Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe – A Sweet, Tangy, and Colorful Homemade Condiment
If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your sandwiches, burgers, or grilled dishes with something vibrant, zesty, and full of life, this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish will be your new kitchen staple. Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat — this relish combines crisp bell peppers, tender onions, and a punchy vinegar-sugar brine that ties it all together beautifully.
It’s the kind of recipe that brings sunshine to your plate, no matter the season. Perfect for cookouts, charcuterie boards, or even as a gift in a cute mason jar, this relish is both simple to make and incredibly versatile.
Let’s dive into this bright and flavor-packed recipe that captures the best of homemade pickling, without any complicated canning process!
🌶️ Why You’ll Love This Pickled Relish
- Quick & Simple: No fancy equipment needed — just a saucepan and some jars.
- Beautifully Balanced Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy.
- Colorful Presentation: A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds visual appeal.
- Perfect for Any Dish: Use it on burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, grilled meats, or cheese platters.
- Great for Gifting: Pack it in small jars for a homemade holiday or hostess gift.
🧅 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 1½ cups onion, finely chopped (sweet or yellow)
- 1½ cups white vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely dice the red, green, and yellow peppers and chop the onions. The smaller the pieces, the better the texture of the relish. Place them all in a large bowl.
Step 2: Combine Brine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Simmer the Relish
Add the diced peppers and onions into the boiling brine. Stir to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove from heat and let the relish cool slightly. Spoon the mixture (along with its liquid) into clean glass jars. Seal tightly and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Allow the relish to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours — or overnight for the best flavor.
Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Finely dice peppers and onions and place them in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add peppers and onions, stir, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and spoon into clean glass jars with liquid.
- Cool completely before refrigerating. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
🧄 Tips for Perfect Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish
- Choose Fresh, Firm Peppers: The crunchier the peppers, the better the final texture.
- Slice Evenly: Uniform pieces make for a more attractive relish and even flavor distribution.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep the peppers slightly crisp for the perfect bite.
- Customize the Heat: Add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a pinch more chili flakes if you like spice.
- Sterilize Your Jars: If you plan to store it longer, sterilize your jars by boiling them for 10 minutes before filling.
🍔 Serving Suggestions
This relish isn’t just a condiment — it’s a flavor amplifier. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:
- Burgers & Hot Dogs: Swap out ketchup and mustard for a spoonful of this tangy relish.
- Grilled Meats: Serve it with grilled chicken, pork chops, or sausages for a zesty contrast.
- Cheese Boards: Add a small bowl to your charcuterie board — it pairs wonderfully with sharp cheddar or brie.
- Sandwiches: Try it on turkey, roast beef, or even a veggie sandwich for a flavor boost.
- Salads & Bowls: Mix it into quinoa or grain bowls for added punch and color.
🫙 Make-Ahead & Storage
This relish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, tightly sealed. The flavor actually improves after a few days as the ingredients continue to marinate in the vinegar brine.
If you want to make a larger batch for long-term storage, follow safe canning practices — sterilize your jars, use a hot water bath, and seal them properly.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Smoky Relish: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Sweet Corn Twist: Stir in ½ cup of cooked sweet corn for a southern-style variation.
- Garlic Lovers’ Relish: Add 2 minced garlic cloves while simmering for a bolder taste.
🧠 Fun Fact
Did you know that pickling is one of the oldest food preservation techniques in the world? The process dates back more than 4,000 years and was originally used to preserve vegetables before refrigeration existed. From Korean kimchi to Italian giardiniera to this homemade pepper relish, every culture has its own unique twist on pickling!
❤️ Why FoodieMoms Love It
At FoodieMoms, we adore recipes that strike the perfect balance between ease, color, and bold flavor — and this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish checks every box. It’s beautiful in a jar, incredibly versatile, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re a home canner, a grill master, or just someone who loves to add extra flavor to your meals, this relish brings sunshine to every dish it touches.
