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Easy Creamy Cranberry Relish Salad Recipe
katya bou

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Large bowl

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 4gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.2mg

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!
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