Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays – Incredible Flavor

The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and the undeniable aroma of delicious food wafting through the house. Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the invigorating scent of citrus mingling with sweet cranberries. That’s where our Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays comes into play! This delightful dish is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight that adds vibrant colors to your holiday spread.

I remember the first time I made this relish; my family thought I was some kind of culinary wizard! The truth is, it’s so easy to whip up that even someone who burns water can succeed. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a zesty companion to your Thanksgiving turkey, this relish will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients for Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays:

• Fresh Cranberries: Look for plump, bright red cranberries; they should be firm with no blemishes.
• Oranges: Use juicy oranges for zesting and juicing; they add a fresh, tangy flavor to the relish.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the brightness of the dish; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making this relish perfect for winter occasions.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts give a lovely crunch; you can toast them lightly to enhance their nutty flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water. Discard any that float—these little guys are no good! Next, zest one orange using a microplane or fine grater, then juice both oranges until you have about half a cup of juice.

Step 2: Cooking Time

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir well until everything melds together like best friends at a holiday party.

Step 3: Bring It to a Boil

Allow the mixture to come to a boil while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer. You’ll hear those cranberries popping away like popcorn!

Step 4: Add Flavor

After about ten minutes of simmering (or when most cranberries have burst), stir in ground cinnamon and chopped walnuts. Give it another minute or two on the heat until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Chill Out

Remove from heat and let your zesty creation cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge so those flavors can mingle overnight—trust me, they’ll thank you later!

Step 6: Serve With Style

Spoon your zesty citrus and cranberry relish into a decorative bowl during your holiday feast. Not only does it taste amazing, but its vibrant color will steal the spotlight at your dinner table!

This relish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as an unexpected topping on cream cheese or yogurt. So go ahead; make extra—it disappears faster than cookies at Santa’s workshop!

Enjoy creating this festive masterpiece that adds both zing and cheer to your holiday celebrations!

Perfecting Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results with your Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays, start by preparing your ingredients—chop, zest, and measure everything first. Combine cranberries with citrus juices in a pot, simmer until bursting, then stir in sugar and spices.

Add Your Touch to Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays

Make this Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays your own by swapping out the orange for grapefruit or adding jalapeños for a spicy kick. Consider including nuts like pecans or walnuts to add texture.

Storing & Reheating Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays

Store your Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If reheating, warm gently on the stove to maintain flavors without losing freshness.

Sometimes I whip up this relish when friends visit, and they always rave about how it brightens up their holiday meals—who knew cranberry could be such a crowd-pleaser?

FAQs About Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays

What is Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays?

The Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays is a vibrant, tangy condiment that combines fresh cranberries with citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. This relish adds a refreshing twist to your holiday meals, enhancing the flavors of roasted meats or served alongside cheese boards. Its bright color and zesty flavor make it a festive addition to any table, elevating traditional dishes and impressing your guests.

How can I serve Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish?

You can serve Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish as a side dish with turkey or ham during holiday dinners. It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses on charcuterie boards, providing a delightful contrast in flavors. For those who enjoy brunch, consider topping pancakes or waffles with this relish for an unexpected but tasty twist. Additionally, it works well as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, giving your meals a refreshing kick.

Can I make Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish up to two days before serving. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating an even more delicious condiment. Store the relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to ensure everything is well combined after chilling.

What ingredients are needed for the Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays?

To create the Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays, you’ll need fresh cranberries, oranges, lemon juice, sugar, and optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. The cranberries provide tartness while the citrus fruits add brightness and sweetness when balanced with sugar. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor!

Conclusion for Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays

The Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays is not only easy to prepare but also brings a burst of flavor that enhances any meal. By combining fresh cranberries with zesty citrus fruits, you create a vibrant condiment that can elevate traditional dishes. Whether served alongside roasted meats or as part of a cheese platter, this relish adds festive cheer to your holiday gatherings. Enjoy making this delightful dish as part of your seasonal celebrations!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish is a vibrant holiday condiment that combines tart cranberries with refreshing citrus for a delightful burst of flavor, perfect for festive meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 juicy oranges (zested and juiced)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (toasted optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Rinse cranberries under cold water, discarding any that float. Zest one orange and juice both oranges until you have about half a cup of juice.
2. Cooking Time: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until well mixed.
3. Bring to Boil: Allow the mixture to boil while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes or until most cranberries burst.
4. Add Flavor: Stir in ground cinnamon and chopped walnuts. Cook for an additional minute until combined.
5. Chill Out: Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
6. Serve With Style: Transfer the relish to a decorative bowl before serving to enhance your holiday feast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg