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Best Cranberry Orange Relish: 5 Minute Zing

Cranberry Orange Relish

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This Cranberry Orange Relish is a refreshing, no-cook twist on traditional cranberry sides. Made with fresh cranberries, whole oranges, and a touch of sugar, it’s tangy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or everyday meals, this vibrant relish is ready in under 10 minutes and makes a colorful addition to roasted meats, cheese boards, sandwiches, or even breakfast spreads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
  • 1 large seedless orange, washed and chopped (include peel)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
  • Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts or pecans, splash of orange liqueur substitute, or dash of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash cranberries and orange. Cut orange into chunks, removing seeds but keeping the peel.
  2. Process: Add cranberries, orange, and sugar to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping sides as needed.
  3. Taste and adjust: Add more sugar if too tart. Optional: stir in nuts, cinnamon, or ginger for variation.
  4. Chill: Transfer to a bowl or jar. Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve: Enjoy as a side with turkey, ham, cheese boards, sandwiches, or as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal.

Notes

  • Don’t overprocess — aim for a relish texture, not a puree.
  • Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best flavor and crunch.
  • The orange peel is essential — it adds zest and balances sweetness.
  • Relish improves after chilling for a few hours.
  • Perfect make-ahead dish — keeps well for holidays and gifts.

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