Introduction

This vibrant Cranberry Orange Relish is a holiday classic that brings fresh, zesty flavor to your table. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it comes together quickly without any cooking required. The bright combination of tart cranberries and sweet citrus is perfect alongside turkey, ham, or as a topping for desserts. For more cranberry inspiration, try White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe or Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe.

Ingredients

This vibrant Cranberry Orange Relish bursts with bright, tangy flavors and a refreshing citrus aroma that will elevate any holiday table.

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 large navel orange (unpeeled)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Pinch of salt

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10 minutes

Context: This quick Cranberry Orange Relish is about 20% faster than similar recipes since it requires no cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, one large orange, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of orange juice. Wash the cranberries thoroughly and discard any soft or discolored berries. Zest the orange before juicing it to capture maximum flavor for your Cranberry Orange Relish.

Step 2 — Chop the Orange

Cut the orange into quarters and remove any seeds. Chop the orange—peel and all—into small pieces. The peel adds a pleasant bitterness that balances the sweetness, creating a more complex Cranberry Orange Relish.

Step 3 — Combine Ingredients

Place the chopped orange, cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a food processor. Pulse briefly until the mixture is coarsely chopped. Avoid over-processing—you want a relish with texture, not a smooth purée.

Step 4 — Adjust Sweetness

Taste the mixture and add more sugar if needed, depending on the tartness of your cranberries. For a less sweet Cranberry Orange Relish, start with ½ cup sugar and adjust upward. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.

Step 5 — Let It Rest

Transfer the relish to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the sugar to fully penetrate the fruit, enhancing the overall taste of your Cranberry Orange Relish.

Step 6 — Check Consistency

After chilling, stir the relish and check the texture. If it’s too thick, stir in a tablespoon of orange juice. For a thicker Cranberry Orange Relish, drain any excess liquid before serving.

Step 7 — Serve or Store

Your Cranberry Orange Relish is ready to serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors continue to develop, making it even better the next day.

Nutritional Information

Calories	85
Protein	0.5g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	0.1g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	2mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Cranberry Orange Relish can be easily adapted to meet various dietary needs without sacrificing its vibrant flavor. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to customize your relish.

• Protein Alternative — Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and plant-based protein boost.
• Lower-Carb Version — Replace granulated sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to maintain sweetness while reducing carbs.
• Dairy-Free Option — This relish is naturally dairy-free, but always confirm that any packaged orange or cranberry products used contain no dairy derivatives.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — The basic Cranberry Orange Relish is inherently gluten-free, as it relies on fresh fruit. Just ensure all pre-packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Variation — Omit any added salt and use fresh orange juice instead of a canned or pre-made variety to control sodium levels.
• Reduced Sugar — Cut the sugar quantity in half and allow the natural tartness of the cranberries and sweetness of the orange to shine through.
• Citrus Twist — Substitute the orange with a blood orange or tangerine for a slightly different, complex citrus note.
• Spice Infusion — Add a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, or a pinch of cardamom during the cooking process for a warm, spiced flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Cranberry Orange Relish with roasted turkey or baked ham for a classic holiday meal.
• Serve alongside creamy cheeses and crackers for an easy appetizer or charcuterie board addition.
• Use as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken, pork chops, or salmon to add a sweet-tart flavor.
• Spread on leftover turkey sandwiches or paninis for a festive lunch upgrade.
• Offer as a condiment for breakfast with pancakes, waffles, or yogurt parfaits.
• Spoon over vanilla ice cream or pound cake for a simple, refreshing dessert.

For an elegant presentation, serve your Cranberry Orange Relish in a clear glass bowl or mason jar to highlight its bright color, and garnish with fresh orange zest or mint leaves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using old, soft cranberries that won’t pop properly. Fix: Select firm, bright red cranberries that bounce when dropped for the best texture.
• Mistake: Overcooking the cranberries into a mushy sauce. Fix: Cook just until the berries pop, about 8-10 minutes, to maintain a pleasant relish consistency.
• Mistake: Adding all the orange zest at the start, losing its bright flavor. Fix: Stir in the fresh orange zest after cooking to preserve its vibrant citrus aroma.
• Mistake: Not balancing the sweetness, resulting in a overly tart or cloying relish. Fix: Taste and adjust sugar after the cranberries have cooked, as their tartness varies by batch.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting time and serving immediately. Fix: Let the Cranberry Orange Relish chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Mistake: Using only the orange juice and discarding the flavorful zest. Fix: Always zest the orange before juicing to capture the essential oils that elevate the relish.
• Mistake: Chopping the ingredients too finely, creating a puree instead of a relish. Fix: Pulse chop ingredients briefly in a food processor for a chunky, textured relish.
• Mistake: Forgetting to scrape the orange pith, which adds bitterness. Fix: Use only the brightly colored outer zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Cranberry Orange Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the relish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: If serving warm, gently reheat the relish in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination and maximize freshness.

Conclusion

This vibrant Cranberry Orange Relish is a refreshing alternative to traditional Cranberry Sauce. Its bright, zesty flavor pairs wonderfully with holiday mains and sides like Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Give this easy recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Orange Relish ahead of time?

Yes, this Cranberry Orange Relish can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this relish?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. There is no need to thaw them; just use them directly from the freezer when preparing your Cranberry Orange Relish.

How long does homemade Cranberry Orange Relish last?

Your homemade relish will keep for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving.