My mother in law’s Ocean Spray Cranberry Relish recipe is always on my holiday table. Its non-negotiable. It’s the bright, tangy sidekick that cuts through the richness of turkey and stuffing, adding just the right pop of color and flavor. It’s more than a condiment, it’s a family tradition.
Want some more tart treats with cranberries? Try my Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad or my Orange Cranberry Sauce. They are both so good.
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Why this Ocean Spray Cranberry Relish Recipe is a Keeper
Fresh flavor and holiday ease come together in this quick, foolproof recipe for cranberry relish with oranges. You can make it anytime of the year.
- Fresh and Zesty Flavor: The combination of raw cranberries, orange, and a touch of sweetness creates a bright, tangy, and refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of other holiday dishes. It’s a welcome palate cleanser.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This is the ultimate make-ahead dish. The flavors only get better as it sits in the fridge, making it a perfect low-stress option for a busy holiday.
- Versatility: Beyond the Thanksgiving table, this relish is incredibly versatile. It can be used as a spread, a topping, or an ingredient in other dishes. Not to mention it’s better than canned cranberry jelly.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes use fresh or frozen whole cranberries. If you decide to use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them before chopping.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is delicious! Tart, sweet, crunky… yum!
~ Sandra
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Ingredient Notes for Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish
Only a handful of simple ingredients make this Ocean Spray fresh cranberry salad recipe shine.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Fresh Cranberries: Use a bag of Ocean Spray cranberries for the best flavor and color. Rinse well and discard any soft berries.
- 1 Oranges: Navel oranges are juicy and sweet, but any seedless variety will work. Keep the peel on for extra citrus zing.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness. Adjust to taste.
Variations and Substitutions for Cranberry Sauce
Feel free to use different ingredients to substitute or experiment with flavors for this fresh cranberry sauce.
- Sweeteners: While sugar is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of allspice for a warmer, more traditional holiday flavor. A small amount of fresh ginger adds a spicy kick.
- Fruits: Incorporate other fruits for a different flavor profile. Try adding a cored and chopped apple, a handful of fresh pineapple chunks or cubed pears.
- Nuts: For added texture and a nutty flavor, stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds after the relish is made.
- Herbs: A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme can add an unexpected savory note that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Special Equipment for Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce
A relish dish can be made much faster when using the right piece of kitchen equipment.
- Food Processor: A food processor makes chopping cranberries and oranges quick and super easy. A mini chopper works in batches if you don’t have a full-sized processor.
- Apple Corer: An apple corer is a fall essential for me. It easily punches the core out and slices the apple at the same time.
How to Make Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This fresh cranberry orange relish recipe comes together in just 2 quick and easy steps. This homemade cranberry sauce is so good, I make it for every Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chop the Fruit: Chop the cranberries, apples and oranges using a food processor. Make sure they are evenly chopped. Transfer to a bowl.
- Stir and Chill: Add the sugar and crushed pineapple, and stir to combine everything. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make Cranberry Sauce
Prepping fresh cranberry relish ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if you’re planning to make it for Thanksgiving dinner. It is easy and delicious, the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
- Chop in Advance: Process the cranberries and oranges up to 2 days before serving; store separately, then mix with sugar just before serving.
- Make in Advance: This recipe can be made a day or two in advance, which makes it perfect for the busy holiday season. The flavors will meld and improve as the relish sits.
- Freeze for Holidays: Make a large batch weeks ahead and freeze in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
How to Store and Use Leftover Cranberry Relish
- Store: Keep the ocean spray cranberry relish jello salad in an airtight container and store in refrigerator.
- Use Leftovers: Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers are a gift!
- Spreads: Use as a spread on leftover turkey sandwiches, toast, or bagels.
- Toppings: Top yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
- Mix-ins: Stir it into cream cheese for a festive dip to go with your holiday meal.
- Baking: Use it as a filling for muffins, tarts, or thumbprint cookies.
- Cocktails: Add a spoonful to sparkling water or a festive cocktail.
Common Questions About This Side Dish Recipe
No, you should peel the skin off the orange before chopping it up. Feel free to use the peel to add some orange zest on top for more orange flavor.
Ocean Spray’s cranberry dish will stay fresh for up to two weeks if stored properly.
Expert Tips to Love This Recipe
- Don’t Over-Process: Pulse the ingredients in the food processor. You want a coarse, chunky texture, not a smooth purée.
- Use a Navel Orange: Navel oranges are less seedy and have a thick, flavorful peel that is perfect for this recipe.
- Balance the Sweetness: Taste the relish after you’ve made it. You can always add a little more sugar to adjust the sweetness to your liking. The sweetness of the cranberries can vary.
- Let it Rest: The most important tip is to let the relish rest for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve this With: Serve this recipe with Crispy Brussel Sprouts Recipe with Prosciutto, Strawberry Fluff Salad or Old Fashioned Sage and Onion Stuffing.
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Fresh Ocean Spray Cranberry Relish
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds Whole fresh cranberries
- 1 large Orange, peeled
- 2 large Apples, peeled
- 8.5 ounces Crushed pineapple, 1 can drained
- 1 cup Sugar
Instructions
- Grind cranberries, orange and apples using a meat grinder or food processor.
- Stir in sugar and pineapple.
- Additional sugar may be required depending on how tart the cranberries are.
- Stir to combine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Christina’s Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving and add sugar as needed.
- Serve Chilled: Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Pulse, Don’t Purée: For the perfect texture, use short pulses in your food processor.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
In our family we do a similar salad, no orange( it was in original recipe, but got lost through the years), we use fresh (or frozen) cranberries, (some grind the old fashioned way, I like the faster food processor), a couple of finely diced apples, 2-3 ribs of celery finely diced, some chopped walnuts and raspberry jello. We love this salad, it’s the perfect complement to Turkey! Nice to see some variations!
Sounds so good!
Can this be canned and put on shelf
I have never tried it so truthfully I do not know.
This is delicious! Tart, sweet, crunky… yum!
The perfect cranberry relish!
My sister was telling me about a fresh cranberry relish that she was addicted to. I think this must be the recipe! It’s so fresh and healthy plus it’s so tasty you don’t know it’s good for you.
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing cranberry salad recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Can you freeze this cranberry jello salad?
I would not freeze it.
Yours sounds good also!
I have to tell you I have been making cranberry relish for 25years! Mine has cranberrys ,Apple orange diabetic sugar to taste an orange juice I also grind Pecans to add to it. Your amount. I could not get your recipe to come up. Hope they are alike
I want to make sure it is three pounds of cranberries or 3 cups?
3 pounds
My father always wants the canned cranberry sauce. I hope I can win him over with this recipe. Sounds delicious!!
This was such a nice change from the “over-sweet, boiled to death” cranberries from Thanksgiving past. It has such fresh and bright flavors!
I just had to come back and tell you – this delicious Thanksgiving recipe is definitely a keeper! Everyone raved about. Thank you so much for sharing it.
I tried this adding strawberry jello and it was delicious. Something different from the usual cranberry sauce.
Oooh! That’s a great idea!
I would like to share a fantastic cranberry relish recipe! 1 bag of cleaned fresh cranberries-1 naval orange- 1 lg. red delicious apple! Grind in a grinder these three ingredients into a medium mixing bowl! Add to mixture one cup sugar! Add one small jar of orange marmelade, add one half bag of thawed rasberries! mix together and store in canning jars with seals! Best if chilled before serving! I give it to family and friends as gifts at Thanksgiving and Christmas! You may also add about 1 cup of chopped pecans, finely chopped! Always sweeten to desired taste!
Merry Christmas and have safe holidays!