If you’re searching for the brightest, fruitiest side to dazzle your holiday table, look no further than this Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello. It’s a sweet-tart celebration of fresh cranberries, juicy oranges, crunchy nuts, and zesty cherry flavor, all suspended in a beautiful jewel-toned jello. No one can resist a spoonful—and it’s just as perfect for a special dinner as it is tucked beside your morning yogurt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Brightness: Every bite pops with tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and that sunshiny cherry jello flavor.
- Foolproof & Flexible: Simple prep—just pulse and stir!—and it’s delightfully forgiving if you like a chunkier or smoother relish.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: It sets in the fridge, so you can knock out a crowd-pleasing side the day before the feast.
- A Festive Showstopper: The vibrant ruby color and nutty crunch make this Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello as stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this irresistible Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello? Simple, garden-fresh ingredients that come together for a phenomenal balance of flavors and textures. Each brings something essential—don’t skip a single one!
- Cherry Jello (6 oz): The star of the show—gives the relish its lively color and sweet-tart backbone.
- Boiling Water (2 cups): Ensures the jello dissolves to a perfectly smooth base.
- Cranberries (12 oz, fresh or thawed): Deliver the main tangy punch and a lovely jewel-like look.
- Orange (zest and segments, 1 medium): Adds brightness, a hint of citrusy perfume, and juiciness throughout.
- Sugar (1 cup): Balances the sharpness of the cranberries and highlights the cherry flavor.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): For a refreshing, crisp bite that surprises in the best way.
- Pecans (½ cup): Lend buttery richness and a mild, earthy crunch.
- Walnuts (½ cup): Contribute a bold, slightly bitter note for flavor depth and extra texture.
Variations
The beauty of Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is how happily it welcomes your personal twist. Feel free to swap ingredients or play up flavors to suit your holiday menu or accommodate any dietary needs.
- Make It Nut-Free: Leave out the pecans and walnuts, or replace them with shelled sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch.
- Add Pineapple: Toss in a small can of drained crushed pineapple for a tropical tang and extra juiciness.
- Try Different Jello Flavors: Experiment with raspberry or cranberry jello instead of cherry for a new spin on the classic.
- Go Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free jello and a sugar substitute if you’re cutting back on added sugars—just adjust to your taste.
How to Make Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello
Step 1: Dissolve the Jello
Start by pouring the cherry jello powder into your serving dish—an 8×8” glass pan works perfectly. Carefully add the two cups of boiling water, stirring and scraping the bottom until everything is completely melted and crystal clear. There’s magic in watching that powder swirl into a vibrant, ruby syrup!
Step 2: Pulse the Fruit & Extras
In a food processor, combine the cranberries, peeled orange segments, orange zest, chopped celery, sugar, pecans, and walnuts. Pulse several times until the mixture is chopped small but still a little chunky—you want flecks of cranberry and bits of celery, not a smooth purée.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
Spoon the vibrant fruit and nut blend into your pan of dissolved jello. Stir thoroughly until everything is beautifully mixed—a swirl of colors and textures throughout that cherry foundation. Every bite should be bursting with flavor!
Step 4: Chill and Stir
Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and stash it in the refrigerator. After about one hour, give the mixture a good stir to keep the fruit distributed evenly. Recover and chill for at least two more hours, or until fully set. Right before serving, stir it up with a fork to break up the set jello and make it perfectly scoopable.
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello
- Texture Matters: Don’t over-process the fruit and nuts—some visible bits make the relish more interesting and keep it from turning to mush!
- Even Cooling: Stirring after the first hour in the fridge is key so the heavier nuts and fruit don’t all sink to the bottom as the jello sets.
- Orange Prep: Be sure to remove any pith (the white part) from the orange segments—it can add bitterness and dull the bright flavors.
- Set for Success: For the jello to set firmly, use boiling water as directed—lukewarm water can leave you with a runny mixture.
How to Serve Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello
Garnishes
Add a little festive flare by topping your Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello with extra orange zest, a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint, or even a handful of whole cranberries right before serving. Not only will it look gorgeous on the table, but these small additions boost the bright, fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This relish is a natural match for roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple roasted chicken—its tart sweetness works wonders alongside rich and savory main dishes. Don’t be surprised if it steals the show from traditional cranberry sauce! It’s also dreamy as a topping for cottage cheese or breakfast yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello into individual serving cups for a holiday buffet, use a ring mold for an eye-catching centerpiece, or even layer it in parfait glasses for brunch. If you’re feeling playful, fill small muffin molds for adorable, hand-held servings at a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello tightly covered in the fridge. It stays wonderfully fresh for up to four days, making it a perfect prep-ahead holiday dish or a cheerful addition to weekday lunches.
Freezing
While the texture of jello may change after freezing (it can become a little weepy or grainy), you can freeze the fruit and nut mixture on its own before adding to the jello. If you want to freeze the finished dish, wrap it airtight and thaw gently in the fridge—expect a slightly softer consistency, but all the flavor will still shine.
Reheating
No need to reheat! This relish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, which means zero fuss when it’s time to serve—just give it a good stir and scoop onto plates right from the fridge.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen cranberries before pulsing in the food processor—they’ll work beautifully and still give your relish that signature tartness and color.
-
How far in advance can I make this recipe?
Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is ideal for making 1–2 days ahead. It needs time to set, and the flavors actually deepen as it chills—just keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving time.
-
Can I substitute a different jello flavor?
Definitely! Raspberry or even cranberry-flavored jello are right at home in this recipe, and you can mix and match based on what’s available (or your personal favorite fruity flavor).
-
Do I need a food processor, or can this be chopped by hand?
You can definitely chop the fruit, celery, and nuts by hand if you don’t have a food processor. Just aim for small, even pieces so the flavors meld and the relish holds together well.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your holiday table or just a cozy Sunday brunch, Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello brings a burst of color and cheer. It’s one of those joyful recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again—so go ahead, give it a try and share a spoonful of something truly special with the people you love!
Print
Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and colorful Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion. This sweet and tangy relish is bursting with fresh flavors and crunchy textures, making it a versatile dish to accompany various meals.
Ingredients
Jello Mixture:
- 6 oz Cherry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
Relish:
- 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 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 chunky, not smooth.
- Combine: Pour the relish mixture into the liquid jello pan and stir well to mix.
- Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. After 1 hour, stir the jello, then refrigerate until set. Stir before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
