Sparkle up your holiday table with this Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello—a magical blend of tart cranberries, juicy cherries, crunchy nuts, and zesty orange, all nestled in a shimmering cherry jello base. It’s a flavor-packed side that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving, but honestly, it’s irresistible any time of year!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Showstopper on the Table: The dazzling color and textured layers turn even a simple dinner into a festive event.
- Burst of Sweet-Tart Flavors: Each spoonful pops with bold fruitiness, nutty crunch, and fresh citrus zing for palate-pleasing excitement.
- Effortless and Make-Ahead Friendly: It comes together in minutes and is even better after chilling, taking the stress out of big holiday meals.
- Unbelievably Versatile: Not just for turkey—try it with chicken, dolloped on yogurt, or spooned over cottage cheese for a bright breakfast twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’re just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce away from Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello glory. Every ingredient in this recipe has a special job, from adding bold pops of color and flavor to creating the irresistible crunch and shimmer we all crave in a holiday side.
- 6 oz Cherry Jello: This forms the luscious, jewel-toned base that binds the fruit and nuts together and gives the dish its signature wobble and shine.
- 2 cups boiling water: The hot liquid ensures your jello dissolves completely for that glossy, smooth finish.
- 12 oz cranberries (fresh or thawed): Cranberries provide that tart edge and vibrant ruby color only they can pull off—frozen work beautifully if fresh aren’t in season.
- 1 medium orange (zest and segments): Orange brightens the entire dish and adds juicy bites as well as aromatic zest; it’s the secret to balancing the sweetness.
- 1 cup sugar: Just enough to round out the tartness of the fruit without making it overly sweet; don’t worry, the orange and cranberries still shine through.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: This one always surprises people! Celery adds crispness and just a hint of savory freshness to every bite.
- 1/2 cup pecans: Toasty, buttery, and slightly sweet, pecans help provide crunch and warmth—don’t skip!
- 1/2 cup walnuts: Walnuts add depth of flavor and extra texture; if you only have one kind of nut, feel free to use all of one or the other.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is how easy it is to tailor. You can get creative with swaps based on personal tastes, what’s in your fridge, or if you’re making it for someone with allergies or dietary restrictions. Here’s how to make it uniquely yours:
- Add Pineapple or Apple: Toss in drained crushed pineapple or small apple dice for an extra zingy bite and more juicy sweetness.
- Change Up the Nuts: Swap pecans and walnuts for slivered almonds or leave them out for a nut-free version—it’s still wonderfully textured.
- Use Sugar-Free Jello: For a lighter or diabetic-friendly option, sugar-free jello works beautifully and is just as festive.
- Replace Celery with Carrot: If celery isn’t your thing, shredded carrots add color, crunch and subtle sweetness—plus, it’s a fun twist!
How to Make Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Jello Base
Begin by dissolving your cherry jello in the two cups of boiling water, right in an 8×8 glass dish (or any heatproof pan you like). Stir well until every last speck of powder is melted and the liquid is clear—super important for that silky-smooth texture. This vivid crimson base sets the stage for your cranberry and nut mixture to truly shine!
Step 2: Pulse the Relish Ingredients
In your food processor, add the cranberries, orange segments, zest, sugar, celery, pecans, and walnuts. Pulse several times, scraping the bowl as needed, until everything is finely chopped but definitely not pureed—you want it chunky and vibrant! This keeps every bite interesting, with pops of fruit, orange brightness, and plenty of crunch.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour your chunky fruit and nut mixture into the pan with the dissolved jello. Stir well to evenly distribute the good stuff! Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour, giving it a gentle stir after the first hour (this keeps all the goodies from sinking to the bottom). Let it continue to set for another couple of hours, then give it a final gentle stir before serving for that beautiful “broken jello” look.
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello
- Chop Not Purée: For the best texture, pulse the mixture just until chunky—over-processing leads to jam, not relish, and you want every ingredient to shine.
- Stir During Setting: After the jello starts to firm up in the fridge, give it a gentle stir; this suspension step stops all the fruit and nuts from sinking to the bottom.
- Make Ahead Magic: Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello tastes even better when made a day in advance, letting the flavors mingle and mellow!
- Zest First, Then Segment: It’s easiest to zest the orange before cutting it—this little step will save your knuckles and bring big citrus aroma to the final dish.
How to Serve Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello
Garnishes
This glistening relish needs little else, but if you want to dress it up, sprinkle a handful of fresh orange zest, a few whole cranberries, or extra toasted nuts right before serving. A fresh mint sprig or two on top also adds a festive touch and a hint of herbal fragrance.
Side Dishes
Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is the ultimate sidekick for Thanksgiving turkey, roast chicken, or even glazed ham. It beautifully balances rich, savory mains and feels just at home alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or green bean casserole. Believe me, a scoop of this brightens up the entire plate!
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop it into small glass dishes or parfait cups for elegant individual servings; I also love piling it into a decorative bowl with a pretty spoon. For brunch, try spooning Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello over thick Greek yogurt, creamy cottage cheese, or even waffles for a sweetly tart morning treat. It’s too gorgeous to keep tucked away—let it shine at every meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello keeps best tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out or pick up other fridge flavors. Give it a gentle stir before serving each time to refresh the texture.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze the relish, the texture of the jello and fresh fruit changes after thawing, becoming a bit watery and less vibrant. I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerating only, but if you must freeze, use an airtight container and thaw gently in the fridge before stirring and serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed for this one! Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, straight from the fridge, so it’s always ready to serve without fuss.
FAQs
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Can I make Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend preparing Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello the day before serving. The flavors deepen as it sits, and it sets beautifully overnight, making your holiday prep a breeze.
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What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem—just chop the cranberries, orange, celery, and nuts as finely as possible by hand for a rustic, chunky texture. It might take a little more time, but your relish will still be fantastic!
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Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly! Just let them thaw a bit before pulsing in the food processor. Their tart flavor and gorgeous color are just as bright as the fresh variety.
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Is it possible to make Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello nut-free?
Definitely! Just leave out the pecans and walnuts or swap in toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. The relish will still be deliciously vibrant and crowd-pleasing.
Final Thoughts
If your holiday table is looking for a fresh burst of flavor and color, you cannot go wrong with Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello. It’s as easy as it is unforgettable, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe. I hope you love it as much as our family does!
Print
Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and colorful Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello recipe that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion. The combination of sweet cherry jello, tart cranberries, citrusy orange, and crunchy nuts creates a flavorful and vibrant dish.
Ingredients
- 6 oz Cherry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 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
Jello:
Relish:
Instructions
- Dissolve Jello: In a glass 8×8 pan, dissolve cherry jello in boiling water, stirring until clear.
- Prepare Relish: Pulse cranberries, orange segments, zest, sugar, celery, and nuts in a food processor until finely chopped but chunky.
- Combine: Pour the relish mixture into the liquid jello pan, stir well to mix.
- Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. After 1 hour, stir the jello, cover, and refrigerate until set. Stir again before serving.
Notes
- This relish can be served as a side dish for Thanksgiving or with chicken. It also pairs well with cottage cheese or yogurt for breakfast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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