Festive Cranberry Relish Salad 🥗🍂

This vibrant and refreshing salad is the perfect addition to your holiday table! Bursting with tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and sweet fruits, it brings a delightful burst of flavor that complements any festive feast. It's easy to whip up and can be made ahead of time, ensuring you can enjoy the celebrations without any last-minute stress. 🌟

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith for a tart contrast)
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• A pinch of salt

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

• In a food processor or blender, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and sugar. Pulse until coarsely chopped, but not pureed.

🥄 You want to preserve some texture in the relish. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on your taste preference.

• Transfer the cranberry mixture to a large bowl and add in the chopped apples, mandarin oranges, pecans, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold everything together until well combined.

• In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and black pepper until the dressing is emulsified.

• Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.

• Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

🧊 This salad can be made up to 3 days in advance! Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Variations

• Nut-free: Omit the pecans or substitute with seeds such as sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Add a twist: Stir in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy element that pairs deliciously with the tart cranberries.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.
• Tropical flair: Include diced pineapple or mango chunks to bring a tropical touch to your holiday salad.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this festive salad in a beautiful bowl, perhaps garnished with a few whole cranberries and sprigs of parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or glazed ham, and is sure to impress your guests! Enjoy! 🦃🍊