Homemade pickle relish is a classic condiment that adds a bright, tangy burst of flavor to everything from hot dogs and burgers to potato salad and sandwiches. Made with fresh cucumbers, onions, and a blend of spices, this simple recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a zesty topping that’s far more flavorful than anything you’ll find in a jar at the store. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a satisfying crunch that enhances savory dishes and elevates even the simplest meals.
One of the best things about making your own pickle relish is the ability to control the flavor and texture. Whether you prefer it finely chopped and sweet, or chunky and more on the savory side, homemade relish is endlessly customizable. Vinegar gives it a tangy kick, while sugar balances the acidity and spices like mustard seeds and celery seed add a classic pickle flavor. Some recipes include a touch of turmeric for color and depth, giving the relish that familiar bright green hue you know and love.
This condiment is also a great way to use up an abundance of cucumbers from the garden or farmer’s market. Once prepared, the relish can be stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for weeks. Over time, the flavors meld together and deepen, making the relish even more delicious with each passing day.
Homemade pickle relish is incredibly versatile, too. Spoon it over grilled sausages, mix it into deviled eggs, stir it into tuna salad, or serve it alongside cheese and charcuterie boards for a tangy contrast. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in flavor, turning ordinary dishes into something memorable.
Once you make this classic condiment at home, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought version. Crisp, tangy, and full of bright flavor, homemade pickle relish is a pantry staple that brings a fresh, homemade touch to countless recipes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cucumbers peeled and seeded
- 1 cup diced onion preferably sweet onion
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper or green bell pepper
- 1 cup white vinegar 5% acidity recommended
- 1 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon salt non-iodized
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the cucumbers, onion, and bell pepper. Set them aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, and celery seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumber mixture and stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Use as a condiment for hot dogs, burgers, or sandwiches, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Nutrition
Yum! I added a pinch of garlic powder. Even better! 🥒❤️
My grandma used to make relish her own way, but this is pretty close! Good for sandwiches.
Soo quick to make! I didn’t even have celery seeds and it was still great. Highly recommend!
Vinegar? Really? You guys love sour food? I guess it’s a thing.
Disappointed. I wanted a spicy version, this is just too basic for my taste.
I understand your frustration! Maybe you could add some hot sauce or chili flakes to give it the kick you’re looking for.
Had to google what mustard seeds are. I just bought regular mustard instead, turned out fine!
Do you even need a recipe for this? Just chop veggies and throw it in vinegar. Seems too simple.
Made this recipe and my husband wasn’t a fan. He said it was too sweet. Next time I’ll cut back on the sugar.
Tasty, but too much chopping for my lazy self. I’ll buy store-bought next time.
This relish is soooo good! I can’t stop eating it straight from the jar. Thanks for sharing!
I totally agree! It’s super tasty. Just made a batch and it’s gone already!
I was skeptical about mustard + celery seeds, but wow. It tastes like a classic deli relish.
Yes!! I had the same “is this gonna work?” moment, but mustard + celery seeds really gives it that deli vibe. Great call with the 24 hours too.
Huh, celery seeds in relish sounds weird to me but maybe I’ll try it. My mustard always says “dry mustard” tho—would that change it?
Super easy recipe! I loved it. Tastes amazing on my burgers!
Yum! But weirdly, I forgot the mustard seeds and it was still tasty.
Really? I thought mustard seeds were essential. Sounds risky to skip them… did you not miss the flavor?
That’s awesome! Mustard seeds add a kick, but it’s great to hear it turned out well without them. I might try leaving them out too!
Mine came out a little too sweet for my taste, so next time I’ll cut the sugar. Also I didn’t peel/seer the cukes and it got kinda watery, but still good on burgers.
Not bad, but my mixture got a bit too sweet for my liking. Also I didn’t seed the cucumbers well, so some pieces were watery.
So easy. The boil step is straightforward and the flavor is super bright. I’m using it on brats this weekend.
I followed the recipe but it turned out way too sweet for my taste. Next time, I’ll cut the sugar in half.
I mixed up mustard seeds and celery seeds. How do I fix it? Is it ruined?
This tastes way better than store-bought relish. I let it sit the full 24 hours and it really comes together.
OMG I made this and my family loved it! Way better than store bought. Thanks for sharing!
To be honest, I’ve never even heard of pickle relish before. What do you even eat it with?
I tried making it and it was way too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?
I agree, it was a bit too sweet for me too! Maybe try half the sugar next time?
Honestly, I liked it! But I guess everyone has different tastes. Just adjust the sugar like you said.
Never made relish before, but this was easy! Will make again.
I’m glad you found it easy! Relish makes everything tastier, right?
Really? You think it’s easy? I found it kinda tricky… Also, what if I hate pickles?
This is the best relish I ever had, trust me! My grandma had a similar recipe and it’s close!
I can’t wait to try this! My mom always had homemade relish too, but I never learned how to make it. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds good but I dunno, sugar in relish? Isn’t it supposed to be sour? Just seems weird to me. But maybe I’ll give it a shot.
Is there a reason you use white vinegar? Can’t I just use apple cider?
5% vinegar?? I thought all vinegar is the same 😅 Anyway I followed it as best as I could. Turned out great and I’ll definitely make again!
This relish is soooo good! I put it on everything!
24 hours is a lot, I only waited about 12 and it wasn’t as flavorful. Still good, just not fully melded.
Good point. I usually do 24-36 hours and notice the mustard/celery seeds mellow out a lot. If it’s not melded yet, you’re not crazy.
Yeah 24 hours feels like a long wait 😅 I did ~12 once and it tasted good but kinda flat. After the full day it really comes together.
I followed it mostly, but I used green onion instead of sweet onion and I think it still worked. Texture was crunchy and the vinegar ratio feels right. Would make again.
Too time-consuming for just pickles. I might as well buy some from the store.
But store-bought doesn’t taste as fresh! You should give this a try. It’s worth it!
Yummy! This is the best thing I ever made. 10/10 recommend!
This relish is sooo good! I put it on everything. Great recipe!
Is there a way to make this spicy? Like, if I add some jalapeños? Otherwise, seems easy enough.
I’m not sure spicy is right for a relish… it kinda sounds weird. But hey, try it if you want. Just don’t blame the recipe if it doesn’t work!
Jalapeños would definitely add some kick! Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other veggies. Great idea!
How long can you keep this in the fridge? I’m not sure if I wanna make it again just to toss it after a few days.
This turned out way better than the store-bought stuff! The sweet onion + bell pepper combo is perfect, and after 24 hours it tastes nicely “pickle-y” without being harsh.
I dunno, seems like too much sugar. Won’t it taste like candy? 🤔
Pretty solid recipe! I used green bell pepper instead of red and it still came out crunchy. Next time I might use a little less sugar.
Mustard seeds and celery seeds are kinda weird together, but okay. Mine turned out darker than I expected—maybe my vinegar was stronger.
Six cups of veg and only vinegar + sugar? I dunno, seems too simple and I worried it wouldn’t taste like real relish. Mine was edible but kinda bland, and I still don’t get the hype.
This is the best relish I’ve ever made! So fresh and crunchy. Can’t get enough!
I’m glad you loved it! The crunch really adds something special, right? What do you serve it with?
Best relish? Really? I mean, it’s good but it’s just pickles in a jar. 🤷♂️
Great recipe! Made it for a picnic and everyone loved it. Perfect balance of sweet and tangy!
I used iodized salt by accident and the relish tasted slightly off to me (maybe just my batch). Flavor is okay though—could be better with non-iodized like the recipe says.
Relish?? I thought this was a jam recipe?? Anyway, tastes alright
Very easy recipe but mine turned out way too salty. I think I used too much salt 🙁
I’ve had the same problem! Maybe try cutting down on the salt next time and taste as you go. Hope it works out better for you next round!
This relish is fantastic! I added a bit of garlic for extra flavor and it turned out great. Definitely making this again!
Honestly, I thought it would be better. Too sweet for my taste and the vinegar was overpowering.
Why does it need 5% vinegar? I only had 10%—I added more water like my grandma said and it was kinda sharp. Still edible though.
I think you guys are overrating this. It’s just pickled cucumbers, what’s the big deal?
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about 1 tablespoon mustard seeds for only 2 cups cukes, but wow—nice little bite. I let mine sit 2 days and it mellowed perfectly.
Same here—I thought 1 tbsp mustard seeds would be too much for just 2 cups cucumbers, but it worked. After 48 hours it’s way more balanced. Thanks for posting!