Emulsifier Free Sweet Pickle Relish
Store-bought relish is one of those condiments that quietly sneaks emulsifiers and stabilizers into the ingredient list, making it a frustrating find for anyone keeping a clean pantry. This homemade version sidesteps all of that with nothing but fresh vegetables, vinegar, sugar, and a handful of whole spices — every single ingredient is exactly what it sounds like. The combination of white distilled and apple cider vinegars gives it a bright, layered tang, while mustard seeds, celery seeds, and a touch of turmeric add warmth and that gorgeous golden hue. Salting the cucumbers, onion, and green bell pepper first draws out excess moisture, which means the finished relish has real texture and doesn't turn watery in the jar. Simmering everything together lets the flavors meld into something sweet, tangy, and deeply savory all at once. Spoon it over hot dogs, stir it into potato salad, or pile it onto a burger — it punches way above its weight. Once you've made a batch at home, going back to the store version is genuinely hard to justify.
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
32 servings
- 1 ½ lbs cucumbers (about 3 medium), finely diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup white distilled vinegar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp celery seeds
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
Instructions
- 1
Combine the diced cucumbers, onion, and green bell pepper 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!