Thanksgiving for me has always been a time of family, laughter, and lots of delicious food. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the scent of roasting turkey and homemade pies, but the star of the show was always her cranberry relish. This simple yet vibrant dish adds a delightful pop of color and flavor to the table. What I love most about my cranberry relish recipe is how easy it is to whip up! With just a few fresh ingredients, you get a perfect balance of sweet and tart that brightens up any plate. Plus, it’s a no-cook recipe, so you can spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Trust me, this cranberry relish will become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving tradition too!
Ingredients for Cranberry Relish
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
- 1 cup sugar, adjust to your sweetness preference
- 1 orange, zested and juiced for that fresh zing
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped for a delightful crunch
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, just a hint for warmth
How to Prepare Cranberry Relish
- First things first, rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and give them a good look to remove any stems or bad ones. You want only the best for this relish!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed cranberries and sugar. Give them a good stir to coat the berries evenly with the sugar. It’s amazing how quickly they start to glimmer!
- Now, zest the orange first, and then cut it in half to squeeze out the juice. Add both the zest and juice to the cranberry-sugar mixture. This is where the magic happens—mix well until everything is combined!
- Next, fold in the chopped walnuts and cinnamon gently. You want to keep the cranberries intact, so be kind when mixing!
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you can make it a day ahead, even better!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Relish Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- No cooking required, making it a simple addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart that complements savory dishes wonderfully.
- Can be made ahead of time, freeing up your schedule on the big day.
- Fresh, vibrant colors that brighten up your holiday table!
Tips for Success with Cranberry Relish Recipes Thanksgiving
To make the most of your cranberry relish, don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar to suit your taste—some people prefer it a little sweeter, while others enjoy that tart kick! If you want to add a twist, try mixing in some diced apples or pears for extra texture and flavor. For storage, keep the relish in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Just remember, the flavors get even better after a day or two, so make it ahead of time if you can! Enjoy every vibrant spoonful!
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Relish
This cranberry relish is not only delicious but also relatively light! Each serving (about 1/4 cup) contains approximately 100 calories, 20g of sugar, 4g of fat, and 1g of protein. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a guilt-free addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ About Cranberry Relish Recipes Thanksgiving
Can I use frozen cranberries? Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine, though I recommend letting them thaw and draining any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. They’ll still give you that delicious tart flavor!
How long can I store this relish? You can keep your cranberry relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Trust me, it just gets better as it sits and those flavors meld together!
What can I serve with cranberry relish? Oh, the possibilities are endless! It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even on a cheese platter. You can also dollop it on sandwiches or mix it into yogurt for a refreshing snack!
Can I make this relish without walnuts? Of course! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer to skip them, leave them out. You can add other ingredients like diced apples or even a bit of ginger for extra flair!
Is this recipe vegan-friendly? Yes! This cranberry relish is naturally vegan, making it a fantastic addition to any holiday spread!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Relish
This cranberry relish is such a versatile addition to your Thanksgiving table! It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, enhancing the savory flavors with its bright, tart notes. You can also serve it alongside baked ham for a sweet contrast that’s simply irresistible. Don’t forget about sandwiches! A spoonful of this relish can elevate your leftover turkey sandwiches to a whole new level. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try it on a cheese platter—its vibrant flavor complements creamy cheeses perfectly. Trust me, you’ll want to try it with everything!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Cranberry Relish
Storing your cranberry relish is a breeze! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. No need to reheat this beauty—it’s best served chilled, so just give it a good stir before serving to bring everything back together. If you’ve made it ahead of time, the flavors will only get better as they meld in the fridge. Enjoy those vibrant, tangy bites straight from the cold bowl!
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Cranberry Relish Recipes Thanksgiving: 5 Simple Secrets
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple cranberry relish recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems.
- In a bowl, combine cranberries and sugar.
- Add orange zest and juice, and mix well.
- Fold in chopped walnuts and cinnamon.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry relish recipes thanksgiving
