Cranberry Walnut Relish
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry relish with toasted walnuts and orange marmalade, perfect for holiday festivities or as a flavorful side for meats and cheeses.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash cranberries and drain.
- In a shallow pan, stir cranberries with sugar.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Spread walnuts in a separate pan.
- Toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 12 minutes.
- Stir together baked cranberries, walnuts, marmalade, and juice until well mixed.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry mixture. If you don't have fresh cranberries, frozen ones can be a great substitute; just thaw and pat dry before using. For a nut-free version, you can replace walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds to maintain the crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry walnut relish is a fantastic addition to holiday meals, especially alongside roasted turkey or ham. It can also be used as a topping for cream cheese on crackers for an easy appetizer. For a twist, try it as a spread on sandwiches or with a cheese platter, and it pairs beautifully with Spiced Cranberry Tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. If you want to reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Walnut Relish contains roughly 990 calories, with 11g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this relish ahead of time?
Yes! This relish can be made a few days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead option for holiday gatherings.
What can I substitute for orange marmalade?
If you don't have orange marmalade, you can substitute it with apricot or peach preserves for a similar sweetness and texture. Alternatively, homemade citrus preserves can add a fresh twist to your relish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this cranberry walnut relish is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).