dill pickle relish recipe
There’s an undeniable charm in the simple pleasures of a dill pickle relish recipe. The moment you open a jar, your kitchen is filled with the tangy, vinegary scent of homemade goodness. A perfect blend of tart and slightly sweet, this dill pickle relish recipe invites you to embrace the art of home canning recipes with joy and excitement. What better way to connect with tradition, sprinkle some delight on your favorite burgers and sandwiches, and create memories than crafting something so deliciously vibrant?

The aroma of pickling brine always takes me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where laughter mingled with the rich scent of spices and vinegar. She would hand over a wooden spoon to me, her little apprentice, allowing me to stir the magic that would become our cherished dill pickle relish recipe. Those were the days of endless curiosity and wonder, where each jar captured a piece of summer and the warmth of her love in every crunchy bite.
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dill pickle relish recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 mins
- Yield: 5 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This delightful Dill Pickle Relish Recipe is perfect for preserving summer flavors in a tangy, sweet condiment using Cucumber Relish Recipes and Home Canning Recipes techniques.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers
- ¼ cup canning salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 cups cold water
- 8 ounces yellow onions, peeled and stem end removed
- 2 ½ tablespoons (1 ¼ ounces) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dill seed
- 2 cups white or cider vinegar, 5% acidity
Instructions
- Wash and prepare cucumbers, removing seeds if large; finely chop using a food processor or food mill.
- In a large bowl, sprinkle cucumbers with salt and turmeric; pour cold water over them and stir. Chill for two hours.
- Rinse cucumbers thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess salt.
- Peel and finely chop the onion; add to a medium pot with sugar, dill seed, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Ladle hot relish into hot canning jars, leaving half-inch headspace; remove air bubbles and clean rims before sealing.
- Process jars in boiling water for 15 minutes, ensuring water covers jars by two inches.
- After processing, let jars cool for 24 hours; check seals and store unsealed jars in the fridge. Sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar levels for desired sweetness and tanginess.
- Sterilize jars and tools to prevent contamination.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Relish
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 10 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: dill pickle relish, cucumber relish, home canning, pickling, condiment
If you’re looking to add a tangy twist to your meals, consider whipping up a batch of dill pickle relish. You can enhance your culinary experience with this delightful relish on a classic sandwich, like the one suggested in this dill pickle grilled cheese or pair it with a savory dish like these dill pickle chicken wings for an irresistibly flavorful combination.
Why You’ll Love
- Easy to make, this dill pickle relish recipe requires no fancy tools and walks you through with simple steps for a seamless cooking experience.
- It’s flexible, allowing you to change ingredients or style to fit your taste or dietary needs, like making it gluten-free or sugar-free.
- Perfect for busy days, this dill relish recipe can be quickly put together, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Integrate it into home canning recipes as well as cucumber relish recipes for a rich variety of flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best dill pickle relish recipe
Tools You’ll Need
- Large bowl
- Fine mesh strainer
- Food processor or food mill
- Medium pot
- Canning jars
- Chopstick or canning tool
- Large pot for canning
- Kitchen towel
Step 1: Preparation for the dill pickle relish recipe
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers
- ¼ cup canning salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 cups cold water
- 8 ounces yellow onions, peeled and stem end removed
- 2 ½ tablespoons (1 ¼ ounces) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dill seed
- 2 cups white or cider vinegar, 5% acidity
Step 2: Cooking the dill pickle relish recipe
Start by washing and preparing the cucumbers. Cut off the ends and if they are large, cut them in half and remove the seeds. Finely chop them using a food processor or food mill. In a large bowl, sprinkle the chopped cucumbers with salt and turmeric, then pour cold water over them. Stir and let the mixture chill for two hours.
After chilling, place the cucumbers in a fine mesh strainer and rinse to remove excess salt. If the taste is too salty, rinse again. Next, peel and finely chop the onion and add it to a medium pot along with the sugar, dill seed, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Assembling and Finishing
Using hot canning jars, ladle the hot relish into the jars, leaving a half-inch of headspace. Use a chopstick or canning tool to remove any air bubbles and clean the rim of the jars before sealing with the canning lid and ring. Place the sealed jars into boiling water for 15 minutes. Ensure there is enough water to cover the jars by two inches.
After processing, remove the jars and let them cool for 24 hours. Check the seals and store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator, enjoying them within a few days. Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year.

Tips for the Best dill pickle relish recipe Every Time
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. Avoid overripe cucumbers as they can result in a mushy relish.
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar to match your taste preferences. More sugar will create a sweeter relish, while additional vinegar will enhance the tanginess.
- Ensure that your canning jars and tools are properly sterilized to prevent any contamination and to achieve successful preservation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the rinse after soaking the cucumbers in salt can lead to excessively salty relish. Be mindful to rinse thoroughly.
- Over-processing the cucumbers in the food mill can result in a puree instead of a relish texture. Aim for a coarse chop.
- Not ensuring a proper seal before storing jars can lead to spoilage. Always double-check the seals and process jars correctly.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Dish
- Add some garlic or chili flakes for a flavorful twist on the traditional relish.
- Swap cucumbers with zucchinis for a different texture or use a mix for variation.
- Incorporate additional herbs such as chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh aromatic touch.
Perfect Sides to Serve with dill pickle relish recipe
- Classic burgers or hot dogs benefit greatly from a spoonful of this tangy relish.
- Pair it with smoked meats or roasted chicken for an elevated flavor profile.
- Try it as a topping on deviled eggs for an extra burst of dill-icious freshness.
FAQs for the dill pickle relish recipe
Q: What are the main ingredients in dill pickle relish?
The main ingredients for a traditional dill pickle relish recipe include fresh cucumbers, onions, canning salt, dill seeds, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. These ingredients balance the tangy and slightly sweet flavors while maintaining a delightful crunch.
Q: How long does homemade dill pickle relish last?
When properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, your dill pickle relish can last for up to a year. Once opened, store the jar in the refrigerator and enjoy it within one to two months for optimal freshness.
Q: Is dill pickle relish just chopped pickles?
While dill pickle relish uses cucumbers much like pickles, it involves additional ingredients such as onions, vinegar, and dill seeds. This preparation method results in a flavorful relish rather than simply chopped pickles.
Q: Can I substitute other pickles for dill pickle relish?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use chopped dill pickles as a substitute for dill pickle relish. However, the flavor and texture won’t match exactly as the relish includes other ingredients that enrich its taste profile.
Q: How do you make dill pickle relish from scratch?
Making dill pickle relish from scratch involves chopping cucumbers and onions, soaking them in a saltwater solution, then cooking the mixture with vinegar and spices. It’s a straightforward process detailed in the recipe above.

Embrace the Art of dill relish canning recipe!
If you’re looking for a delightful way to preserve the taste of summer and elevate your culinary experiences, this dill pickle relish recipe is just perfect for you. Combining crunchy cucumbers with aromatic dill seeds and a sweet-tart balance, it transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts. Experience the joy of home canning recipes and elevate your favorite dishes with this vibrant, homemade treat.
Still hungry? Don’t miss this delightful dill pickle popcorn for a crunchy and unique snack experience to satisfy your pickle cravings!
We’d love to hear your experience with this recipe! Please comment below and let us know how your dill pickle relish turned out, or save this recipe for your next canning adventure.
