Green Tomato Pickle Relish is a delightful condiment that adds a zing to sandwiches, burgers, and charcuterie boards. This unique relish captures the tangy flavor of green tomatoes and balances it with spices and sweetness. Perfect for canning, this recipe is great for preserving the flavors of summer, making it suitable for various occasions like picnics, barbecues, or holiday gatherings. You’ll find that the bright colors and robust flavors make this relish stand out.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Relish Base
- For the Spices
- For the Vegetables
- How to Make Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Step 2: Salt the Tomatoes
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Step 4: Cook the Mixture
- Step 5: Fill Jars
- Step 6: Seal and Store
- How to Serve Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- With Grilled Meats
- As a Sandwich Spread
- In Salads
- How to Perfect Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- Best Side Dishes for Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- Reheating Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Twist: The combination of green tomatoes and spices creates a unique taste that elevates any dish.
- Versatile Use: Perfect as a topping for meats, in salads, or simply on crackers as an appetizer.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can create this relish quickly.
- Great for Canning: This recipe yields enough to fill 12 jars, making it ideal for storing or gifting.
- Healthier Alternative: Using fresh ingredients ensures you’re enjoying a wholesome, homemade treat.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into your Green Tomato Pickle Relish recipe, gather your tools. These essentials will help streamline the process and ensure your relish turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Canning jars
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Canning jars: Essential for storing your relish safely while maintaining freshness.
- Large pot: Needed for mixing ingredients and cooking the relish evenly.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your vegetables, leading to better texture in the final product.
- Ladle: Helpful for filling jars without spilling, ensuring easy transfer of the hot relish.

Ingredients
This Green Tomato Pickle Relish recipe is simple yet flavorful. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Relish Base
- 8 cups Green Tomatoes (Chopped)
- 3 tbsp Salt (Coarse)
- 2 cups White Sugar
- 2 cups White Vinegar
For the Spices
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Celery Seed
- 3 tbsp Mustard Seed
For the Vegetables
- 3 cups White Onions (diced)
- 2 each Sweet Red Pepper (diced)
- 1 each Jalapeno Pepper (diced (optional))
How to Make Green Tomato Pickle Relish
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by washing and chopping your green tomatoes into small pieces. Place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Salt the Tomatoes
Add coarse salt to the chopped green tomatoes. Stir well and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large pot, combine white sugar, white vinegar, turmeric, celery seed, mustard seed, diced onions, sweet red peppers, jalapeno pepper if using, and the salted tomatoes.
Step 4: Cook the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Fill Jars
Using a ladle, carefully fill sterilized canning jars with the hot relish mixture. Leave about half an inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Step 6: Seal and Store
Wipe any residue from the rim of each jar before sealing with lids. Process in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes if you want to preserve them long-term. Allow jars to cool completely before storing in a cool dark place.
Enjoy your homemade Green Tomato Pickle Relish as a tasty addition to your meals!
How to Serve Green Tomato Pickle Relish
Green Tomato Pickle Relish is a versatile condiment that can enhance many dishes. Its sweet and tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with various foods, making it a delightful addition to your meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy this relish.
With Grilled Meats
- Chicken: Spread the relish over grilled chicken for a burst of flavor.
- Beef Burgers: Top your burgers with Green Tomato Pickle Relish instead of traditional ketchup.
- Turkey Tacos: Add a spoonful of relish to your turkey tacos for an extra zing.
As a Sandwich Spread
- Turkey Sandwiches: Use the relish as a spread to add moisture and flavor to turkey sandwiches.
- Veggie Wraps: Enhance your veggie wraps with a layer of this sweet relish.
In Salads
- Potato Salad: Mix Green Tomato Pickle Relish into your potato salad for a tangy twist.
- Coleslaw: Incorporate it into coleslaw for added sweetness and crunch.
How to Perfect Green Tomato Pickle Relish
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Green Tomato Pickle Relish, follow these tips for perfection.
- Bold tomatoes: Choose firm green tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Coarse salt: Use coarse salt during the initial step to draw out excess moisture effectively.
- Chop evenly: Ensure all vegetables are chopped uniformly so they cook evenly and look appealing.
- Taste test: Adjust sugar or vinegar according to your taste preference before canning.
- Seal properly: Make sure jars are sealed tightly after filling to ensure proper preservation.
Best Side Dishes for Green Tomato Pickle Relish
Pairing side dishes with Green Tomato Pickle Relish can elevate your meal experience. Here are some sides that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn adds sweetness that balances the tanginess of the relish.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers textural contrast and freshness alongside the rich relish.
- Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans provide depth, making them an excellent companion to the sweet relish.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges create a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the relish’s smoothness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring earthiness that enhances the overall dish when served together.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds nutty flavors that complement the sweet notes of the pickle relish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- It’s easy to overlook the importance of salting. Not salting your green tomatoes can lead to a watery relish. Make sure to salt them well before cooking.
- Don’t skip the vinegar balance. Using too little vinegar can result in an overly sweet relish. Stick to the recipe for the right acidity.
- Be cautious with spice measurements. Adding too much turmeric or mustard seed can overpower the flavor. Measure carefully and adjust according to your taste.
- Ignoring jar sterilization is a common mistake. Always sterilize your jars properly to prevent spoilage. Boil them in water for 10 minutes before filling.
- Avoid overcooking your relish. Cooking it too long can make it mushy instead of retaining that perfect crunch. Cook just until heated through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in clean, airtight containers.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Freezing Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- Can be frozen for up to 6 months; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Reheating Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pan, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Tomato Pickle Relish?
Green Tomato Pickle Relish is a tangy condiment made with chopped green tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It’s perfect for sandwiches and burgers.
How long does homemade Green Tomato Pickle Relish last?
Homemade Green Tomato Pickle Relish can last up to 2 months when stored properly in the refrigerator and up to 6 months if frozen.
Can I adjust the sweetness of Green Tomato Pickle Relish?
Yes! You can reduce or increase the amount of sugar based on your preference while preparing the relish.
Is there a vegan version of Green Tomato Pickle Relish?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it doesn’t include any animal-derived ingredients.
What are some ways to use Green Tomato Pickle Relish?
You can use this relish as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or mix it into salads for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Green Tomato Pickle Relish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! It adds a unique flavor twist to various dishes. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different spices or adjusting sweetness levels according to your taste preferences!
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Green Tomato Pickle Relish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Green Tomato Pickle Relish is a vibrant and tangy condiment that brings summer’s bounty into your kitchen year-round. This delightful relish blends the unique tartness of green tomatoes with a medley of spices, creating a flavor profile that perfectly complements sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards. Whether slathered on grilled chicken or mixed into salads, this versatile relish adds an irresistible zing to any dish.
Ingredients
- 8 cups green tomatoes (chopped)
- 3 tbsp coarse salt
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 3 tbsp mustard seed
- 3 cups white onions (diced)
- 2 sweet red peppers (diced)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (diced, optional)
Instructions
- Wash and chop the green tomatoes into small pieces. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add coarse salt to the chopped tomatoes and stir well. Let sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- In a large pot, combine sugar, vinegar, spices, diced onions, sweet peppers, jalapeno (if using), and the salted tomatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Carefully fill sterilized canning jars with the hot mixture using a ladle, leaving half an inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe jar rims before sealing with lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for long-term preservation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner Recipes
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg