Festive Pineapple Cranberry Relish: A Sweet & Tangy Holiday Delight

Pineapple cranberry relish is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that perfectly complements holiday meals and elevates any dish with its sweet and tangy taste. This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in your mouth. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires minimal cooking, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.

This recipe provides detailed instructions on how to make a delicious and visually appealing pineapple cranberry relish that your guests will rave about. We’ll cover ingredient selection, preparation techniques, variations, and storage tips to ensure your relish turns out perfectly every time.

## Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cranberry Relish

* **Flavorful Combination:** The blend of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and zesty orange creates a balanced and irresistible flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal cooking and effort, making it a perfect choice for busy hosts.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the relish a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and saving you time on the day of your event.
* **Versatile:** This relish is not only a great accompaniment to turkey and ham but also pairs well with chicken, pork, and even grilled cheese sandwiches.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors of cranberries, pineapple, and orange make this relish a beautiful addition to any holiday table.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Fresh Cranberries:** 12 ounces (about 3 cups) – Fresh cranberries provide the tart base of the relish. Look for firm, plump cranberries with a deep red color.
* **Fresh Pineapple:** 2 cups, diced – Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and a tropical twist. Choose a ripe pineapple that yields slightly to pressure and has a sweet aroma.
* **Orange:** 1 large – The orange provides juice, zest, and pulp, adding brightness and complexity to the flavor. Use a navel or Valencia orange for the best results.
* **Sugar:** 1/2 cup, granulated – Sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries and adds sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* **Walnuts or Pecans:** 1/2 cup, chopped – Nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, minced – Fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy note.
* **Jalapeño:** 1/2, seeded and minced – For a touch of heat.
* **Cinnamon:** 1/4 teaspoon, ground – Adds warmth and holiday spice.
* **Dried Cranberries:** 1/2 cup – Adds a chewy texture and concentrated cranberry flavor.
* **Apple:** 1 medium, diced – Adds a different fruit flavor and texture.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Food Processor or Meat Grinder:** To chop the cranberries and pineapple.
* **Large Bowl:** To mix all the ingredients together.
* **Zester:** To zest the orange.
* **Juicer:** To juice the orange.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the ingredients.
* **Airtight Container:** For storing the relish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to create the most delicious Pineapple Cranberry Relish:

**1. Prepare the Cranberries:**

* Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water and remove any stems or bruised berries.
* In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until they are coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process them into a puree. Alternatively, you can use a meat grinder with a coarse grinding plate.

**2. Prepare the Pineapple:**

* Peel the pineapple and remove the core. Dice the pineapple into small pieces, about 1/4-inch in size. You can also pulse the pineapple in the food processor, but be careful not to over-process it.

**3. Prepare the Orange:**

* Zest the orange using a zester. Be sure to only zest the outer layer of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
* Juice the orange using a juicer or by hand. Remove any seeds from the juice.
* Segment the orange: cut off the top and bottom of the orange so that the flesh is exposed. Place the orange on one of the cut ends. Using a sharp knife, slice away the peel and white pith, following the curve of the fruit. Working over a bowl to catch the juices, cut along both sides of each segment to release it from the membrane. Discard the membrane and add the orange segments to the bowl.

**4. Combine the Ingredients:**

* In a large bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, diced pineapple, orange zest, orange juice, orange segments and sugar.
* If using any optional add-ins such as nuts, ginger, or jalapeño, add them to the bowl as well.

**5. Mix Well:**

* Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until the sugar is well distributed. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated.

**6. Chill and Serve:**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the relish for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
* Before serving, give the relish a good stir. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed, by adding more sugar or honey to your preference.
* Serve the pineapple cranberry relish chilled alongside your favorite holiday dishes, such as turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a delicious topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or toast.

## Tips for the Best Pineapple Cranberry Relish

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh cranberries and pineapple will provide the best flavor and texture for your relish. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** The amount of sugar in this recipe can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a tarter relish, use less sugar. If you like a sweeter relish, add more sugar or honey.
* **Don’t Over-Process:** When using a food processor to chop the cranberries and pineapple, be careful not to over-process them into a puree. You want the relish to have some texture.
* **Let the Flavors Meld:** Refrigerating the relish for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more complex and delicious taste.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt:** A small pinch of salt can enhance the flavors of the relish and balance the sweetness.
* **Experiment with Add-ins:** Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to customize the relish to your taste. Some other ideas include dried apricots, raisins, or chopped apples.
* **Strain for a Smoother Relish**: If you prefer a smoother relish, strain the mixture after processing to remove some of the liquid.

## Variations

Here are a few creative twists on the classic pineapple cranberry relish:

* **Spicy Pineapple Cranberry Relish:** Add a minced jalapeño pepper for a touch of heat. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your liking.
* **Ginger-Infused Pineapple Cranberry Relish:** Add a tablespoon of minced fresh ginger for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Nutty Pineapple Cranberry Relish:** Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Maple-Sweetened Pineapple Cranberry Relish:** Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a more natural and complex sweetness.
* **Citrus Burst Pineapple Cranberry Relish:** Add the zest and juice of a lime or grapefruit for an extra citrusy kick.
* **Cranberry Apple Pineapple Relish:** Combine diced apple with the other ingredients for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
* **Tropical Pineapple Cranberry Salsa:** Add red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a salsa-inspired twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Pineapple cranberry relish is a versatile condiment that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Classic Holiday Side Dish:** Serve it alongside turkey, ham, or roasted chicken for a festive holiday meal.
* **Sandwich Topping:** Spread it on sandwiches, wraps, or paninis for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Appetizer Accompaniment:** Serve it with crackers, cheese, or crostini for a delicious appetizer.
* **Yogurt or Oatmeal Topping:** Top your yogurt or oatmeal with a spoonful of relish for a flavorful breakfast or snack.
* **Grilled Meat Garnish:** Use it as a garnish for grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
* **Cheese Board Addition:** Add a small bowl of relish to your cheese board for a sweet and tart contrast to the savory cheeses.
* **Baked Brie Topping:** Spread the relish over a wheel of baked brie for a warm and gooey appetizer.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover pineapple cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, you can freeze the relish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Serving Size:** 1/4 cup
* **Calories:** 80-100
* **Total Fat:** 0g
* **Saturated Fat:** 0g
* **Cholesterol:** 0mg
* **Sodium:** 5mg
* **Total Carbohydrate:** 20g
* **Dietary Fiber:** 2g
* **Sugar:** 15g
* **Protein:** 0g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.

**Q: Can I make this relish without a food processor?**

A: Yes, you can chop the cranberries and pineapple by hand, but it will take more time and effort. A meat grinder can also be used.

**Q: How long will the relish last in the refrigerator?**

A: The relish will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

**Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?**

A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

**Q: Can I add alcohol to this relish?**

A: Yes, you can add a tablespoon or two of rum, Grand Marnier, or another liqueur to the relish for an extra layer of flavor. Add it after the relish has chilled for at least 2 hours.

**Q: What can I do with leftover relish?**

A: Leftover relish can be used in a variety of ways, such as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, a spread for sandwiches, or a garnish for grilled meats.

## Conclusion

This pineapple cranberry relish recipe is a simple yet elegant way to add a burst of flavor and color to your holiday table. With its sweet and tangy taste, it’s sure to be a hit with your guests. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and festive condiment that will elevate your meals to the next level! Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to create a relish that perfectly suits your taste. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

Enjoy!