Cranberry Relish Salad
Thanksgiving. The word conjures up images of family gatherings, cozy sweaters, and of course, a table laden with delicious dishes. But let's be honest, sometimes the same old traditional recipes can get a little…well, predictable. This year, why not shake things up with a vibrant and refreshing twist on a holiday classic? Enter: the Cranberry Relish Salad! This isn't your grandma's cranberry sauce (though we love you, Grandma!). This is a light, bright, and utterly irresistible salad that’s perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light dessert. It balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of other fruits and a creamy dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will adore.
Equipment
- food processor
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Cranberries
- 12 ounce fresh cranberries rinsed
- 1 orange peeled and segmented
- 1 apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) cored and diced
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries optional, for extra sweetness
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier option
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon orange juice
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries: In a food processor, pulse the fresh cranberries until coarsely chopped. Don’t over-process them; you want some texture! If you don't have a food processor, you can finely chop them by hand.
- Combine the Fruits: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, orange segments, and diced apple. Make sure the orange is well segmented to remove any seeds and membranes.
- Add the Nuts and Dried Cranberries (Optional): Add the chopped pecans or walnuts (or your chosen nut substitute) and the optional dried cranberries to the bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), honey (or maple syrup), orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and gently stir to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for the flavors to fully develop and for the cranberries to soften slightly.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness if needed. Garnish with extra orange zest or chopped nuts for a beautiful presentation. This cranberry relish salad is ready to be the star of your thanksgiving dinner table!
Notes
This cranberry relish salad is a fresh and elegant addition to your Thanksgiving celebration. It's best made ahead to allow flavors to meld and can be customized with nuts or substitutions as needed. Enjoy a festive and healthy twist on a classic!