Walnut Cranberry Relish
A vibrant, crunchy relish combining tart cranberries, toasted walnuts, and sweet oranges, perfect as a festive side or a flavorful condiment for holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drop walnuts into rapidly boiling water; boil for 3 minutes. Drain well.
- Spread the walnuts on a flat baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until crisp and very lightly browned.
- Cool the walnuts and chop them.
- Chop the oranges finely, removing seeds if necessary.
- Combine the cranberries, chopped oranges, toasted walnuts, and granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Stir well and let sit for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice to the mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped walnuts or even pecans as a substitute. Ensure you toast the nuts properly to enhance their flavor. This relish can also be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen even more.
Serving Suggestions
This Walnut Cranberry Relish is a delightful accompaniment to roasted meats, especially turkey or chicken, making it a perfect addition to holiday feasts. It pairs beautifully with Irish Lettuce Salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve it alongside cheese platters or as a topping for toast for a unique appetizer.
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. If you want to serve it warm, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Cranberry Relish contains roughly 777 calories, with 15g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. 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 prepared in advance. In fact, making it a day or two ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the granulated sugar to 1 cup or try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind, though, that this may alter the texture slightly and the sweetness balance.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you're allergic to walnuts or prefer a different flavor, pecans or almonds make excellent substitutes. Just ensure to toast them as you would the walnuts for maximum flavor. If you're looking for a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seeds.
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).