Thanksgiving Cranberry Relish
A vibrant and tangy cranberry relish with fresh fruit, nuts, and citrus, perfect for holiday tables and pairing well with turkey or roasted meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil; remove from heat.
- Add strawberry gelatin and sugar; stir until dissolved.
- Add ReaLemon and remaining 1/2 cup water.
- Chill while preparing remaining ingredients.
- In a food processor or blender, combine cranberries, orange, and tart apple; process until finely chopped.
- Transfer chopped fruit mixture to a bowl and stir in chopped celery and chopped pecans.
- Pour the gelatin mixture over the fruit and nut mixture; stir to combine.
- Refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the tart apple with a sweeter variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp, which can balance the tartness of the cranberries. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones without thawing. When blending, be careful not to over-process the fruits; a coarse chop adds texture to the relish. This dish pairs beautifully with Cran-Orange Glazed Cornish Hen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cranberry relish chilled as a bright, tangy complement to your Thanksgiving turkey. It pairs wonderfully with savory dishes and can be used as a topping for sandwiches or as a side alongside Rice Fruit Salad. Consider garnishing with fresh mint for an added touch of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Its flavors often improve after a day or two as they meld together. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed. To refresh the relish before serving, stir gently to recombine ingredients if separation occurs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Cranberry Relish contains roughly 489 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g 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 cranberry relish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this relish up to two days in advance. Just ensure it is well-covered and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop. This will save you time on the day of your gathering.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet relish, you can reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or even use a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind that the sweetness helps balance the tartness of the cranberries.
What can I use if I don’t have strawberry gelatin?
You can substitute with raspberry or cherry gelatin for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, if you prefer a non-gelatin option, try using agar-agar, following package instructions for equivalent amounts.
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).