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If you’re looking for a vibrant, zesty, and slightly nutty holiday side or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next gathering, the Cherry Cranberry Jello Relish with Nuts and Orange Recipe is just the ticket. This dish perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries and cherries with the bright citrus notes of fresh orange, all tied together with a pleasing crunch from pecans and walnuts. It’s an old-school favorite made fresh and exciting again, bursting with color and flavor, and it always brings smiles to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, taste, and festive look of this relish. From the shimmering cherry jello to the crunchy nuts and fresh orange zest, everything works in harmony.
- 6 oz Cherry Jello: This provides the iconic fruity and sweet gelatin base that sets the whole dish.
- 2 cups boiling water: Needed to dissolve the jello properly for a smooth consistency.
- 12 oz cranberries (fresh or thawed): The star ingredient, bringing a bright, tart punch that’s absolutely irresistible.
- 1 medium orange zest and segments: Adds fresh citrus brightness and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the tart cranberries and orange with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Provides a subtle crunch and a refreshing contrast to the fruity elements.
- 1/2 cup pecans: Offers rich, buttery flavor and a lovely crunch.
- 1/2 cup walnuts: Adds earthiness and texture to round out the nutty flavor.
How to Make Cherry Cranberry Jello Relish with Nuts and Orange Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve the Cherry Jello
Start by pouring 2 cups of boiling water into an 8×8 glass pan and whisk in the 6 ounces of cherry jello until it completely dissolves and the liquid is clear. This step lays the smooth, glossy foundation for your relish and ensures it sets perfectly later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Relish Mixture
Next, toss the cranberries, orange segments and zest, sugar, celery, and both pecans and walnuts into a food processor. Pulse them just enough to finely chop everything while keeping a chunky texture—this prevents it from turning into a puree, giving you lovely bursts of flavor and crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Relish with Jello
Pour the finely chopped relish mixture right into the warm, dissolved cherry jello. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly combined. This step helps the flavors meld together while the nuts stay delightfully crunchy against the smooth jello backdrop.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. After an hour, stir the mixture gently to redistribute the texture, cover it again, and chill until fully set—usually a few more hours. Just before serving, give it one last stir to keep that inviting, fresh look and wonderful texture intact.
How to Serve Cherry Cranberry Jello Relish with Nuts and Orange Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of elegance and freshness, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before serving. A few thin strips of orange zest or a handful of whole fresh cranberries scattered over the relish add visual appeal and reinforce the bright citrus and berry flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This relish works wonderfully as a tangy companion to holiday roasts like turkey or ham. It also pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or even a simple plate of roasted vegetables, balancing richer dishes with its zesty, refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, try scooping the relish into individual glass ramekins or clear cups to show off the jewel-like colors. You can also spread it atop crackers with a slice of creamy brie for a delightful appetizer. The cherry cranberry jello relish with nuts and orange recipe is as versatile as it is vibrant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This relish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when covered tightly. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your leftovers even more delicious if you can wait!
Freezing
Because of the gel and fresh fruit combination, freezing is not recommended. It can alter the texture and cause the gel to weep when thawed, so it’s best to enjoy this relish fresh.
Reheating
This dish is served cold and doesn’t require reheating. Just give it a gentle stir to bring back its fresh texture and flavors before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are thawed and drained well before pulsing in the food processor. Frozen berries are a convenient option and work just as well as fresh ones.
Is it possible to substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap pecans and walnuts for other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just chop them roughly to maintain the crunch.
Can I make this for a vegan or vegetarian diet?
While the jello used here typically contains gelatin, you can find vegan-friendly gelatin alternatives like agar agar or plant-based gelatin substitutes to make this relish suitable for vegans.
How far in advance can I prepare this relish?
You can prepare the Cherry Cranberry Jello Relish with Nuts and Orange Recipe up to two days ahead. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What if I want it less sweet?
Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly according to your taste. The tartness of the cranberries and citrus will still shine through, and you can always add a little honey or maple syrup if you want a natural sweetener alternative.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Cranberry Jello Relish with Nuts and Orange Recipe is truly a nostalgic yet fresh addition to any meal that deserves some sparkle. Its bright, tangy, and crunchy notes make it stand out, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished classic reinvented for today. I can’t wait for you to share this vibrant dish with your loved ones and watch their faces light up with delight!
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Cherry Cranberry Jello Relish with Nuts and Orange Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is a vibrant and tangy holiday side dish that combines the tartness of cranberries and oranges with the sweetness of cherry Jello, nuts, and celery for added crunch. It’s quick to prepare with no cooking involved, making it a perfect festive accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Jello Mixture
- 6 oz Cherry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
Relish Mixture
- 12 oz cranberries (fresh or thawed)
- 1 medium orange (zest and segments)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Dissolve Jello: In a glass 8×8-inch pan, dissolve the 6 oz of cherry Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir continuously until the mixture is clear and the Jello is fully dissolved.
- Prepare Relish Mixture: Using a food processor, pulse the cranberries, orange segments and zest, sugar, chopped celery, pecans, and walnuts until the ingredients are finely chopped but still retain some chunky texture for a pleasing bite.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the chopped relish mixture into the dissolved Jello in the glass pan. Stir well to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
- Chill and Set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. After 1 hour, remove and stir the Jello mixture to redistribute the ingredients. Cover again and continue refrigerating until the relish is fully set, typically a few more hours or overnight. Stir again just before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh cranberries provides the best texture but thawed frozen cranberries work well too.
- Ensure the Jello is completely dissolved in boiling water to avoid graininess.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on the tartness of your cranberries and personal preference.
- Chilling time may vary; allow ample time for the Jello to set firmly.
- This relish can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
