Crisp Cranberry Relish
A vibrant, tart cranberry relish with fresh apples and celery, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, offering a crisp texture and refreshing flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place half the cranberries in a food processor and pulse until evenly chopped.
- Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl.
- Repeat with the remaining cranberries.
- Stir in sugar, grated lemon rind, and lemon juice.
- Refrigerate overnight or up to 1 week.
- Add the diced apples and sliced celery one hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter relish, consider adding a bit more sugar or using honey as a natural sweetener. You can also substitute the green apple with a sweeter variety, such as Gala or Fuji, if preferred. For a twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture. If you're short on time, use a food processor to finely chop the celery instead of slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Crisp Cranberry Relish is a delightful accompaniment to roasted meats, especially turkey or ham, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. It also pairs wonderfully with No-Fail French Bread for a light lunch. Consider serving it atop a bed of greens for a refreshing salad, or as a topping for cheese platters to add a zesty contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. It’s best served chilled, so simply give it a good stir before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the apples and celery may become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crisp Cranberry Relish contains roughly 224 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 10g 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 up to one week in advance. Just remember to add the diced apples and celery an hour before serving to maintain their crunchiness. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of celery?
If you're not a fan of celery, you can substitute it with chopped bell peppers for a sweeter crunch or even finely diced cucumbers for a refreshing twist. Both options will still provide a nice texture to the relish.
Is this relish good for canning?
While this relish can be refrigerated for a week, it is not recommended for canning due to the high sugar content and acidity levels. If you're interested in preserving, consider looking into other canning recipes that are specifically designed for long-term storage.
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).