This Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is the perfect addition to your next holiday meal. Tangy, sweet, and super easy to make, this recipe will boost the flavor of all your favorite classic dishes.

Holiday season is swiftly approaching! The leaves are slowly beginning to change and potlucks are back on the schedule. One of my favorite things about the holidays is getting the chance to showcase and share some of my favorite recipes! 

I particularly love finding easy ways to make any dish more delicious, and that is why I am so excited to share this recipe for cherry cranberry relish with Jello. It is remarkably easy to make and enhances the flavor and presentation of literally every dish I have tried it with. Some of my top recommendations include Dry Brined Turkey Breast, Grilled Spatchcock Chicken, or Balsamic Pork Chops. 

The truth is that this fast, easy, and fresh condiment makes everything taste amazing — any time of the year. I actually buy bags of cranberries and freeze them for later use throughout the year if unavailable.

I have even found ways to enjoy cranberry Jello relish for breakfast! Put a dollop of deliciousness on top of your next serving of oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese (my favorite breakfast!). I’m sure you’ll love it!

INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS 

• Cherry Jello – This is my secret weapon. Cherry Jello adds sweetness and rich color while holding the whole dish together. Strawberry gelatin would also work.
• Boiling Water – Cold water won’t dissolve the Jello so make sure it’s really nice and hot.
• Cranberries – These tart berries are usually come into season in September or October, making them a popular feature during the holidays. I love to grab a few extra bags to keep in the freezer for when they are no longer sold in stores. For this recipe, you can use either fresh or thawed cranberries, but not canned. 
• Orange Sections – Cranberry and oranges were made to go together! This citrus adds a lovely flavor boost while providing tons of vitamin C. Navel oranges are my favorite to use since you don’t have to worry about the seeds. 
• Orange Zest – Don’t forget to zest first! A little goes a long way to add brightness and a great big flavor boost to this dish.
• Sugar – Cranberries are wonderful but they are incredibly tart on their own. Sugar is here to sweeten the deal and balance out the tartness. 
• Celery – Celery adds just the right amount of freshness and crunch to your relish. 
• Pecans & Walnuts – Pecans help to balance out the tart relish by adding a warm, earthy flavor and irresistible crunch. Walnuts do the same job but with a slightly different flavor. I like using them together for maximum nuttiness.

HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY RELISH WITH JELLO

1. Prepare the Jello. Use the hot water to dissolve the Jello right in your pan of choice. I like to use an 8×8 inch glass pan. Stir the mixture until clear and completely dissolved. 

2. Chop remaining ingredients. Use your food processor to combine the cranberries, orange segments, zest, sugar, celery, and nuts. Pulse several times. It’s okay if the pieces end up being small, but be sure not to blend until smooth. 

3. Combine everything in the pan. Transfer your blended ingredients to the pan with the Jello mixture. Stir to thoroughly combine. 

4. Chill. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. After one hour, stir the mixture and return it to the refrigerator to continue setting. Once set, stir thoroughly before serving. Enjoy!

How Do I Serve Cherry Cranberry Relish With Jello?

Any way you like it! Cherry cranberry relish with Jello is a great compliment to your next Thanksgiving and or Christmas spread, and it is just as good year-round. 

Try it with turkey, chicken, duck, or ham. It’s also great on top of yogurt, cottage cheese, or oatmeal for breakfast. 

Feel free to get creative and let me know your favorite way to enjoy this recipe.

Is Cranberry Relish the Same as Cranberry Sauce?

Cranberry relish is made with raw, fresh cranberries that are chopped and mixed up with sugar and other ingredients. It is never cooked — this makes it much fresher and really allows the naturally tart flavors to shine. 

Cranberry sauce, on the other hand, is cooked and is typically much sweeter. It’s often smooth, without the addition of crunchy ingredients such as nuts or celery.  

What Is Cranberry Relish Made Of?

Traditionally, cranberry relish is made from blending finely chopped cranberries with sugar, fruit, nuts, and other ingredients. Making my cherry cranberry relish with Jello makes the whole process much easier since the gelatin holds everything together. 

Can I Make Cranberry Jello Relish Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! In fact, I think this recipe is even tastier after the flavors have marinated together for a few days. 

Once prepared, you can store your relish in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Be sure to keep it covered in an airtight container. This will keep it fresher and prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge. 

This recipe post, originally published on Kevin Is Cooking December, 2015, has been updated with new content, photos and/or video in October, 2022.