weekends!
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, stir the relish before serving. You can enjoy it immediately, or keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days for easy snacking throughout the week.

Tips for Best Results

• Adjust the sweetness: The sugar in this recipe is meant to balance the tartness of the cranberries, but feel free to adjust it to suit your taste. If you prefer a more healthy comfort food option, you can swap the sugar for maple syrup or honey.
• Don’t skip the chilling: Chilling the relish for at least 2 hours (or overnight) really allows the flavors to meld together and develop their full potential. Make this a part of your healthy holiday prep to save time and enhance the taste.
• Customize it: While the basic recipe is delicious, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or even a splash of orange liqueur for an adult twist to make it your own.
• Texture matters: Don’t overprocess the ingredients in the food processor. You want the relish to have a little bit of texture and crunch, so pulse carefully.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

This Cranberry Relish recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas for making it your own:

• Substitute the sugar: For a low-calorie version, swap the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also use maple syrup for a more complex sweetness.
• Add pomegranate seeds: If you’re looking for even more color and crunch, throw in a handful of pomegranate seeds for a pop of flavor and texture.
• Grated ginger: Add a little grated fresh ginger for a subtle, spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the citrus and cranberry.
• Use a different fruit: If you prefer something less tangy, replace the apple with a pear, or add a few extra berries like raspberries for a sweet twist.
• Liqueur option: For a special holiday touch, add a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier for an elevated flavor.

Serving Suggestions

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This Cranberry Relish pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday and everyday dishes. Here are some great ways to serve it:

• With roasted meats: Cranberry relish is a natural complement to roasted turkey, ham, or even roast chicken. It adds a fresh contrast to savory, meaty dishes and balances out the richness.
• In sandwiches: Use this relish as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for an added burst of flavor. It’s perfect on a turkey or veggie wrap, adding tang and crunch.
• On a cheese board: Serve this cranberry relish with cheese boards for a sweet and savory pairing. It goes wonderfully with sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie.
• With grain bowls: This relish can even be added to grain bowls like quinoa or rice for a refreshing and colorful contrast.
• On breakfast toast: Spread it on your morning toast or avocado toast for a fresh, vibrant start to the day!

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: Pair your cranberry relish with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling water. If you’re making a holiday cocktail, try serving it alongside a Moscow mule or a spiced rum punch for a festive pairing.
• Sides: This relish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a vegan meal prep plan. It balances out the richness of the sides and meats, adding brightness to every bite.
• Dessert pairing: This relish can even be served with desserts like cheesecake, pumpkin pie, or vanilla ice cream for a tangy contrast that’s delightful.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Cranberry relish is best served cold, and it stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

• Refrigeration: Keep the relish chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. Stir it before serving to redistribute any juices that may have separated.
• Make-ahead: This relish is perfect for meal prep because it gets better with time. Make it up to 2 days in advance and let the flavors develop.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Make ahead: The relish tastes even better the day after you make it! Letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Freezer-friendly: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cranberry relish for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving, but be aware that the texture may change slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-processing: When using the food processor, pulse gently to avoid pureeing the ingredients. You want a chunky, textured relish, not a smooth one.
• Under-chilling: For the best flavor, don’t skip the chilling step! It allows the relish to come together and develop its full taste.
• Too much sugar: Taste the relish before adding more sugar. If it’s already sweet enough, don’t overdo it — balance is key!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this relish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s best made a day ahead so the flavors can develop.

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

Can I freeze cranberry relish?
You can freeze it for up to 1 month, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

What’s the difference between cranberry relish and cranberry sauce?
Cranberry relish is raw and finely chopped, while cranberry sauce is cooked and typically smoother.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Food processor
• Knife and cutting board
• Bowl for mixing
• Airtight container for storage

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