The aroma of this Irresistible Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Nut Relish Recipe wafts through the air, tantalizing your taste buds before you’ve even taken a bite. Zesty Orange Zest Cranberry Relish Picture vibrant red cranberries mingling with crunchy nuts and a hint of citrus zest, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. For more inspiration, check out this explore more recipes recipe.
Every holiday season, this relish becomes the star of our family gatherings. I remember my grandmother’s warm kitchen filled with laughter as we spread this delightful concoction over turkey sandwiches. Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey It’s the perfect companion for festive feasts or simply slathered on toast at breakfast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This relish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy days
- Its sweet and tangy flavor profile pairs beautifully with many dishes
- The vibrant colors add a festive touch to any table setting
- You can customize it with different nuts or spices to suit your taste preferences
Sharing this dish always brings smiles and compliments from family and friends; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Use plump, bright red cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen works too if fresh isn’t available.
- Granulated Sugar: This balances out the tartness of cranberries; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- Orange Zest: Freshly grated for that citrus zing that brightens up the relish; ensure no bitter white pith is included.
- Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): Choose your favorite nuts for added crunch and flavor; lightly toast them for extra richness.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch enhances the warmth of the relish, bringing in cozy holiday vibes.
- Water: Necessary for cooking down the cranberries; use filtered water for better taste.
- Salt: A tiny pinch helps elevate all the other flavors without being noticeable on its own.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients in one spot to streamline your cooking process and avoid last-minute searches when you’re mixing.
Combine Cranberries and Water: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries with water. Stir occasionally until they begin to pop—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
Add Sugar and Zest: Once the cranberries are bursting with juice, stir in granulated sugar and orange zest. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
Add Nuts and Spices: Mix in chopped nuts and cinnamon. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.
Cool Down The Relish: Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This step allows flavors to meld beautifully as it cools.
Serve or Store It Up!: Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to two weeks—if you can resist eating it all at once!
This Irresistible Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Nut Relish Recipe is not just a dish; it’s a memory-maker! As you enjoy every scoop, remember that whatever holiday you celebrate or meal you’re preparing—this relish will surely steal the show. Holiday Cranberry and Pecan Relish.
You Must Know
- This irresistible sweet and tangy cranberry nut relish recipe will elevate your holiday meals
- The vibrant flavors and crunch make it a perfect addition to any feast
- Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in just a few minutes, leaving you plenty of time for dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping all your ingredients first; it saves time and ensures nothing gets forgotten. Chop the cranberries, nuts, and zest before cooking.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with different nuts or add a splash of orange juice for extra zing. Experimenting can yield delicious surprises!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry nut relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake It tastes even better after a day or two!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen can be mushy
- Toasting nuts enhances their flavor dramatically; don’t skip this step!
- Adjust sugar according to your taste preference for that perfect balance of sweet and tangy
I remember the first time I made this relish; my friends devoured it so fast, I barely got a taste!

FAQ
How long can I store the cranberry nut relish?
You can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks without losing flavor.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh cranberries provide a firmer texture and better flavor.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are fantastic choices that complement the cranberries beautifully.
Irresistible Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Nut Relish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Irresistible Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Nut Relish is the perfect addition to your holiday table. With its vibrant red cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a hint of citrus zest, this relish tantalizes the taste buds and elevates any meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a festive crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with turkey, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own. Make this delightful dish your new holiday tradition!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (200g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (100g)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water (120ml)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients for efficiency.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries and water; stir until they begin to pop (about 5 minutes).
- Add sugar and orange zest; cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in chopped nuts and cinnamon; simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg