Name: Zesty & Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe – No Cooking Required!
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large orange (seedless, with peel, cut into 8 pieces); 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted; 3/4 cup white sugar (or maple syrup, coconut sugar, monk fruit, etc.); Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon or ground ginger; Optional: 1/4 cup crushed pineapple; Optional: Handful of chopped walnuts or pecans

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If there’s one side dish I always make for Thanksgiving, it’s this Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish. It’s bright, tangy, a little sweet, and such a refreshing change from traditional cooked cranberry sauce. I’ve been making this version since I was a kid, helping my grandma pulse the ingredients in her vintage food processor.

Now that I make it for my own family, I’ve added a few tweaks while keeping it incredibly simple. The best part? It only takes 3 ingredients and 10 minutes to whip up. Plus, it tastes even better after it chills overnight—perfect for holiday prep.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish

Only 3 main ingredients
No cooking required
Bright, bold flavors
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Can be made ahead (and it freezes beautifully!)
Pairs perfectly with savory dishes

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Relish

You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples to make this quick, delicious side:

1 large orange – Seedless is best, but remove seeds if needed. Keep the peel on!
1 (12-ounce) bag of fresh cranberries – Rinse and discard any soft berries.
3/4 cup white sugar – Adjust to taste. You can sub with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener.

Optional add-ins:

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or ground ginger for warmth

1/4 cup crushed pineapple for a tropical twist

A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

How to Make Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish (Step-by-Step)

This recipe comes together in just five minutes once you’ve prepped your fruit. Here’s how:

Step 1: Slice the Orange

Cut the orange in half, then cut each half into quarters (8 pieces total).
Remove any seeds but leave the peel on—that’s where all the zesty flavor is!

And Step 2: Blend in Batches

Place half the orange slices and half the cranberries in your food processor or high-speed blender.
Pulse until finely chopped—not puréed.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Repeat with the second half of the orange and cranberries.

Step 3: Sweeten and Chill

Stir all the chopped fruit together in the bowl.
Add 3/4 cup sugar and mix well.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. (It will mellow as it chills.)
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 1 week.

Pro Tip: This relish is even better the next day. The flavors blend and become less tart.

And Step 4: Serve & Garnish

zFresh cranberry orange relish in a white bowl, garnished with orange slices and cranberries.

When ready to serve, place in a serving dish.
Garnish with a slice of orange, a few whole cranberries, or a sprig of mint.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

One of the best things about this cranberry relish is that it’s totally make-ahead friendly:

Make ahead: Up to 7 days in advance, stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freeze it: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Leftovers: Mix into yogurt, spoon over oatmeal, or add to turkey sandwiches.

Ways to Customize Your Relish

This base recipe is simple, but it’s incredibly easy to make it your own:

Add chopped apples or pears for a chunky texture.
Mix in orange zest for a more intense citrus flavor.
Stir in a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier for grown-up flair.
Fold in chopped pecans for crunch.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.

What to Serve with Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish

This sweet-tart condiment pairs beautifully with:

Roast turkey or chicken
Stuffed squash or lentil loaf
Brie or goat cheese crostini
Yogurt parfaits for brunch
Holiday charcuterie boards

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Relish

How do you make orange cranberry relish?
Pulse fresh cranberries and orange (with peel) in a food processor, stir in sugar, and chill. That’s it!

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before using.

Is cranberry orange relish good for you?
Definitely! It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Just watch your sugar if you’re limiting it.

How long does it last in the fridge?
About 7–10 days. It gets even tastier after a day or two!

Can I use dried cranberries instead?
Fresh works best, but if using dried, rehydrate them in hot water and reduce the sugar.

How do you thicken cranberry relish?
This relish doesn’t need thickening—it’s naturally chunky. If it’s too juicy, strain off excess liquid.

What’s the difference between cranberry sauce and relish?
Relish is raw, chunky, and zesty. Sauce is usually cooked and softer in texture.

More Holiday Recipes to Try

Looking to round out your Thanksgiving or holiday table?

Try this perfectly festive side dish for Thanksgiving dinner
Finish with a warm and spiced cranberry apple crisp
Or go green with our easy and crowd-pleasing winter salads

A Note of Gratitude

This Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish has been a staple in my family for generations. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table. And I’m so happy to pass it on to you.

If you make it, please tag me on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking and even happier holidays!