Cranberry sauce is traditionally cooked, whereas cranberry relish is a fresh, raw side dish. Adding orange in one form or another is a classic flavor in both, as is a sweetener like sugar or honey. However, cranberry sauce is often a much sweeter, smoother dish. While relish is a bit more sour and has texture. Cranberry sauce is simmered on the stove, while relish gets it fine texture from a food processor, blender, or a knife and a bit of elbow grease.