This fresh Cranberry Relish with Tangerine and Almonds is so easy to make with just 5 ingredients! This cranberry sauce comes together in less than 10 minutes. The more it marinates, the better the flavor! Serve it with turkey, chicken, and pork.
You do need a food processor to pulse it all together. I wouldn't use a blender, it will just make it a lovely juice. Any leftovers are wonderful over your favorite yogurt for breakfast or oatmeal. Usually on Thanksgiving we have our Fresh Cranberry Sauce and sometimes even our Italian Cranberry Sauce.
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Are you in charge of bringing a side dish to a family or friend Thanksgiving feast? This is the dish that will impress everyone and takes just minutes to put together! Make it all cranberry season long! It's wonderful as a side dish with any roasted meat.
This sweet and tart cranberry, almond and tangerine relish is so much more refreshing than your cooked cranberry sauce. It comes together in less than 10 minutes (probably around 5 minutes).
Why you'll love this easy cranberry relish
- It's so easy to make! Just 5 ingredients and you're done.
- This relish is not too sweet and has a lovely tartness from the cranberries.
- The tangerine adds such a beautiful citrus flavor and the almonds give it a nice crunch.
- It's so pretty on your Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients for this relish with tangerine
- Fresh cranberries- If you can't find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen ones. Just defrost them before using.
- Tangerines- If you can't find tangerines, you can use oranges.
- Unsalted Almonds- I used these because I didn't want the dish to be too salty, but feel free to use whatever type of almond you have on hand.
- Honey- You can use more or less honey, depending on how sweet you like your relish.
- Cinnamon- This is optional, but I love the flavor it adds.
Instructions to make this fresh cranberry relish
Step 1: Place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse.
Step 2: Blend until you have a very finely chopped mixture.
Step 3: Chill until ready to serve.
Step 4: Sprinkle on some almond slivers and some chopped dried tangerine pieces before serving.
Substitutions/Variations
- You can sub pecans or walnuts for the almonds.
- If you don't happen to have dried tangerines around like I did, you could use dried apricots, raisins, dried cherries, or even dates!
- If you're looking for a sugar-free alternative, you can replace honey with Stevia or any sugar substitute.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that extra crunch.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits. Dried figs or prunes can add a unique flavor to the relish.
- Adding a touch of ground nutmeg or star anise can bring a new depth of flavor, especially during the holiday season.
Expert Tips:
- I like to use my mini food processor for this homemade cranberry relish, but you could also use a regular sized food processor.
- If you can't find tangerines, you can use oranges.
- This is such a versatile dish! You could add in some chopped up apples, pears, or even grapes.
- The more it marinates, the better the flavor
- If you want a smoother relish, you can pulse it longer or even blend it in a blender. I prefer it with some texture, so I don't pulse it too long.
- This cranberry relish will keep in the fridge for at least a week, if not longer.
- If you want to make this ahead of time, I would wait to add the almond slivers and tangerine pieces until right before serving.
storing/freezing instructions:
This cranberry relish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure it is kept in an airtight container to maintain optimal freshness. If you'd like to freeze it, place the relish in a freezer-safe container leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use.
Recipe FAQ
An important distinction between cranberry sauce and cranberry relish is that cranberry relish is made from raw ingredients blended in a food processor (resulting in a fresher, tarter taste) whereas cranberry sauce is cooked and often much sweeter than relish.
The orange zest is the grated ingredient.
I know that homemade cranberry sauce that has been continuously refrigerated stay fresh for about 10 to 14 days. The same applies for the relish. It should stay good in the fridge for up to two weeks. You could also freeze it in airtight container or even zip locked freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Cranberry Relish is a type of raw cranberry sauce that's made by mincing the berries (usually using a food processor), then mixing them with sugar and other ingredients, like oranges, apples, pears, and / or nuts.
Yes, you can definitely use fresh cranberries in this recipe. In fact, the ingredient list specifically calls for fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries will give the relish a vibrant color and a distinct tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet tangerine and honey
If you would like a thicker consistency for your cranberry relish, you can add in some cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
My jar of this cranberry, almond and tangerine relish is marinating in the fridge!! I tasted it after making it and it's so good and so different than your typical cranberry sauce (I already made my regular cranberry sauce yesterday).
Wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for your support! xo
Other recipes with cranberries:
- Vegan Cranberry Coffee Cake
- Clementine Cranberry Scones
- Cranberry Meringue Pie
- Pear Cranberry Sticky Buns
- Cranberry Glazed Turkey Tenderloin
- BEST Homemade Sweet Corn Relish
- Roasted Potatoes and Sweet Corn Relish
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slightly updated Oct 2023
Fresh Cranberry Relish Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse.
- Blend until you have a very finely chopped mixture.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Sprinkle on some almond slivers and some chopped dried tangerine pieces before serving.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
expert tips:
- I like to use my mini food processor for this recipe, but you could also use a regular sized food processor.
- If you can't find tangerines, you can use oranges.
- This is such a versatile dish! You could add in some chopped up apples, pears, or even grapes.
- The more it marinates, the better the flavor
I have been making this cranberry relish now for the last few years and it is absolutely fabulous! Thank you for sharing this recipe! Happy holidays to you and yours!