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.
Holiday Menu Planning
This cranberry orange relish pairs perfectly with healthy sides like Mashed Cauliflower, Sautéed Collard Greens, and Roasted Root Vegetables.
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.
💡TIP: The finer you process, the more liquid the relish will release as it rests. Stop processing when the mixture is just slightly coarser than your ideal texture.
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!
Print
Cranberry Orange Relish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (+2-3 days to meld)
- Yield: about 4 cups 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
Blend fresh cranberries, apples, oranges, pecans, and spices in this easy no-cook, healthy cranberry orange relish. Make it 2 days ahead for the best flavor–takes 10 minutes. Added sugar is optional.
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 orange
1 apple, skin on
2 teaspoons TEAkiHut Organic Pure Monk Fruit Powder *See note
1/2 teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of fine sea salt
1/2 cup pecans (optional)
Instructions
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), then peel 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.
TIP: The finer you process, the more liquid the relish will release as it rests. Stop processing when the mixture is just slightly coarser than your ideal texture.
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 one week.
Equipment
Notes
Make 2–3 days in advance for the best flavor
1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup can be used instead of monk fruit powder, if preferred.
For extra flavor, top with Candied Pecans before serving.
