I love making my Cranberry Orange Relish, which brings together 12 oz of fresh cranberries, diced apple and a bright squeeze of orange with its zest along with granulated sugar. The unique combination offers a sweet yet tart flavor ideal for any Holiday Dinner Menu centerpiece that will surely pique your interest.

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I love making my own twist on a classic No Cook Cranberry Relish. I start with 12 oz fresh cranberries, toss in a medium apple that I peel, core and dice, then add the zest and juice of one large orange along with 3/4 cup granulated sugar.

Its sweet and tart flavor combo always gets me excited to try new Cranberry Orange Relish recipes especially during the holiday season. I first cooked up this recipe as part of a holiday dinner menu and it surprised me by bringing a refreshing crunch and bright flavor that fits perfectly with my favorite Cranberry Salad recipes.

Its simple yet bold mix reminds me of the traditional Cranberry Bread Recipes but offers its own unique twist. It’s a fun, easy way to bring some unexpected zing to your table and get creative in the kitchen.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me such a fun mix of tart and sweet flavors. The cranberries are really tangy while the apple adds a nice crunch that makes every bite interesting. I also really dig how simple it is to whip up, since I can just toss in all the fruits, mix it with the sugar, and let it chill for a bit—no crazy steps needed. Lastly, the orange zest and juice bring a burst of fresh, citrusy goodness that makes it feel light and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

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Fresh cranberries are tart but loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre.
Their tangy flavor balances sweetness while boostin your immune system.
Diced apple offers crunch, natural sweetness, and healthy fibre to the mix.
Its subtle flavor improves texture without overpowering other bold tastes.
Orange juice and zest add a lively tang and a vitamin C punch.
The citrus profile cuts through sweetness, creatin a balanced and vibrant relish.
Granulated sugar sweetens the dish and makes it extra delightfully tasty.
Together, these ingredients form a perfect holiday treat with bold flavors.
A little mess in the kitchen is totally worth this tasty sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

12 oz fresh cranberries

1 medium apple peeled, cored and diced

1 large orange, zested and juiced

3/4 cup granulated sugar

How to Make this

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1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and drain them well.

2. Peel, core and dice the apple into small pieces.

3. Zest the orange first and then juice it; make sure to remove any seeds.

4. In a large bowl mix together the cranberries, apple cubes, orange zest and juice.

5. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the fruit mix.

6. Stir everything well so that the sugar gets evenly distributed.

7. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to let the sugar melt a bit.

8. Chill the relish in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can meld together.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander for rinsing the cranberries
2. Cutting board and knife for peeling, coring, and dicing the apple
3. Zester or grater for getting the orange zest
4. Citrus juicer for extracting the orange juice
5. Large bowl for mixing the fruits and sugar
6. Measuring cup for the granulated sugar
7. Spoon or spatula for stirring the mixture
8. Refrigerator for chilling the relish before serving

FAQ

Can I replace the granulated sugar with another sweetener?

Yeah, you can use honey or maple syrup. Just remember that they are sweeter so you might want to use a little less than the recipe states.

Do I have to peel the apple?

Its best to peel the apple for a smoother texture but you can leave the skin on if you like a chunkier, more natural flavor.

How long can I store the cranberry relish in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for about 5-7 days in an airtight container. Just give it a stir before serving.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Sure, but use defrosted cranberries and drain any extra liquid so your relish doesn't turn too watery.

Do I need to cook the relish at all?

Nope, this recipe is a no-cook one. Mix all the ingredients and let them sit so the flavors meld together over time.

Cranberry Relish Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can swap the fresh cranberries out for frozen ones if you can’t find them fresh. Just defrost them before mixin them in.
If you dont have an apple, try usin a peeled pear or even another apple variety like Granny Smith for a different tang.
Instead of a large orange, you might use a smaller one but supplement with a bit of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
If granulated sugar isnt on hand, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can work fine but you might wanna reduce the liquid a tad.

Pro Tips

1. Try adding a pinch of finely grated ginger or a small dash of cinnamon to give the relish an extra burst of flavor—sometimes a little spice makes all the difference.
2. If you have a bit more time, let the fruit mix sit at room temperature for a few extra minutes before chilling; this extra time helps the sugar dissolve a bit more and melds the flavors better.
3. Dice the apple into smaller pieces than you might normally do; smaller bits blend more evenly with the cranberries and keep the texture consistent throughout the dish.
4. For an unusual twist, consider tossing in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries so you get some added texture and bursts of natural sweetness in every bite.

Cranberry Relish Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

152

kcal

Equipment: 1. Colander for rinsing the cranberries
2. Cutting board and knife for peeling, coring, and dicing the apple
3. Zester or grater for getting the orange zest
4. Citrus juicer for extracting the orange juice
5. Large bowl for mixing the fruits and sugar
6. Measuring cup for the granulated sugar
7. Spoon or spatula for stirring the mixture
8. Refrigerator for chilling the relish before serving

Ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries
1 medium apple peeled, cored and diced
1 large orange, zested and juiced
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Directions

Rinse the cranberries under cold water and drain them well.
Peel, core and dice the apple into small pieces.
Zest the orange first and then juice it; make sure to remove any seeds.
In a large bowl mix together the cranberries, apple cubes, orange zest and juice.
Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the fruit mix.
Stir everything well so that the sugar gets evenly distributed.
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to let the sugar melt a bit.
Chill the relish in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can meld together.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.