Cranberry Citrus Relish Delight

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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Cranberry Citrus Relish Delight is a vibrant, tangy twist on the classic cranberry sauce that’s perfect for your holiday table. With its fresh citrusy notes and a hint of mint, this relish is a refreshing complement to heavy, savory dishes.

Ingredients for Cranberry Citrus Relish Delight

Cranberries are the star here, bringing a tart and slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for balancing out richer dishes. Granulated sugar helps to mellow the tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful sweet-tart harmony. Orange zest and juice add a burst of citrus freshness, while lemon zest and juice provide a sharper, tangy edge. Fresh mint adds a cool, herbal note that lifts the whole dish. Walnuts contribute a satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness. Finally, pineapple brings a tropical sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter relish, add a touch more sugar to taste.
  • For a more pronounced mint flavor, add a few extra leaves — but don't go overboard.
  • To save time, prepare this relish a day in advance. The flavors only get better with time.
  • If you don't have fresh pineapple, canned works too — just make sure it’s well-drained.

Serving Suggestions

This relish shines as a side for roasted turkey or ham, adding a fresh contrast to their rich flavors. It’s also delicious as a topping for grilled chicken or pork. For a vegetarian twist, try it as a vibrant addition to a holiday cheese platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them first and drain any excess water before using.
How long will this relish keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last for up to a week.
What if I don't like walnuts?
You can substitute with pecans or almonds, or simply leave the nuts out altogether.

Cranberry Citrus Relish Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing and draining the cranberries. You want them clean and ready for the food processor. Toss them in with the sugar and pulse until they’re finely chopped. You’re aiming for a chunky texture, not a puree. Transfer this mixture into a bowl — we’re done with the machine now.

Add your orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bowl. Stir everything together until it's well combined. The citrus juices will infuse the cranberries with their fresh, zesty flavors.

Gently fold in the chopped mint, walnuts, and pineapple. You want to mix them in without crushing the fruits or nuts. Once everything is incorporated, pop the bowl in the fridge for at least two hours. This chilling time lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, refreshing flavors that cut through rich holiday meals.
  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cooking involved.
  • Great make-ahead dish — flavors improve as it sits.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup finely diced pineapple

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the cranberries.
2. In a food processor, combine cranberries and sugar; pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
3. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Fold in chopped mint, walnuts, and pineapple.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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