This take on a traditional cranberry relish brings out the bright, tart flavor of the cranberries, but rounds it out with the sweetness of apples, pecans, and pineapple. The result is a fresh-tasting relish that is not overly sweet. This cranberry nut relish complements the traditional turkey on your Thanksgiving table but can definitely stand alone. It also makes an incredible sandwich spread for everyone’s favorite leftovers! It requires no cooking, so it couldn’t be easier!
Making this cranberry apple relish is simple because all items can be chopped in your food processor and then mixed together in a bowl. That’s it. Simple, fresh, delicious.
After you’ve gathered all ingredients, begin by pulsing pecans in your food processor for 5-10 seconds. I like to leave them coarsely chopped. I use my mini-processor for this recipe because I like to chop each ingredient separately to achieve a variety of textures. After pulsing each ingredient, add it to your mixing bowl.
Next, wash and cut 1/2 of an orange into pieces, including the skin. Pulse 10-12 times to achieve a fine chop. The orange rind has a lovely intense flavor that complements the cranberries, but leaving pieces too large can overpower other flavors in a single bite; less is more here. After pulsing, add your orange to the mixing bowl.
Next, wash, core and cut an apple into pieces (including the skin). Pulse 10-12 times in the food processor until the apples are finely minced. Add to the mixing bowl.
Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple with juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 Tablespoon honey to the mixing bowl. These will provide sweetness without being too saccharine. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and let the relish rest in the refrigerator several hours or overnight to allow all flavors to meld.
I didn’t include it in this recipe but there are several additions that work well in this cranberry apple relish. I make it every year for Thanksgiving and use different variations. My mom likes the addition of celery for extra crunch, and I often add an 1/8 teaspoon of allspice. Almonds complement the cranberries well and can be used in place of the pecans, too.
However you amend the recipe, I’m sure it will make a delicious, festive addition to your holiday table. Enjoy!
PrintCranberry-Apple Relish
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
This take on a traditional cranberry relish brings out the bright, tart flavor of the cranberries, but rounds it out with the sweetness of apples, pecans, and pineapple. The result is a fresh-tasting relish that is not overly sweet. This cranberry nut relish complements the traditional turkey on your Thanksgiving table but can definitely stand alone. It also makes an incredible sandwich spread for everyone’s favorite leftovers!
This simple, fresh, delicious cranberry-apple relish is easy to prepare and makes a lovely addition to your holiday table. Enjoy!
Ingredients
2 cups rinsed raw cranberries
1/2 cup pecan halves or pieces
1 apple cored and cut into pieces
1/2 orange cut into pieces
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon honey
Instructions
1. Pulse 1/2 pecans in your food processor for 5-10 seconds until coarsely chopped. After pulsing each ingredient, add it to your mixing bowl.
2. Rinse and drain 2 cups raw cranberries. Pulse in food processor 10-15 seconds until finely chopped. Add to mixing bowl.
3. Wash, core, and cut 1 apple and into large pieces (including peel). Pulse in food processor until finely chopped. Add to mixing bowl.
4. Wash and cut 1/2 orange into large pieces (including peel). Pulse in food processor until very finely chopped. Add to mixing bowl.
5. Add pineapple, sugar and honey to mixing bowl. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
6. Let the mixture rest for several hours or overnight to allow all flavors to meld.
7. Enjoy!
Notes
This is a great recipe to make ahead of time and it keeps for a week in the refrigerator.
There are several additions that work well in this cranberry-apple relish.
-Add 2 stalks coarsely chopped celery for extra crunch
-Add an 1/8 teaspoon of allspice
-Substitute almonds for the pecans
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: side dish
- Cuisine: holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
