If you’re searching for a delightful, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that will become the star of your holiday table or any special meal, look no further than the Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe. This vibrant relish marries the tartness of fresh cranberries and juicy cherries with the bright citrus notes of orange, all set in a smooth cherry Jello base that adds a beautiful color and a unique texture. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and a wonderful way to bring a splash of festive cheer to your plate. Trust me, once you try this Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved tradition you’ll want to share year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, fresh, and wholesome ingredients that come together to create an irresistible burst of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing tartness, sweetness, crunch, and creaminess, making the relish unforgettable.
- 6 oz Cherry Jello: Provides the beautiful red hue and a smooth, gelled texture that holds the relish together.
- 2 cups boiling water: Needed to dissolve the Jello perfectly, ensuring the base is smooth and fully set.
- 12 oz cranberries (fresh or thawed): The star tart fruit that gives the relish its signature zing and vibrant flavor.
- 1 medium orange zest and segments: Adds bright citrus notes and fresh juiciness to balance the tartness.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the relish just enough to complement the cranberries and cherries without overpowering.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Offers a crisp texture and subtle earthiness, enhancing the overall complexity.
- 1/2 cup pecans: Adds a buttery crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the Jello.
- 1/2 cup walnuts: Further enriches the texture, providing additional crunch and heartiness.
How to Make Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve the Jello
Start by taking your cherry Jello powder and dissolving it completely in 2 cups of boiling water. You want to stir until the liquid is perfectly clear and there are no granules left. This step is crucial because a smooth base means your relish will set up beautifully with an inviting, glossy finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Relish Mixture
While your Jello cools slightly, gather the cranberries, orange zest and segments, sugar, celery, and nuts. Toss them all into a food processor and pulse gently. Aim for a finely chopped but still chunky texture — that way, you get bursts of flavor and lovely contrasts in every bite. The cranberries and orange shine here, giving such freshness that you’ll instantly recognize this is not your average condiment.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Now pour your relish mixture into the glass pan with the dissolved cherry Jello. Stir everything together well so each bite promises a perfect blend of jello and fresh fruit. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. After about an hour, take it out and give the relish another good stir to distribute the setting jello evenly. Cover again and chill until fully set — this step is what gives the dish its unique, delightful texture.
Step 4: Final Stir Before Serving
Before you serve, take one last gentle stir to break up the Jello into chunks, mingling all the flavors and textures. This step ensures the relish is refreshing, zesty, and wonderfully easy to spoon onto any plate.
How to Serve Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe even further, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or a few whole pecans on top just before serving. These touches add a pop of color and a nice contrast in texture that makes the relish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This relish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, pork tenderloin, or even grilled chicken. It’s the perfect balance to rich, savory dishes and adds a burst of brightness that refreshes your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this relish in a chilled glass bowl or even molded in a decorative dish to impress your guests. For holiday dinners, consider scooping it into small ramekins or on top of cream cheese slices served with crackers for an easy appetizer that’s both elegant and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout your celebrations.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this relish because the Jello base will lose its texture and become watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated if you want to keep it for a few days.
Reheating
This relish is meant to be served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. Taking it straight out of the fridge ensures it maintains that refreshing, cool consistency that makes it so unique.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly here, just make sure to thaw them fully before pulsing in the food processor so the texture stays just right.
What if I can’t find cherry Jello?
If you can’t find cherry Jello, try raspberry or strawberry Jello as a substitute. These flavors still complement the tart cranberries beautifully and offer a similar vibrant color.
Is this recipe very sweet?
This Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe strikes a lovely balance of sweet and tart. The sugar adds just enough sweetness to highlight the fruits without overpowering their natural flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Traditional Jello contains gelatin, which isn’t vegan-friendly. However, you can use a plant-based gelatin alternative like agar-agar to make this recipe vegan while keeping the texture similar.
How long does it take for the relish to set?
The relish starts setting after about 3-4 hours in the refrigerator, but it’s best to leave it overnight to ensure it’s fully firm with a perfect scoopable texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe that brings joy with every bite. Its bright colors, lively textures, and fresh, festive flavors make it a standout addition to any meal. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it to be a charming crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, leaving you eager for the next time you get to make it again.
Print
Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 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, tangy, and sweet holiday side dish that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries and bright orange with the smooth texture of cherry Jello. Enhanced with crunchy celery and mixed nuts, it’s a perfect colorful accompaniment for festive meals, requiring no cooking and minimal preparation time aside from chilling.
Ingredients
Gelatin Base
- 6 oz Cherry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
Relish Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or thawed cranberries
- 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 6 ounces of cherry Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir continuously until the Jello is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
- Prepare Relish: Using a food processor, pulse 12 ounces of cranberries, the zest and segments of one medium orange, 1 cup sugar, 2 chopped celery stalks, 1/2 cup pecans, and 1/2 cup walnuts. Process until the mixture is finely chopped but still chunky to retain texture.
- Combine: Pour the chopped relish mixture into the warm liquid Jello in the pan. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the relish ingredients are evenly distributed within the gelatin liquid.
- Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. After 1 hour, remove and stir the Jello mixture to redistribute any settling ingredients. Cover again and refrigerate until fully set, approximately an additional 2 hours. Stir once more before serving to enhance texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed cranberries for best texture and flavor.
- Stirring during chilling helps maintain an even consistency and prevent fruit from sinking.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For nut allergies, omit nuts or substitute with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Adjust sugar based on personal sweetness preference or use a sugar substitute for a lower sugar version.
