Citrus Free Classic Relish
Bright, tangy, and packed with garden-fresh crunch, this homemade relish is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better — hot dogs, burgers, grain bowls, you name it. Store-bought versions often sneak in citrus-derived preservatives or natural flavors that can be hard to trace on a label, so making your own is a genuinely smart move. The brine here is built entirely on white distilled vinegar, sugar, and warm spices like mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric, giving you that classic sweet-and-savory depth without any citrus in sight. English cucumbers bring a clean, mild flavor and satisfying texture, while the red and green bell peppers add color and a subtle sweetness that rounds everything out beautifully. The salting step is key — it draws out excess moisture so the finished relish stays thick and glossy rather than watery. Once it's jarred and chilled, you'll have a versatile, crowd-pleasing condiment ready to go whenever you need it.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
16 servings
- 4 cups english cucumbers, finely chopped (about 3 medium cucumbers)
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 medium onion)
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp mustard seed
- ½ tsp celery seed
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
Instructions
- 1
Combine the chopped cucumbers, onion, and both bell peppers in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the kosher salt over the vegetables and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour, until the vegetables have released a significant amount of liquid.
- 2
Transfer the salted vegetables to a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Press firmly with your hands or the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much liquid as possible — the vegetables should feel noticeably drier.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!