Raw Cranberry-Orange Relish
This vibrant, no-cook cranberry-orange relish offers a perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet orange, and crunchy pecans, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals or a versatile topping for various dishes.
For 8 servings
Thoroughly rinse the fresh cranberries and the navel orange under cold water. Pat the orange dry.
Cut the orange into quarters or eighths. Carefully remove any seeds, but leave the peel on for maximum flavor and zest. Roughly chop the orange pieces.
Add the rinsed cranberries and the chopped orange (including peel) to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
Pulse the mixture 5-8 times until the cranberries and orange are coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process; you want a chunky texture, not a paste.
Add the pecans, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and the fine sea salt to the food processor. Pulse another 3-5 times until the pecans are incorporated and the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
Taste the relish and add more maple syrup, 1 tablespoon at a time, if you prefer a sweeter relish. Pulse once or twice to combine.
Transfer the relish to an airtight container or jar. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do Not Over-Process: The key to a great raw relish is a chunky texture. Pulse in short bursts and check frequently to avoid turning it into a smooth puree.
- 2Adjust Sweetness: Cranberries vary in tartness. Always taste the relish after the initial blend and adjust the maple syrup to your personal preference.
- 3Make Ahead: This relish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It's an excellent make-ahead option for holiday meals.
- 4Storage: Store the relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Relish
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, a pinch of ground cloves, or 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon along with the maple syrup for a warmer, more aromatic flavor profile.
Nut SwapNut Swap
Substitute walnuts, pistachios, or even toasted almonds for the pecans to change the texture and nutty undertones.
Sweetener AlternativesSweetener Alternatives
Instead of maple syrup, you can use honey (if not strictly vegan), agave nectar, or granulated sugar (start with 1/4 cup and adjust) to sweeten the relish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cranberries and oranges are both excellent sources of antioxidants, which help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Good Source of Vitamin C
The orange in this relish provides a significant boost of Vitamin C, essential for immune function, skin health, and collagen production.
Heart-Healthy Fats & Fiber
Pecans contribute healthy monounsaturated fats, while cranberries and oranges offer dietary fiber, both beneficial for cardiovascular health and digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the food processor to prevent the relish from becoming too watery.
