Dill Pickle Relish Recipe: A Complete Guide to Making the Perfect Homemade Condiment

Pickles have always held a special place in the world of condiments, pickle relish and among them, dill pickles are the classic favorite. Crisp, tangy, and infused with the bold flavor of dill, they add life to burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and even salads. But what if you could take all the wonderful qualities of a dill pickle and transform them into a versatile, spreadable condiment? That’s where dill pickle relish comes in.

Making your own dill pickle relish recipe at home isn’t just rewarding—it allows you to control the flavor, texture, and ingredients to suit your preferences. Unlike store-bought varieties that may contain excess sugar, preservatives, or artificial coloring, a homemade relish is pure, fresh, and tailored exactly to your liking.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dill pickle relish—from its history and uses to step-by-step recipes, variations, canning tips, and creative ways to enjoy it.

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What is Dill Pickle Relish?

Dill pickle relish is a chopped or minced condiment made from cucumbers, dill, vinegar, and spices. Unlike sweet pickle relish (which is more sugary), dill relish highlights the tart, savory flavors of traditional dill pickles.

This condiment is:

• Tangy and Refreshing – The vinegar base provides a bright, zesty kick.
• Herbaceous – Fresh or dried dill infuses a unique flavor.
• Versatile – Works well in classic American favorites like hot dogs and potato salad.

Think of it as the perfect marriage between pickles and a condiment spread.

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Why Make Homemade Dill Pickle Relish?

There are plenty of reasons to try making relish at home:

1. Freshness – Home recipes use crisp cucumbers and fresh dill, giving a better taste than mass-produced versions.
2. Customization – You control how chunky, tangy, or salty your relish is.
3. No Preservatives – Store-bought relish often contains unnecessary additives.
4. Cost-Effective – Making a big batch at home saves money, especially during cucumber season.
5. Great for Canning – Homemade relish stores beautifully for months when canned properly.

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The History of Dill Pickle Relish

Pickles themselves have been around for thousands of years, with origins tracing back to ancient Mesopotamia. Dill was introduced to pickling by Eastern Europeans, and the dill pickle became especially popular in Jewish cuisine.

Pickle relish became mainstream in the United States in the late 19th century, coinciding with the rise of hot dogs and hamburgers at fairs and ballparks. While sweet pickle relish was the first to become widespread, dill relish eventually followed, appealing to those who preferred a tangier, less sugary option.

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Ingredients for a Classic Dill Pickle Relish Recipe

To make a traditional relish, you’ll need:

• Cucumbers – Fresh, firm pickling cucumbers are ideal.
• Onion – Adds depth of flavor and a little bite.
• Fresh Dill Weed – The star herb that gives dill relish its identity.
• Garlic (optional) – Enhances flavor.
• White Vinegar – Preserves and adds tanginess.
• Pickling Salt – Non-iodized salt helps with preservation and prevents cloudiness.
• Sugar (optional) – Just a touch balances the acidity.
• Mustard Seeds, Celery Seeds, and Peppercorns – Common spices for complexity.

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Step-by-Step Dill Pickle Relish Recipe

Here’s a basic homemade dill pickle relish recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups finely chopped cucumbers
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh dill weed (or 2 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tbsp pickling salt
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp celery seeds
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Cucumbers
   • Wash and trim cucumbers.
   • Chop finely by hand or pulse in a food processor (don’t over-puree).
2. Drain Excess Liquid
   • Place cucumbers in a colander with 1 tbsp salt.
   • Let it sit for 1 hour, then squeeze out the liquid.
3. Cook Relish Base
   • In a saucepan, combine vinegar, onion, dill, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and sugar.
   • Bring to a boil.
4. Add Cucumbers
   • Stir chopped cucumbers into the mixture.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Store or Can
   • Transfer into sterilized jars.

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Variations of Dill Pickle Relish Recipes

The beauty of homemade relish is that you can experiment:

1. Spicy Dill Relish – Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat.
2. Garlic Dill Relish – Increase garlic cloves for a punchier flavor.
3. Kosher Dill Style – Use kosher salt and extra garlic for a classic deli flavor.
4. Bread-and-Butter Dill Relish – Blend sweet relish and dill relish styles with a touch more sugar.
5. Fermented Dill Relish – Skip the vinegar and use lacto-fermentation for a probiotic-rich version.

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How to Can Dill Pickle Relish Safely

Canning ensures your relish lasts up to a year in your pantry. Follow these steps:

1. Sterilize Jars – Wash jars and lids, then boil them for 10 minutes.
2. Fill Jars – Ladle hot relish into jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.
3. Remove Air Bubbles – Run a clean knife or spatula around inside edges.
4. Seal and Process – Wipe rims, apply lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
5. Cool and Store – Allow jars to rest for 24 hours. Store in a cool, dark place.

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How to Use Dill Pickle Relish

This tangy condiment is far more versatile than most people think. Here are some delicious uses:

• Hot Dogs and Burgers – The classic pairing.
• Tuna Salad or Egg Salad – Adds crunch and tang.
• Potato Salad – Balances creaminess with zest.
• Deviled Eggs – A spoonful of relish in the filling adds depth.
• Sandwich Spread – Mix with mayo or mustard for a flavorful condiment.
• Tartar Sauce Base – Combine with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and capers.
• Grilled Meats – Spoon over chicken, steak, or fish for brightness.
• Charcuterie Boards – A tangy complement to cheeses and cured meats.

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Tips for Perfect Dill Pickle Relish

• Choose Fresh Cucumbers – Avoid overripe or seedy ones.
• Don’t Skip the Drain Step – Excess water can make the relish watery.
• Balance Flavors – Taste before canning and adjust vinegar, salt, or dill.
• Add Crunch – If you like crunchier relish, don’t overcook cucumbers.
• Label Jars – Include the date and flavor variation for easy identification.

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Nutritional Value of Dill Pickle Relish

Homemade dill pickle relish is generally low in calories and fat. A tablespoon usually contains:

• Calories: 5–10
• Carbohydrates: 1–2 g
• Sodium: 80–150 mg (depending on added salt)
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: <1 g

This makes it a guilt-free condiment that packs a punch of flavor without adding too many calories.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dill Pickle Relish

Q: Can I make relish without vinegar?
Yes, but you’ll need to ferment the cucumbers instead of pickling them.

Q: How long does homemade dill relish last?
If refrigerated, it lasts 2–3 weeks. Properly canned relish lasts up to 1 year.

Q: Can I freeze dill relish?
Freezing isn’t recommended as it may affect the texture, but some people do freeze small portions successfully.

Q: What’s the difference between dill pickle relish and sweet pickle relish?
Dill relish is tangy, savory, and herbal, while sweet relish has more sugar and a candy-like flavor.

Q: Do I need to peel cucumbers for relish?
Not necessarily—if the skins are tender, leave them on for added texture and nutrients.

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Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Dill Pickle Relish Recipe

Homemade dill pickle relish is the perfect way to elevate your everyday meals. It’s tangy, crunchy, and bursting with fresh dill flavor—everything a pickle lover dreams of. Beyond hot dogs and hamburgers, this versatile condiment can jazz up salads, spreads, dips, and even main dishes.

By making your own, you not only ensure freshness and flavor but also gain the ability to tailor the recipe to your personal taste. Whether you prefer it spicy, garlicky, or classic, there’s a dill pickle relish recipe that’s just right for you.