Cranberry-Orange Relish Recipe

This cranberry-orange relish adds a vibrant, tangy-sweet kick to your festive spread. Bursting with fresh color and citrusy aroma, it’s the ultimate no-fuss condiment your table needs.

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Vibrant cranberry-orange relish in a bowl with orange slices.
Suitable for Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free diets

Why I Love This Zesty Relish

Cranberry sauce at the holiday table always brought back memories for me, but let’s be honest—sometimes the old-fashioned stuff just doesn't cut it. This cranberry-orange relish, though, that’s a game changer. It’s bright, fresh, and has just the right mix of tart and sweet for my taste.

One reason I keep coming back to this recipe is its versatility—it’s not just for that iconic turkey dinner. Here are a few reasons this relish deserves a spot at your table any time of year:

  • Pairs well with savory mains (think: roast cauliflower, plant-based loaf)
  • Makes a killer topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or Greek yogurt
  • A bold mix-in for grain salads, or simply spread onto toast

Pro tip: when I’m feeling adventurous, tossing in cinnamon or some crunchy walnuts levels up the whole dish. There’s a lot to love about something this simple and bold.

Vibrant cranberry-orange relish in a bowl with orange slices.

Zesty Cranberry-Orange Relish


Total Time:1 hours 15 minutes
Yield:8 servings

A quick, bright blend of tart cranberries and sweet oranges—delicious with savory mains or as a festive topping.


Ingredients


Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the cranberries and peel the orange, removing any seeds.

  2. 2

    In a food processor, combine cranberries, orange quarters, sugar, and water. Pulse until coarsely chopped but not pureed.

  3. 3

    Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed. Stir in cinnamon and chopped nuts, if desired.

  4. 4

    Transfer the relish to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

  5. 5

    Serve chilled as a side condiment with your favorite dishes.

Notes

Relish can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Try adding different spices or nuts for variety.

This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as written.

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:1 hours
Category:Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine:American

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 8 servings

Calories Per Serving: 90

Total Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Protein: 0 g

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use frozen cranberries for this relish?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well. Thaw them first and pat dry before processing.

How far ahead can I make cranberry-orange relish?

You can make this relish up to 5 days ahead. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.

Is cranberry-orange relish vegan?

Yes, it is naturally vegan as long as you use vegan sugar and omit honey if using as a sweetener.

How do I make the relish less tart?

Simply add extra sugar, a bit at a time, and taste until the desired sweetness is reached.

What can I do with leftover relish?

Use it as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, or oatmeal, or as a sandwich spread.

More Festive Sides & Cranberry Creations

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