Cranberry orange relish is a staple in my kitchen during the fall and winter months. I appreciate how it brings a fresh, tangy brightness to holiday meals without the heaviness of cooked cranberry sauce. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange peel creates a lively aroma that fills the kitchen as I prepare it.

What makes this relish special is its simplicity and the balance of flavors. It’s quick to make, requires no cooking, and the texture is pleasantly chunky with bursts of citrus and berry. I usually serve it alongside roasted turkey or chicken, but it also pairs well with sandwiches or as a topping for cream cheese on crackers.

I like that it can be made ahead and tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a few hours. The fresh, crisp texture of the cranberries combined with the sweet and slightly bitter orange notes makes this relish a refreshing contrast to richer dishes. It’s become a reliable go-to for holiday dinners and casual gatherings alike.

Quick Facts

Why You’ll Love It

This cranberry orange relish is a fresh and vibrant alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. It’s easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and adds a zesty brightness to your meals. The balance of tart cranberries and sweet orange makes it versatile and crowd-pleasing.

• No-cook and quick to prepare, perfect for busy holiday kitchens.
• Bright and fresh flavor that balances tart cranberries with sweet orange.
• Chunky texture adds a pleasant contrast to smooth dishes.
• Versatile accompaniment for meats, sandwiches, and appetizers.
• Improves in flavor after resting, making it great for make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this relish are simple and straightforward, relying on fresh cranberries and a whole orange for natural sweetness and zest. A bit of sugar balances the tartness, and a touch of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the bright flavors.

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
• 1 large orange, unpeeled, quartered and seeds removed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra brightness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this cranberry orange relish is straightforward. The key is to pulse the ingredients in a food processor just enough to combine them while maintaining some texture. Follow these steps for the best results.

1. Rinse the fresh cranberries and drain well.
2. Quarter the whole orange, removing any seeds.
3. Place the cranberries, orange quarters, sugar, and cinnamon into a food processor.
4. Pulse the mixture 6-8 times until coarsely chopped but not pureed. You want some texture.
5. If using, stir in chopped nuts and orange zest by hand.
6. Transfer the relish to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Chef Tips

To get the best texture and flavor from your relish, keep these tips in mind. They help ensure the relish is fresh, balanced, and visually appealing.

• Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture.
• Do not over-process; keep some cranberry chunks for texture.
• Remove orange seeds to avoid bitterness.
• Let the relish chill for a few hours to develop flavor.
• Add nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Substitutions

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to adjust flavors, here are some common substitutions that work well without compromising the relish’s character.

• Use lime or lemon instead of orange for a different citrus twist.
• Swap granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Replace walnuts or pecans with toasted almonds or omit nuts entirely.
• Use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable, thawed and drained.

Storage & Reheating

Storing cranberry orange relish properly keeps it fresh and flavorful for several days. It’s best served cold and can be made ahead to save time on the day of your meal.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Do not freeze, as texture will degrade.
• Stir well before serving if juices separate.
• Bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if preferred.

Perfect Pairings

This relish pairs well with a variety of dishes and beverages, enhancing both traditional and casual meals. Consider these options to complement its bright flavor.

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Cream cheese and crackers
• Pork tenderloin
• Dry white wine or sparkling wine

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about making and using cranberry orange relish to help you get the best results.

Nutritional Note

This cranberry orange relish is low in calories and fat, primarily providing vitamin C and fiber from the fresh fruit, with added sugar contributing to the carbohydrate content.