Cranberry-Orange Relish: A Festive Holiday Flavor Explosion

Tired of the same bland cranberry sauce from a can during your holiday meals? This vibrant Cranberry-Orange Relish is about to transform your festive table with its bright, zesty flavors! As someone who believes that the side dishes can truly make or break a holiday feast, I’ve perfected this refreshing alternative to traditional cranberry sauce.

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and this Cranberry-Orange Relish recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, my family would gather around as I prepared this colorful condiment the citrusy aroma filling our home with holiday cheer. There’s something magical about creating simple recipes that elevate special moments, and this relish does exactly that!

In the following sections, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect cranberries, balancing sweet and tart flavors, and sharing make-ahead tips to reduce holiday stress. Whether you’re a cranberry sauce traditionalist ready for something new or hosting your first holiday dinner, this relish will become your new festive essential.

Why This Cranberry-Orange Relish Recipe Works

• Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients that brighten any holiday table
• Requires just 15 minutes of prep time—no cooking required!
• Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrus flavors
• Can be made days ahead, improving flavor as it sits
• Versatile accompaniment for turkey, ham, or vegetarian holiday mains

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cranberry-Orange Relish

Fresh Cranberries: The Foundation

When selecting cranberries for your relish, look for firm, plump berries with a deep red color. Avoid bags with shriveled or soft berries. Fresh cranberries are typically available from October through December, making them perfect for holiday preparations. If fresh aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries just thaw them slightly before processing.

Citrus Selection

The orange component is equally important in this Cranberry-Orange Relish. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Navel oranges work wonderfully, but for an extra special touch, try using a combination of navel and blood oranges for added complexity and visual appeal.

Sweetener Options

While traditional recipes call for granulated sugar, you have several options to customize the sweetness level. Honey or maple syrup can add depth of flavor, while coconut sugar offers a more caramel-like note. The sweetener balances the natural tartness of the cranberries without masking their bright flavor.

Ingredients & Prep for Cranberry-Orange Relish

Relish Essentials

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3½ cups)
• 2 medium navel oranges
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange liqueur like Grand Marnier (optional)

Preparation Basics

For this no-cook Cranberry-Orange Relish, the food processor does most of the work. Rinse cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems or soft berries. For the oranges, you’ll want to include some of the peel for that essential citrus oil, but avoid including too much of the bitter white pith.

Step-by-Step Cranberry-Orange Relish Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cranberry-Orange Relish

1. Rinse the cranberries in cold water and drain well.
2. Wash the oranges thoroughly (especially important as you’ll be using the peel).
3. Cut oranges into quarters and remove any visible seeds.
4. If using, measure out nuts, cinnamon, and other optional additions.

Processing the Cranberry-Orange Relish

1. Place cranberries in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped (about 5-7 pulses).
2. Add orange quarters (with peel) to the processor and pulse again until the mixture is finely chopped but still has texture.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in sugar and any optional ingredients like cinnamon or nuts.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Flavor Development in Cranberry-Orange Relish

This relish actually improves with time! The sugar draws moisture from the cranberries and oranges, creating a perfect juicy consistency, while the flavors become more harmonious. For best results, make this 1-2 days before serving.

Storage for Cranberry-Orange Relish

Store your relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to one week, making it an ideal make-ahead holiday dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry-Orange Relish

Texture Control for Cranberry-Orange Relish

The key to great relish is maintaining some texture—avoid over-processing into a smooth puree. Use the pulse button on your food processor rather than running it continuously. You want small, distinct pieces of cranberry and orange for that perfect bite.

Tool Recommendations

A food processor is ideal for this recipe, but if you don’t have one, a blender can work (use the pulse setting carefully). For a more rustic approach, you can also use a hand-cranked food mill or even chop everything by hand for a more chunky relish.

Flavor Adjustments

Taste your relish after it has chilled for a few hours. If it’s too tart, add more sugar one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too sweet, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten it back up.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board filled with festive recipes that pair beautifully with this Cranberry-Orange Relish: pinterest

Flavor Variations for Cranberry-Orange Relish

Spiced Cranberry-Orange Relish

Add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for a cozy holiday flavor. Start with ½ teaspoon of your chosen spice and adjust to taste.

Berry Blend Cranberry-Orange Relish

Substitute a portion of the cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile and gorgeous color variation.

Ginger-Infused Cranberry-Orange Relish

Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely minced fresh ginger for a spicy, aromatic kick that pairs wonderfully with the citrus notes.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry-Orange Relish

This versatile Cranberry-Orange Relish goes far beyond the holiday turkey! Try it with:

• Spread on leftover turkey sandwiches for a bright flavor boost
• Spooned over a block of cream cheese with crackers as an easy appetizer
• Served alongside roasted vegetables for a tangy contrast
• Mixed into yogurt for breakfast with a sprinkle of granola
• Used as a topping for vanilla ice cream or pound cake
• Paired with a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie

FAQs About Cranberry-Orange Relish

Can I make Cranberry-Orange Relish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better when made 1-2 days ahead as the flavors have time to develop. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this relish?
Yes! Thaw them slightly (not completely) before processing for best results.

How sweet should Cranberry-Orange Relish be?
This is entirely personal preference. Start with the recommended amount of sugar, then taste after chilling and adjust if needed. Remember that the relish should retain some of its natural tartness.

Is this relish suitable for canning?
This specific no-cook recipe isn’t suitable for traditional water bath canning due to its fresh ingredients. For a version you can preserve, you would need to cook it and adjust the acidity.

Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes! A blender works well (pulse carefully), or you can chop everything by hand for a more rustic texture.

Conclusion

This Cranberry-Orange Relish is more than just a condiment it’s a burst of holiday brightness that transforms everyday meals into festive occasions. The beautiful balance of tart cranberries and sweet citrus creates a versatile accompaniment that’s refreshingly different from traditional cooked cranberry sauce.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. With just a few minutes of prep, you create something that enhances everything from your holiday roast to next-day leftovers. Plus, making it ahead frees up precious time during busy holiday preparations.

Give this Cranberry-Orange Relish a try this holiday season and join thousands of home cooks who’ve made it part of their tradition. Don’t forget to tag @GusRecipes in your creations I’d love to see how you serve this colorful condiment!

Cranberry-Orange Relish: A Festive Holiday Flavor Explosion

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 10 mins + 1 hr chill
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A bright and refreshing cranberry-orange relish with a hint of vanilla and a satisfying crunch from toasted almonds perfect for holiday dinners or as a sweet-tart topping for desserts and breakfast dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz fresh cranberries

1 large orange, zested and segmented

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine cranberries, orange segments, zest, sugar, vanilla, and salt.

2. Pulse until finely chopped but not puréed; the mixture should still have some texture.

3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.

4. Transfer the relish to a bowl and stir in the toasted almonds.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

6. Serve chilled as a side dish or condiment.

Notes

You can make this relish up to 3 days ahead — the flavor improves as it sits.

Try adding a splash of orange liqueur or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive twist.

Use leftovers as a topping for pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cranberry relish, orange cranberry sauce, holiday side, no-cook cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving recipe