If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant side that bursts with flavor and requires almost no effort, the 5 Minute Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This delightful relish captures the bright tartness of cranberries, the zesty brightness of orange, and the crisp sweetness of apple, all blended together into a perfect harmony with a touch of sugar. Whether you’re adding a pop of color to your holiday table or brightening up everyday meals, this relish is as easy to make as it is irresistible to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s so wonderful about this recipe is how simple and pure the ingredient list is. Each component adds its own unique layer of taste, texture, and color, making the final relish a sensational blend that’s fresh and festive.
- 2 cups raw cranberries: These give the relish its signature tartness and gorgeous red hue.
- 1 medium orange: Whole with peel, the orange adds zesty brightness and a slight bitterness that perfectly balances sweetness.
- 1 medium firm apple*: Adds subtle natural sweetness and a crisp texture to ground the tart flavors.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Just enough to mellow the tartness and unify all the fresh flavors with a gentle sweetness.
How to Make 5 Minute Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit
Start by giving all the fruit a good wash—clean ingredients make the best relish. Core the apple and slice it into chunks that your food processor can easily handle. For a real punch of citrus flavor, slice the orange into large pieces but leave the peel on; the peel adds essential oils that brighten the relish beautifully.
Step 2: Blend It All Together
Add the cranberries, apple, and orange chunks into your food processor, then sprinkle in the sugar. Pulse the mixture in short bursts until you get a relish-like consistency—chunky yet well mixed. The key is to keep a bit of texture so the relish still feels fresh and homemade.
Step 3: Chill or Serve Immediately
Transfer your vibrant relish into a bowl. If you can wait, let it rest overnight in the refrigerator to deepen and meld the flavors. But honestly, it’s tempting enough to dive into right away! This relish will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a handy prep-ahead option.
How to Serve 5 Minute Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your relish, try sprinkling fresh mint or finely chopped pecans on top. The mint adds a refreshing contrast, while nuts contribute a delightful crunch, making every bite interesting.
Side Dishes
This relish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or even seared pork chops. It’s also fantastic spooned over a simple cheese plate or as a spread on crusty bread for an unexpected burst of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, dollop the cranberry orange relish onto individual endive leaves for fancy hors d’oeuvres. Or swirl it into creamy yogurt or mascarpone for a unique dessert topping. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make presentation a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because it’s fresh and fruit-based, it stays bright and tasty for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute any juices that separate.
Freezing
Freezing fresh cranberry orange relish isn’t recommended since the texture changes significantly when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and consistency.
Reheating
This relish is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can gently warm it, but heating may mellow out its bright, fresh character.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries can stand in well. Just thaw them slightly before blending to avoid excess liquid in your relish.
Do I have to leave the orange peel on?
Yes, the peel adds a wonderful aromatic bitterness and citrus oils that boost the flavor depth. Just be sure to use an organic orange or wash thoroughly to avoid any wax or pesticides.
Can I substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup?
Yes, you can swap sugar for an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind this will add different flavor notes, sweetness, and liquid content, so pulse carefully to reach the right texture.
What kind of apples work best?
Choose a firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to complement the tart cranberries and citrus without making the relish too sweet or mushy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Definitely! All the ingredients in this 5 Minute Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe are plant-based, making it a fresh, vibrant vegan-friendly condiment.
Final Thoughts
This 5 Minute Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe has all the charm of a homemade favorite with zero fuss. It’s perfect for brightening your meals, surprising guests, or simply enjoying a fresh, tangy snack. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this lively, colorful relish can add sparkle to your table with just a few simple ingredients and minutes of your time.
Print
5 Minute Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant and tangy 5 Minute Cranberry Orange Relish combines fresh cranberries, apple, and orange to create a refreshing condiment perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a zesty burst of flavor. With minimal prep and no cooking required, this relish is a quick and healthy addition to your meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cranberries
- 1 medium orange
- 1 medium firm apple
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits: Ensure all fruit is washed and clean. Slice the apple into chunks and remove the core. Slice the orange into large chunks, leaving the peel on for extra zest.
- Process the fruits: Add the cranberries, apple chunks, and orange pieces into a food processor. Add the sugar on top. Pulse the mixture until a relish forms and all the fruits are evenly chopped and mixed together.
- Serve or store: Transfer the relish into a bowl. You can eat it immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld. This relish keeps up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This relish can be customized by adjusting the sugar to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Leaving the orange peel on adds a bright, slightly bitter aroma; if you prefer, you can peel the orange before processing.
- Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture.
- The relish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for salads and desserts.
