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Cranberry Orange Relish

Cranberry orange relish with finely chopped cranberries and unpeeled orange, chilled until the flavors meld. Bright zest flecks and a spoonable, chunky texture make it an easy make-ahead side for holiday spreads.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
chilling 4 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cranberry orange relish
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries Use fresh cranberries for the best bright flavor.
  • 1 large navel orange Unpeeled, seeded, and cut into chunks (zest included).
  • 0.75 cup sugar Helps sweeten and pull juices during chilling.
  • 1 tbsp orange liqueur or orange juice Use liqueur for classic aroma or substitute juice for a lighter version.
  • 1 pinch salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 1 fresh mint Chopped or left whole for garnish just before serving.

Equipment

  • 1 food processor

Method
 

Chop
  1. Pulse fresh cranberries and large navel orange chunks in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed, stopping to scrape down if needed. Aim for small, even pieces with visible zest flecks.
Mix
  1. Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl and stir in sugar, orange liqueur or orange juice, and salt until the sugar is mostly dissolved. The relish should look glossy and evenly speckled.
Chill
  1. Cover and chill the relish for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken slightly and deepen flavor. Keep it refrigerated until cold, then stir again before serving.
Serve
  1. Stir well before serving so juices redistribute and the texture stays chunky. Garnish with fresh mint right at the table for a fresh green pop.

Notes

Pro tip: pulse in short bursts so you keep a chunky, relish texture instead of turning it into purée. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days (best texture within 1–2 days). Freezing is not recommended because the cranberries can soften after thawing; for a dairy-free option, this recipe already is dairy-free—just skip any creamy add-ins and serve as-is.