As the garden winds down and those last green tomatoes cling stubbornly to the vine, there’s no better way to capture their fresh, tangy essence than by transforming them into a vibrant relish. This Tangy and Spicy Green Tomato Relish is a true taste of summer, bursting with the bright flavors of green tomatoes, peppers, and onions, all brought to life by a perfectly spiced pickling sauce. It’s a versatile condiment that adds a zesty kick and delightful crunch to virtually any meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a big proponent of making the most of fresh, seasonal produce, and this green tomato relish is a shining example. What I absolutely love about this recipe is its incredible flavor profile – it’s a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy, with a wonderful textural contrast from the crisp vegetables. It’s far more vibrant and flavorful than anything you’ll buy in a store.

Beyond the taste, there’s immense satisfaction in creating something so delicious from scratch, especially when it helps you preserve the bounty of your garden. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, holiday gatherings, or simply elevating your everyday sandwiches. Plus, the process of making it is surprisingly straightforward, turning those overlooked green tomatoes into a true pantry gem.

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Ingredients

To create this vibrant Green Tomato Relish, you’ll need:

• 2 quarts green tomatoes, chopped
• 3 green peppers, diced
• 5 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons salt

For the Pickling Sauce:

• 2 1/2 cups cider vinegar
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon celery seed
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 2 tablespoons mustard seed
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

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Swaps and Notes

• Green Tomatoes: Ensure your green tomatoes are firm and free of blemishes. Any variety of green tomato works well here.
• Peppers: While green bell peppers are specified, you can add a spicier pepper like jalapeño or serrano (diced, with seeds removed for less heat) if you prefer a hotter relish. Red or yellow bell peppers could also add more color.
• Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for their balance of flavor and sweetness when cooked down.
• Salt: The initial salting step is crucial for drawing out excess moisture from the vegetables, which helps achieve that perfect relish consistency and prevents a watery end product. Use canning or pickling salt if possible, as it’s free of anti-caking agents that can make brine cloudy.
• Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a mellow tang that complements the spices beautifully. White vinegar can be used for a sharper, more traditional relish flavor.
• Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of the green tomatoes and vinegar. Adjust to your sweetness preference, though the quantity listed creates a well-rounded, slightly sweet-and-sour profile.
• Spices: The blend of celery seed, allspice, mustard seed, dry mustard, turmeric, and ground ginger creates a warm, complex, and traditional relish flavor. Turmeric also gives the relish a lovely golden hue. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste – a pinch of red pepper flakes could add more heat.

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List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prep and Salt Vegetables: In a very large bowl or clean food-grade bucket, combine the chopped green tomatoes, diced green peppers, and finely chopped large onions. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of salt evenly over the vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours. This step draws out excess water. After the resting period, drain the vegetables very well using a colander, pressing gently to remove as much liquid as possible.
2. Prepare Pickling Sauce: While the vegetables are draining, prepare the pickling sauce. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (non-reactive, like stainless steel), combine the cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, allspice, mustard seed, dry mustard, turmeric, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Continue to simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Combine and Cook Relish: Add the well-drained vegetables to the simmering pickling sauce in the pot. Stir to combine everything. Simmer the mixture for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, increase the heat and bring the entire mixture to a full rolling boil.
4. Pack Jars: Carefully pack the hot relish into sterilized glass jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace (the space between the surface of the relish and the rim of the jar). Use a canning funnel to keep jar rims clean. Wipe the rims with a clean, damp cloth before placing on new, clean lids and tightening screw bands fingertip-tight.
5. Process Jars: To ensure shelf-stability and a proper seal, process the jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Make sure the jars are completely submerged in the boiling water. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Place the hot jars on a towel-lined counter and let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. You should hear a “pop” as the seals form. Check seals before storing.

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Tips for Success

• Drain Thoroughly: The success of this relish hinges on properly draining the vegetables after salting. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can to prevent a watery relish.
• Sterilize Jars: Proper sterilization and processing are crucial for food safety and long-term storage if you intend to keep the relish outside the refrigerator.
• Headspace: Pay attention to the 1/4 inch headspace; too little or too much can affect the seal.
• Quality Spices: Fresh, aromatic spices make a big difference in the flavor of your relish.
• Patience for Flavor: While you can eat it immediately, the flavors of the relish will deepen and meld beautifully after a few weeks in the jar.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Tangy Green Tomato Relish is incredibly versatile and can elevate countless dishes:

• Sandwiches & Burgers: It’s a classic topping for hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, or deli meat sandwiches, adding a bright, zesty kick.
• BBQ & Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork, or sausages.
• Southern Comfort Food: It’s a perfect accompaniment to rich Southern dishes, cutting through the richness. Think alongside This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort or complementing a simple This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
• Eggs: Stir a spoonful into scrambled eggs or serve it on the side of a frittata.
• Salads: Mix it into tuna salad, chicken salad, or potato salad for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Tacos & Quesadillas: A dollop of this relish can add a fantastic tangy element to your favorite tacos or These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
• Holiday Spreads: A beautiful addition to holiday charcuterie boards or as a vibrant condiment for roasted meats.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Once sealed and processed in a boiling water bath, jars of green tomato relish can be stored in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for up to 1 year. Once a jar is opened, it must be refrigerated and should be consumed within 2-3 weeks for the best quality. If you choose not to water bath process, the relish must be stored in the refrigerator from the start and will keep for about 3-4 weeks.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed preserving the flavors of the garden and making delicious condiments from scratch, here are some other recipes you might appreciate:

• For another crowd-pleasing dish that can benefit from a homemade condiment, try This Walking Taco Bar is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd.
• And if you’re a fan of classic comfort food, check out Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce, where a zesty relish could even be a surprising side!

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Final Thoughts

This Tangy and Spicy Green Tomato Relish is a wonderful way to capture the fresh essence of the garden and transform it into a versatile, flavorful condiment. It’s truly a labor of love that pays off with every zesty, crunchy bite. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or new to making your own preserves, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

Did you try making this relish? What’s your favorite way to enjoy it? Share your thoughts and serving ideas in the comments below! And for more incredible recipes that celebrate fresh ingredients and homemade goodness, be sure to follow Chef Maniac and Jason Griffith.