Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?

Yes, regular cucumbers work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to remove the seeds before dicing to prevent excess moisture. Pickling cucumbers will give a slightly firmer texture, but both varieties deliver delicious results.

Why do I need to let the vegetables sit overnight with salt?

This crucial step draws out excess moisture from the vegetables, which concentrates their flavor and improves the final texture of your relish. The salt also begins a light fermentation process that develops the characteristic pickle flavor. Don't skip this step!

Can I make this relish without sugar?

While the sweetness balances the vinegar beautifully, you can reduce the simple syrup to ¼ cup for a tangier relish. For sugar-free versions, try a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit syrup, though you may need to adjust quantities based on sweetness levels.

How long does homemade pickle relish last?

When stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator, this relish stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage without canning, freeze portions for up to 4 months. You'll know it's time to discard if you notice any off smells, mold, or significant texture changes.

Homemade Pickle Relish Recipe

This homemade pickle relish transforms ordinary vegetables into a perfectly balanced condiment that brightens up any dish it touches. With its crisp texture and tangy-sweet flavor profile, this recipe delivers fresh, vibrant results that simply can’t be matched by store-bought versions. Best of all, while it does need to rest overnight, the hands-on preparation time is minimal, making it a perfect weekend project with delicious rewards!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Superior Flavor: The fresh ingredients create a depth of flavor that store-bought relish simply can’t match. You’ll taste the difference immediately!
Customizable: Want it spicier? Prefer a dill variety? This recipe serves as the perfect base for creating your ideal relish flavor profile.
Multi-Purpose: This versatile condiment goes beyond hot dogs and hamburgers – use it in potato salad, deviled eggs, tuna salad, or as a tangy topping for grilled meats.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare a batch during the weekend and enjoy it for weeks to come. The flavor actually improves after a day or two in the refrigerator.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cucumbers: The foundation of any good pickle relish, providing the perfect crunch and taking on the flavors of the brine beautifully. Choose firm cucumbers without soft spots.
Red Onion: Adds a lovely purple hue and sharp flavor that mellows beautifully during the pickling process.
Yellow Bell Pepper: Brings a sweet, mild flavor and bright color contrast that makes this relish visually appealing.
Sea Salt: Not just for flavor – it helps draw moisture from the vegetables, concentrating their flavor and improving the final texture.
Pickling Spice: The secret flavor powerhouse that infuses the relish with complex notes. This spice blend typically contains mustard seeds, allspice, coriander, bay leaves, and other aromatics.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the perfect tangy backbone while adding subtle apple notes that balance the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent, helping the relish achieve that perfect consistency.
Simple Syrup: Balances the acidity with just the right amount of sweetness. Using simple syrup instead of granulated sugar ensures smooth integration.
Celery Salt: Adds a savory depth that rounds out all the flavors. This ingredient is what gives the relish that “something special” quality.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Pickle Relish

Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the pickling spices, or include a finely diced jalapeño with the vegetables for a relish with serious kick.

Dill Pickle Relish

Add 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill to the vegetable mixture when adding the pickling spices for a classic dill flavor.

Sweet and Zesty Relish

Increase the simple syrup to ¾ cup and add 1 tablespoon of prepared mustard to the simmering liquid for a sweeter relish with a mustard kick.

Garden Harvest Relish

Add ½ cup finely diced carrots and ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley for an even more colorful and vegetable-packed version.

How to Make Pickle Relish

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Mixture

Mix the finely diced cucumbers, red onion, and yellow bell pepper in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt and pickling spice, then mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the seasonings throughout the vegetables.

Step 2: Rest Overnight

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This resting period is crucial as it allows the salt to draw out excess moisture and begins the flavor-infusing process.

Step 3: Rinse and Drain

Drain the vegetable mixture in a fine mesh sieve and rinse 2-3 times with cool water until the water runs clear. Press out any remaining water with the back of a large spoon to ensure your relish isn’t watery.

Step 4: Make the Pickling Liquid

In a medium saucepan, whisk together ¼ cup of the apple cider vinegar and the flour until smooth. Gradually add the remaining vinegar and simple syrup, then heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble.

Step 5: Simmer the Relish

Add the drained vegetable mixture and celery salt to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the relish thickens and the harsh vinegar smell mellows into a pleasant tanginess.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Allow the relish to cool completely before serving. The flavor will continue to develop as it cools.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Uniform Dicing: Cut all vegetables to a similar small size for the best texture and consistent flavor distribution.
Thorough Draining: Don’t skip the step of pressing out excess moisture after rinsing – this prevents a watery relish.
Low and Slow: When simmering, keep the heat medium-low to prevent scorching and allow flavors to meld properly.
Taste Test: Before cooling completely, taste your relish and adjust seasoning if needed – add a touch more simple syrup for sweetness or a splash of vinegar for tanginess.
Glass Containers: Store your finished relish in glass jars rather than plastic for best flavor preservation.

How to Serve

Classic Pairings

This relish is perfect on hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst, and other grilled sausages. The tangy-sweet flavor cuts through the richness of these meats beautifully.

Enhance Salads

Fold a spoonful into potato salad, macaroni salad, egg salad, or tuna salad for an instant flavor boost. The relish adds both texture and a tangy zip.

Appetizer Board

Include a small bowl of this vibrant relish on charcuterie boards alongside cheeses and cured meats. It pairs particularly well with sharp cheddar or creamy brie.

Sandwich Spreads

Mix with mayonnaise or cream cheese to create a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps – particularly delicious with turkey or roast beef.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your pickle relish in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor actually improves after 24-48 hours as the ingredients continue to meld.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the relish in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 4 months. The texture may change slightly after thawing, but the flavor remains excellent.

Canning

For long-term storage, you can process this relish using proper water bath canning methods. Consult a canning guide for specific instructions to ensure food safety.

Reheating

This relish is meant to be served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t need reheating. If frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?

Yes, regular cucumbers work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to remove the seeds before dicing to prevent excess moisture. Pickling cucumbers will give a slightly firmer texture, but both varieties deliver delicious results.
Why do I need to let the vegetables sit overnight with salt?

This crucial step draws out excess moisture from the vegetables, which concentrates their flavor and improves the final texture of your relish. The salt also begins a light fermentation process that develops the characteristic pickle flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Can I make this relish without sugar?

While the sweetness balances the vinegar beautifully, you can reduce the simple syrup to ¼ cup for a tangier relish. For sugar-free versions, try a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit syrup, though you may need to adjust quantities based on sweetness levels.
How long does homemade pickle relish last?

When stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator, this relish stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage without canning, freeze portions for up to 4 months. You’ll know it’s time to discard if you notice any off smells, mold, or significant texture changes.

Final Thoughts

This homemade pickle relish brings a burst of flavor that elevates even the simplest dishes. Whether you’re topping summer barbecue favorites or stirring it into salads, the bright, tangy-sweet profile makes everything taste better. The overnight resting time requires a bit of planning, but the actual hands-on preparation is quick and straightforward. Give this recipe a try, and you might never return to store-bought relish again!