Zesty Cranberry Citrus Delight Recipe: A Tangy Sweet Treat

Bursting with vibrant flavors, this cranberry citrus delight blends tangy and sweet notes into a refreshing culinary experience.

Zesty oranges and bright cranberries dance together in a delightful harmony of taste.

The recipe promises a burst of sunshine on your plate, capturing the essence of seasonal freshness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright citrus undertones.

Lightweight and elegant, this dish works beautifully as a dessert or a stunning side.

The combination of ingredients creates a mouthwatering treat that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Get ready to savor a recipe that brings pure joy to your dining table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 162 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Cranberry Citrus

• Cranberries: Bright, tart berries that provide a vibrant color and zesty punch; choose plump, firm berries without soft spots or mold.
• Orange: Adds bright citrusy notes and natural sweetness; select heavy, firm oranges with smooth skin for maximum zest and juice.

• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries and enhances overall flavor; helps create a smooth, cohesive texture.

• Walnuts, Pecans: Optional add-ins that bring delightful crunch and nutty depth; toast briefly to intensify their rich, earthy flavor.

Tools to Mix Cranberry Citrus

• Food Processor: Essential for coarsely chopping cranberries, orange, and blending ingredients smoothly.
• Serving Bowl: Perfect for mixing and presenting the cranberry citrus relish.
• Zester or Grater: Needed to extract orange zest before chopping.
• Measuring Cup: Helps accurately measure granulated sugar.
• Cutting Board: Used for preparing ingredients before processing.
• Sharp Knife: Helps quarter the orange and chop nuts if using.
• Colander or Strainer: Useful for washing cranberries under cold water.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and mix ingredients evenly in the food processor.

How to Assemble Cranberry Citrus

• Fruit Fusion Base

Gather fresh, vibrant cranberries and a ripe orange from your kitchen. The bright colors will hint at the delightful flavor combination waiting to burst on your palate.

• Processor Magic

Drop the cranberries and orange chunks into your food processor. Give a few quick pulses to create a rustic, textured blend that captures the essence of homemade goodness.

• Nutty Dimension

Sprinkle in a handful of crunchy walnuts or pecans, adding a delightful earthy undertone that complements the tangy fruit mixture. Gently fold these through the relish for a perfect balance.

• Flavor Harmony

Let the relish rest in a beautiful serving bowl. This short waiting period allows the ingredients to dance together, intensifying the bright, zesty notes and creating a symphony of taste.

• Festive Presentation

Serve your cranberry creation alongside your main course. Whether chilled or at room temperature, this vibrant side dish will elevate your meal with its bold, refreshing character.

Tips for Balancing Cranberry and Citrus Flavors

• Toast nuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty richness and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on cranberries' tartness and personal preference, using honey or maple syrup as alternative natural sweeteners for different flavor nuances.
• Prepare this relish up to 3 days in advance, allowing flavors to intensify and develop a more harmonious blend in the refrigerator.
• Experiment with texture by using different chopping techniques – coarse for rustic feel or finer for smoother consistency depending on serving preference.
• Incorporate fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, or dash of Grand Marnier for unexpected flavor complexity that elevates the traditional cranberry relish.

Serving Cranberry Citrus Cool

• Pair with Roasted Turkey: Spoon this zesty relish alongside perfectly roasted turkey for a burst of bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the rich meat.
• Spread on Holiday Sandwiches: Layer the cranberry citrus mixture on leftover turkey sandwiches or as a condiment for cold cuts to add a festive kick.
• Elevate Cheese Platters: Use this vibrant relish as a complementary spread on a charcuterie board, pairing wonderfully with soft brie or sharp cheddar cheeses.
• Quick Dessert Topping: Dollop the relish over vanilla ice cream or pound cake for an unexpected and refreshing sweet-tart dessert accent.

Storage Tips for Cranberry Citrus Bowls

• Store Fresh and Vibrant: Keep the Cranberry Citrus Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its zesty flavor and crisp texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Transfer the relish to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, storing for up to 2 months without losing its bright, tangy essence.
• Smart Portioning Tips: Divide the relish into small serving-sized containers before freezing, making it easy to thaw exactly what you need for a quick meal accompaniment.
• Revive Stored Relish: Gently stir the relish after thawing to redistribute the ingredients and restore its fresh, vibrant character before serving.

Vibrant Cranberry Citrus Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cranberry citrus delight brings zesty flavors together in a refreshing winter dessert. Balanced tart and sweet notes invite seasonal celebrations, drawing guests closer to delightful culinary experiences you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large orange, zested and quartered
• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60 g) walnuts or pecans, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly rinse cranberries under cool water, pat dry. Extract orange zest using microplane grater, quarter orange while preserving peel for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Blending: Combine cranberries, orange quarters, and sugar in food processor. Pulse ingredients to create a coarse, vibrant mixture that melds citrus and berry essences, ensuring a textured consistency.
3. Nutty Enhancement: Gently fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the cranberry-orange blend, ensuring even distribution of nutty elements throughout the relish.
4. Flavor Development: Transfer relish to serving bowl and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This critical resting period enables ingredients to meld, intensifying the complex flavor profile and allowing subtle notes to emerge.
5. Serving: Present the cranberry citrus relish either slightly chilled or at room temperature as a versatile accompaniment to roasted meats, holiday entrees, or as a zesty condiment that elevates the overall dining experience.

Notes

• Rinse Carefully: Gently wash cranberries under cool water to prevent bruising and remove any debris, ensuring a clean and fresh base for your relish.
• Zest with Precision: Use a microplane grater to extract vibrant orange zest before quartering the fruit, maximizing flavor intensity and aromatic potential.
• Pulse for Texture: Short, rhythmic pulses in the food processor create a coarse, rustic consistency that balances the cranberries’ tartness with the orange’s brightness.
• Rest and Develop: Allow the relish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, letting the ingredients meld and intensify their complementary flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg