One Bowl Cranberry Relish Recipe

Quick and easy cranberry relish recipe made with simple ingredients in one bowl in just 10 minutes. This classic holiday side dish is fresh, sweet, tart, colorful, and full of bright fruit flavor. It is also sometimes called cranberry salad and works beautifully as a condiment for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other festive meals.

This homemade, old-fashioned cranberry relish from scratch is always a favorite at holiday dinners because it adds a refreshing contrast to rich main dishes and savory sides. The best part is that it is not cooked. Fresh cranberries, apple, orange, sugar, and orange zest are pulsed together until chunky, then chilled so the flavors can blend. The result is a crisp, juicy, sweet-tart relish with a naturally vibrant red color.

It is important to note that cranberry relish is different from cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce is cooked and usually has a smoother, softer texture. This relish stays raw, bright, and slightly chunky, which gives it a fresh fruit flavor and a pleasant bite. It is simple enough for beginners, quick enough for busy holiday prep, and flavorful enough to earn a permanent spot on your table.

Key ingredients

• Cranberries- Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best flavor, texture, and color. Avoid soft or shriveled berries.
• Apple- Gala apples work well because they are sweet and crisp, but any fresh, flavorful apple can be used.
• Oranges- Choose juicy oranges with a bright citrus flavor. Remove the peel and seeds before processing.
• Sugar- Granulated sugar works best because it sweetens the tart cranberries without changing the texture too much.
• Orange zest- A little zest adds extra citrus aroma and makes the relish taste brighter and fresher.

Variations

• Replace the apple- Use drained, crushed pineapple instead for a slightly tropical flavor and softer texture.
• Add a little spice- Pulse in half a jalapeno if you want a sweet, tart, and mildly spicy cranberry relish.
• Add warm spices- Try ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger for a cozy holiday flavor.
• Try it with nuts- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or roasted pecans on top just before serving for a little crunch.
• Use honey or maple syrup- These can replace sugar, but they may make the relish more watery, so add carefully.
• Add a garnish- Fresh mint or parsley can make the dish look even prettier on a holiday table.

How to make easy one pot cranberry relish recipe from scratch?

1. Roughly chop- Add the cranberries, apple, and orange to a food processor and pulse until coarse and chunky.
2. Mix in- Add the granulated sugar and orange zest, then pulse briefly until everything is combined.
3. Transfer- Spoon the relish into a serving bowl, cover it, and chill before serving so the flavors can deepen.

What to serve with Easy Cranberry Relish?

• Serve it with holiday meats such as turkey, pork tenderloin, or ham. The tart fruit flavor balances rich, savory dishes very well.
• Use leftovers as a filling or spread in burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or quesadillas. It adds freshness and a pop of flavor.
• Spoon it over brie or cream cheese for a simple Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday appetizer.
• Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream when you want something fruity and tangy.

Tips and techniques

• Adjust the sugar- Cranberries are naturally tart, so taste and adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
• Chill before serving- Let the cranberry relish sit undisturbed in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors blend and become more balanced.
• Use only fresh cranberries- Frozen or dried cranberries will not give the same crisp texture, fresh flavor, or chunky consistency.
• Do not over-process- The relish should be coarse and chunky, not smooth like a puree.
• Serve cold- This is a fresh relish, so it does not need to be heated before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Refrigerate- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days, although it is best served within 2 days.
• Freeze- Freezing is not recommended because the relish releases too much water when thawed.
• Make ahead- This cranberry relish can be prepared about 2 days in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.
• Reheat- No reheating is needed because this dish is served cold.

More one pot side dishes

• One Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• One Pot Homemade Brown Gravy
• One Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Oven Roasted Broccoli
• Parsley Potatoes

Recipe