Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a tangy burst of color and zippy flavor to your next meal, Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is exactly what you need. This vibrant relish combines crisp bell peppers, sweet onions, and a spiced vinegar bath, creating the ultimate topping for everything from burgers and brats to tacos and grain bowls. Whether you’re a pickling pro or a first-timer, this recipe is reliable and rewarding: it’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s the fastest way to jazz up any dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is how fuss-free the ingredient list is—every single item is essential for achieving that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and heat. Each component builds layers of flavor and ensures a crisp, beautiful finish.

• Mixed bell peppers: Use a variety of colors for both gorgeous presentation and subtle flavor differences.
• Onions: Regular yellow or sweet onions both work; they add a mellow, aromatic bite that pairs perfectly with the peppers.
• White vinegar: Delivers sharp, bright acidity that’s the backbone of the pickling brine.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a softer, fruity tang and a touch of mellow sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out the acidity and helps the natural sweetness of the peppers shine.
• Mustard seeds: Lend a mild spiciness and extra crunch; don’t skip these for true relish flavor.
• Celery seeds: Create that classic deli relish taste and bring a fragrant, herbal note.
• Turmeric powder: Gives the relish an inviting golden hue and a gentle warmth.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and preserving the relish’s crispness.
• Ground black pepper: Adds just the right underlying warmth and depth.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little extra kick—feel free to adjust depending on your heat tolerance!

How to Make Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by grabbing your freshest, most colorful bell peppers and your favorite onions. Slice them thinly—think paper-thin, so they soften beautifully without losing crunch. Toss them together in a large mixing bowl, enjoying the riot of colors as you mix. This step sets the stage for the vibrant appeal of your Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish!

Step 2: Make the Vinegar Brine

In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric powder, salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the red pepper flakes. This mixture is where all the tangy, sweet magic happens. Set the pan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to make sure every grain of sugar and spice dissolves. You’ll notice the aroma turn irresistible at this stage.

Step 3: Combine and Infuse

Carefully pour the hot brine over the sliced peppers and onions in the bowl. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of liquid—the veggies will soak it up and become flavor-packed! Give everything a thorough stir, making sure every slice gets coated, and inhale that fragrant steam. This is the moment you know you’re making something spectacular.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Let the relish cool down to room temperature, stirring once more to redistribute all those wonderful seeds and spices. Once cooled, spoon the mixture into clean, airtight jars or containers, packing the veggies down so they’re fully submerged in the liquid. This helps infuse every bite with Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish goodness.

Step 5: Refrigerate and Let the Flavors Mingle

Exercise some patience now! Transfer your jars to the refrigerator and give them at least 24 hours to work their magic. During this time, the sweet, savory, and zesty notes come together, creating the craveable tang and crunch that makes Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish truly special.

How to Serve Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can really set off the vibrant colors of the Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish. For extra flair, try a pinch of toasted sesame seeds or a scatter of finely diced chives. Not only do they look lovely, but they add another dimension of flavor and a touch of elegance to your table.

Side Dishes

This relish is something of a social butterfly—it loves hanging out with potato salad, creamy slaws, or roasted vegetables. If you’re planning a summer cookout, serve a jar alongside hot dogs, brats, or grilled chicken for an instant upgrade. Even next to a classic mac and cheese, Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish brings a balancing tang that makes your meal unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the ordinary! Spread Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish over avocado toast for a zesty breakfast, or tuck it into grain bowls and salads for extra punch. Add a spoonful atop eggs, stir into pasta salads, or even layer it with cheese inside a wrap for a flavor explosion. Wherever you want color and crunch, this relish shines.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge, and it’ll retain its vibrant crunch and flavor for up to three weeks. Just be sure to always use a clean utensil when scooping it out to keep it fresh as long as possible.

Freezing

While relishes like this are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish if needed. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Expect a slight texture change after thawing, but the sweet-and-tangy taste will still do wonders on your favorite foods!

Reheating

No reheating is necessary—Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’re mixing it into a hot dish, simply let it come to room temp before adding, so all those lively flavors really pop.

FAQs

Can I use different types of peppers for this relish?

Absolutely! While bell peppers provide beautiful color and sweetness, feel free to add other mild peppers or even a few spicy varieties like jalapeños for more heat. Just be sure to balance spicy with sweet so the relish isn’t overwhelming.

How long should I let the Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish sit before eating?

For the best flavor, let your relish chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours. If you can wait 48 hours, the veggies become even more infused with the punchy pickling spices!

Is Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish gluten free and vegan?

Yes, this relish contains only vegetables, vinegars, spices, and a bit of sugar. It’s naturally vegan and gluten free, making it a perfect fit for a variety of diets.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Definitely! It’s easy to halve the recipe if you just want a small jar for a weekend get-together, or double it to stock up for future picnics. Just keep the proportions of veggies to brine the same for best results.

What should I do with extra brine?

Don’t toss it! The leftover brine is delicious drizzled over salads or as a tangy ingredient in marinades. You can even use it to quick-pickle other veggies—just add them straight in and enjoy another batch of pickled snacks.

Final Thoughts

A jar of Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish in your fridge is pure mealtime magic. With its colors, crunch, and lively flavors, this relish has the power to turn everyday eats into standout favorites. I hope you give it a try and find as many ways to enjoy it as I have—happy pickling!

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