Cranberry Relish Recipe with Orange and Apple Twist

When the holidays roll around, there’s one side dish I always look forward to, a tangy, jewel-toned cranberry relish recipe that brings brightness to every plate. Unlike cranberry sauce, which is cooked down into a sweet jammy spread, cranberry relish is raw, zesty, and full of texture. I first made it as a last-minute experiment when I ran out of time for cranberry sauce, and it’s been a family tradition ever since.

This recipe fits perfectly on any festive table, but it’s also a smart way to add freshness to everyday meals. Spoon it over roasted chicken, stir it into yogurt, or even use it as a spread for turkey sandwiches. It’s quick, healthy, and surprisingly versatile.

Cranberry Relish Recipe Card

Cranberry Relish Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

0

minutes

Calories

110

kcal

This cranberry relish recipe is sweet, tart, and citrusy with a vibrant color that lights up any holiday table. Quick to make and no cooking required.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)

• 1 medium orange, with peel, cut into chunks

• 0.75 cup granulated sugar

• 1 small apple, diced (optional, for variation)

Directions

• Rinse the cranberries under cool water and drain well.
• Cut the orange into chunks, leaving the peel on.
• Add cranberries, orange, and sugar into a food processor.
• Pulse until finely chopped but still a little chunky.
• Stir in diced apple if using.
• Taste and adjust sugar to your preference.
• Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

• Let the relish chill for at least an hour so the flavors can blend.
• Use organic oranges if possible since you’re blending the peel.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 23g
• Protein: 0.5g

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Relish vs Jam: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered how a cranberry relish recipe differs from cranberry jam, the answer lies in preparation and texture. A relish is typically raw, chopped, and tangy. It combines fruits (and sometimes vegetables) with sugar, citrus, or spices to create a fresh, zippy condiment that bursts with flavor. It’s less about smoothness and more about crunch and brightness.

A jam, on the other hand, is cooked down with sugar until thick and spreadable. The heat softens the fruit, mellows the tartness, and creates a glossy, spoonable consistency. While jam is sweet and uniform, relish is lively and chunky.

That’s why cranberry relish works so beautifully at holiday meals, it cuts through rich, heavy dishes with a refreshing contrast, while cranberry jam leans more toward breakfast spreads and desserts.

What Makes This Cranberry Relish Recipe Stand Out

What makes this cranberry relish recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, cranberries, orange, apple, and a touch of sugar, you create a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment in minutes. There’s no stovetop involved, which means the cranberries retain their bright color and bold tartness.

Another reason this recipe shines is its adaptability. Prefer less sugar? Cut it down and let the cranberries’ natural zing shine. Want more complexity? Add a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of orange liqueur, or even jalapeño for a spicy kick. This flexibility allows you to make it your own, catering to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters at the table.

What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Rushing Later)

To make your cranberry relish recipe stress-free, you can prepare a few things in advance:

• Wash and dry cranberries: Make sure they’re clean and fully dry for best texture.
• Slice the orange and apple: Chop them into chunks to make blending easier.
• Measure the sugar: Have it ready in a small bowl so you can adjust to taste.
• Choose your add-ins: If you want ginger, nuts, or spices, prep them ahead of time.

By organizing these simple steps, you’ll save valuable minutes when it’s time to put everything together. This dish keeps well in the fridge, so making it a day in advance only improves the flavor as it develops.

My Best Tips for Perfect Relish

Want to make your cranberry relish recipe truly unforgettable? Keep these tips in mind:

1. Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best tart flavor.
2. Don’t over-pulse in the food processor, you want texture, not cranberry mush.
3. Taste and adjust sugar gradually since cranberries vary in tartness.
4. Let the relish chill for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
5. Add zest from the orange for an extra citrus punch.
6. Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
7. Balance tartness with a drizzle of honey if you want natural sweetness.

According to Cleveland Clinic, cranberries are packed with nutrients that support heart and gut health, which makes this little side dish even more valuable on your plate.

How to Put Your Spin on Cranberry Relish

Classic Orange Cranberry Relish

This is the most traditional take on cranberry relish. Fresh cranberries are blended with whole orange (peel and all) and sugar. The orange balances the tartness with citrusy sweetness, while the peel adds a subtle bitterness that keeps the flavor complex. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for turkey dinners.

Apple Cranberry Relish

Adding diced apple makes the relish chunkier and naturally sweeter. A crisp apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp gives contrast in both taste and texture. I love pairing this version with pork chops or roast chicken since the apple notes tie everything together beautifully.

Spiced Cranberry Relish

Think cinnamon, cloves, or a pinch of ginger. Spiced cranberry relish feels cozy and festive, almost like mulled wine in condiment form. It’s especially good when served warm, spooned over baked brie or roasted vegetables.

Jalapeño Cranberry Relish

For those who like a little kick, toss in half a fresh jalapeño. The heat cuts through the sweetness and makes the relish ideal for pairing with creamy cheeses or even tacos. It’s unexpected but always a crowd-pleaser.

Nutty Cranberry Relish

Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives the relish extra crunch and a nutty depth. This one works really well on cheese boards or as a topping for yogurt parfaits at breakfast.

And if you enjoy this kind of versatile recipe, you might also want to try my Apple Cider Donuts recipe, which has the same cozy fall vibes.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Wrapping It Up with a Fresh Finish

This cranberry relish recipe is proof that the simplest dishes often shine the brightest. It takes just minutes to prepare, requires no cooking, and delivers bold, fresh flavor every time. I love making a batch not just for Thanksgiving but also for casual weeknight meals, it’s that versatile.