Holiday Cranberry Relish

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant, tangy cranberry relish with orange, apple, and pineapple, perfect for festive occasions. Refreshing and sweet with a hint of citrus, ideal for holiday tables.

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Ingredients

  • 1 orange
  • 2 c. fresh cranberries
  • 1 c. diced Red Delicious apple
  • 1 (8 oz.) can unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/3 c. sugar
  • fresh spinach leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the orange into 4 pieces, remove seeds, and process in a food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Transfer the chopped orange to a nonaluminum bowl and set aside.

Tips & Substitutions

For a vibrant twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. If you prefer a sweeter relish, increase the sugar incrementally until it reaches your desired sweetness. Fresh cranberries can be replaced with frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them first. This relish can also be served alongside dishes like Orange Raisin Cole Slaw for a delightful contrast.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry relish is perfect for holiday gatherings, served alongside roasted turkey or ham. It can also be a delightful topping for cream cheese on crackers. For a refreshing twist, serve it over fresh spinach leaves, creating a beautiful salad. Pair it with hearty sides like stuffing or mashed potatoes to balance the flavors. This relish complements many American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to meld and improve over time. If you wish to freeze it, place the relish in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Do not reheat, as it is best enjoyed chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Relish contains roughly 299 calories, with 3g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

299 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 1.2g 2% DV
Carbs 76g 28% DV
Fiber 8.6g 31% DV
Sugar 56g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 55mg 2% DV
Potassium 600.5mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 287.4mcg 32% DV
Vitamin C 34.7mg 39% DV
Calcium 81.3mg 6% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 cranberry relish can be made up to three days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop. This makes it perfect for holiday meal prep, so you can focus on other dishes when it's time to celebrate.

Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar to a quarter cup or eliminate it entirely if you prefer a tart flavor. The natural sweetness of the fruits, especially the crushed pineapple, will still provide a balanced taste without added sugar.

What can I substitute for the apple?

If you don't have a Red Delicious apple, feel free to use another sweet variety like Fuji or Gala. For a twist, you could even use a pear for a different flavor profile. Just ensure to keep the texture consistent for the best relish experience.

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).

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