The Best Cranberry Orange Relish

With fresh cranberries, crisp apple, and juicy orange, this no-cook cranberry orange relish is a colorful, zesty side that adds a bright flavor to any meal. Quick to make and easy to prep ahead, it’s a healthy, tasty addition to your holiday menu.

Cranberry orange relish tends to spark debate at holiday tables–some love it, others loathe it. In my house, no holiday dinner is complete without cranberries. This fresh, make-ahead cranberry orange relish recipe is my go-to. It’s naturally sweet, packed with nutrients, and doesn’t contain added sugar.

Not only is this recipe faster and healthier than cooked or canned cranberry sauce, but the vibrant color and bright, tangy-sweet flavor make it a standout side dish. Unlike the jellied version from a can, this classic holiday relish has a texture people actually want to eat.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick & easy – Takes 10 minutes.
• Prep ahead – Make it 2-3 days before your event for the best flavor.
• Healthy – Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and beneficial fiber to feed your microbiome.
• No added sugar – Sweetened naturally with fruit and a touch of monk fruit powder to round it out.
• Colorful – Adds a festive pop of color to your holiday table.
• Customizable – Adjust the sweetness and texture to taste.

Ingredients

• CRANBERRIES – Loaded with vitamin C, flavanols, anthocyanins, and antioxidants that support urinary tract, digestive, and heart health. Cranberries may also contain anti-cancer properties.
• ORANGE – I use a navel orange, but any variety will work. Use both the zest and the fruit for the best flavor.
• APPLE – Granny Smith is ideal for its low sugar and high polyphenol content, but any firm apple works. Leave the skin on for extra fiber, nutrients, and color.
• PURE MONK FRUIT POWDER – A natural, fruity-flavored, zero-calorie sweetener that won’t raise your blood sugar or upset your stomach. I use TEAkiHut Organic Pure Monk Fruit Powder.
• SPICES – Ceylon cinnamon and ground ginger bring a subtle warmth to the relish. A pinch of sea salt pulls it all together.
• PECANS (OPTIONAL) – Add healthy fats and a slight crunch.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Relish

1. PREP THE FRUIT

• Rinse the cranberries and discard any that are soft or shriveled.
• Core and roughly chop the apple, leaving the skin on.
• Zest about ¼ of the orange (roughly 2 teaspoons).
• Peel the orange and separate the segments. Discard the rind.

2. BLEND

• Add all of the ingredients to a food processor. Blend on low, gradually increasing the speed until reaching your desired consistency.

 3. REFRIGERATE

• Transfer the cranberry orange relish to a glass container, cover, and refrigerate for 2-3 days so the flavors mellow.
• Stir once daily to help the flavors meld.
• Serve chilled and consume within 1 week.

Tips & Substitutions

• Make ahead: Schedule a reminder 2-3 days before your event to prep the cranberry orange relish.
• Sweetener swap: If preferred, use 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup in place of the monk fruit sweetener.
• Nut-free: Simply omit the pecans
• Elevate it: Omit the raw pecans and instead top with Candied Pecans just before serving. These nuts are also great on my Sweet Potato Tart and Pumpkin Custard.
• Got leftover cranberries? Try Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries to use them up.

Final Thoughts

This cranberry orange relish is a quick, no-cook, wholesome alternative to store-bought cranberry sauce. With less than ten minutes of hands-on time and a couple of days in the fridge, you’ll have a healthy, delicious side dish to accompany your holiday meal. You might even convert some former cranberry relish skeptics to devoted fans.

📌 Pin this post and make it a part of your holiday tradition for years to come!

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This recipe was originally published on November 26, 2023. It was last updated on December 5, 2025.