If you love vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet condiments that bring an explosion of flavor to any meal, then this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This relish combines the crunch of colorful bell peppers, the sharpness of onions, and a hint of heat from jalapeños, all beautifully balanced by a tangy apple cider vinegar base and warming spices. It’s the kind of homemade delight that effortlessly elevates burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or even cheese boards with its bright colors and unforgettable taste. Trust me, once you try this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe means gathering a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role—whether it’s adding crunch, a pop of color, or that perfect tangy-sweet zing that defines this relish.
- Bell peppers (2 cups, mixed red, yellow, and green, finely chopped): They offer a crunchy texture and a beautiful spectrum of natural sweetness and color.
- Onion (1 cup, finely chopped): Provides a sharp, savory bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the peppers.
- Jalapeño peppers (1–2, seeded and finely chopped, optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat to brighten the overall flavor, adjustable to your spice preference.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 cup): The acidic backbone that pickles the vegetables and lends a lively tartness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the acidity with a sweet touch that makes every bite addictive.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and unifies all the flavors in the relish.
- Mustard seeds (½ teaspoon): Infuse a subtle earthy warmth and a slight crunch.
- Celery seeds (½ teaspoon): Bring a hint of aromatic celery flavor that elevates the complexity of the relish.
- Turmeric (¼ teaspoon): Offers a beautiful golden color along with a mild, earthy depth.
How to Make Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pickling Mixture
Start by combining the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric in a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This mixture is the heart of your pickle brine—it infuses every veggie with tang and warmth, making the relish truly irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Once your brine is ready and simmering, stir in the finely chopped bell peppers, onions, and jalapeño peppers if you’re using them. The colors will brighten instantly, and the aroma of spices will fill your kitchen. Simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the peppers soften slightly but still keep their beautiful texture and vibrant hues. This step creates that perfect balance between tender and crisp.
Step 3: Cool and Store
After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the relish to cool just slightly. Then, transfer the relish into clean glass jars or containers and seal them tightly. Pop them in the fridge and let the flavors meld together for at least four hours, though overnight is best for a richer, more developed taste. This resting period lets the pickled pepper and onion marry beautifully.
How to Serve Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
Garnishes
This relish shines as a colorful and flavorful garnish. Spoon it over grilled chicken or fish to add brightness and texture or add a dollop to your favorite sandwich for an exciting contrast of tangy and sweet. A little goes a long way in lifting even the simplest dishes.
Side Dishes
Pair this relish with classic barbecue sides like baked beans or roasted corn on the cob for an extra punch of zest. It also complements creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad, bringing a vibrant counterpoint that awakens your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get adventurous by serving the relish on a cheese board alongside sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or tangy blue cheese. Use it as a topping for tacos or spread it inside soft pita breads with grilled veggies for a fresh, tangy twist. It’s also fabulous stirred into creamy dressings or dips to add layered flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
While this relish is best enjoyed fresh for crisp texture, you can freeze it if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw slowly in the fridge before using. Keep in mind that freezing may soften the vegetables further, so it’s ideal for cooking or incorporating into sauces after thawing.
Reheating
If you plan on warming the relish slightly, do so gently on the stove over low heat just until warmed through. Avoid boiling as it can dull the vibrant colors and textures. Warmed relish pairs wonderfully with cozy winter meals or as a zingy topping on hot dishes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers for the relish?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights bell peppers, you can experiment with poblano, banana, or even sweet mini peppers. Just keep in mind that different peppers will alter the flavor and heat level.
Is it necessary to seed the jalapeños?
Seeding the jalapeños reduces the heat significantly, making the relish more mild. If you prefer more spice, leave some seeds in or add extra jalapeños.
How long does the relish need to sit before eating?
For the best flavor, allow the relish to sit refrigerated for at least 4 hours. Overnight rest enhances the melding of flavors and improves taste and texture.
Can this relish be canned for longer shelf life?
Yes! You can preserve this relish safely using proper canning methods if you want it to last beyond a couple of weeks. Just be sure to follow all standard canning guidelines for pickled products.
Is the relish suitable for special diets?
This Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a wonderful condiment choice for many dietary preferences and restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you love condiments that bring a burst of flavor, vibrant color, and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, you absolutely must try this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to add excitement to your meals. Once you start making this relish, it will quickly become a staple in your fridge and a go-to friend for all your culinary adventures!
Print
Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is a vibrant and tangy condiment made from a mix of colorful bell peppers, onions, and optional jalapeños simmered in a sweet and tangy apple cider vinegar brine. Perfect for enhancing grilled meats, sandwiches, or cheese boards, this relish delivers a balance of heat and sweetness with a crunchy texture and vibrant hue.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, and green, finely chopped)
- 1 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and finely chopped, optional)
Pickling Liquid
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickling Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Heat over medium heat, stirring regularly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
- Add the Vegetables: Carefully add the finely chopped bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños (if using) to the simmering pickling mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the vegetables in the liquid.
- Simmer the Relish: Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The vegetables should soften slightly but retain their vibrant colors and some crunch.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the relish to cool slightly. Once cooled, transfer the relish into clean glass jars and seal them.
- Refrigerate and Develop Flavor: Refrigerate the relish for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld or ideally overnight for the best taste before serving.
Notes
- This relish complements grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or cheese boards beautifully.
- Refrigerated, it will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- For a milder relish, omit the jalapeños.
- To extend shelf life, consider preserving the relish using proper canning techniques.
