15 Best Pickle Relish Substitutes to Use in Your Recipe

You're in the kitchen, ready to whip up your favorite dish, but you've just realized you're out of pickle relish. Don't worry; there are plenty of alternatives you can use to keep your meal on track. Whether you're looking for something tangy like chopped dill pickles or something with a hint of sweetness like sweet pickle chunks, the options are versatile and appealing. Each substitute not only complements your dish but can also add a new dimension of flavor. Curious about how to integrate these alternatives seamlessly into your recipes? Let's explore how these substitutes can enhance various dishes, making your culinary creations even more delectable.

Chopped Dill Pickles

If you're out of pickle relish, chopped dill pickles can be a flavorful and convenient alternative. Replace sweet pickle relish with dill pickles for a tangy flavor boost in your recipes.

Enhance this substitute by adding fresh dill or mixing in minced green olives for a unique flavor. This homemade pickle relish substitute brings a delightful contrast to dishes typically using sweet pickle relish.

Sweet Pickle Chunks

Using sweet pickle chunks as a substitute can add a burst of sweetness and crunch to your dishes, perfectly balancing savory flavors.

Sweet pickles, made from pickling cucumbers with a mix of apple cider vinegar and white vinegar, blend beautifully with white onion, green and red bell peppers, and a hint of celery seed.

This homemade sweet pickle relish elevates any recipe needing sweet condiments.

Capers and Lemon Juice

Capers paired with lemon juice offer a tangy and vibrant alternative to traditional pickle relish, injecting a burst of Mediterranean flair into your dishes.

Mix them in a non-reactive pot over medium-high heat, then transfer to hot sterilized jars using a jar lifter.

Seal the jars in a hot water bath canner filled with boiling water to mimic the essence of homemade pickles.

Chopped Green Olives

While capers and lemon juice add a Mediterranean zest, chopped green olives bring a robust, briny depth perfect for those seeking a saltier relish alternative. Easily found in grocery stores, they're a good substitute in your sweet relish recipe or as a popular condiment in homemade condiments.

Mix them with green peppers for a twist on hot dog relish or veggie burgers at your next backyard barbecue.

Cornichons and Mustard

Cornichons and mustard combine to provide a tangy, sharp substitute for traditional pickle relish, enhancing your dishes with a distinctive European flair.

Chop cornichons into small pieces in a food processor, then mix with mustard seed and dill seed in a large bowl.

For spicy pickles, simmer the mixture in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring to drain any excess liquid for perfect consistency.

Chopped Banana Peppers

Chopped banana peppers offer a crisp, mildly spicy alternative to traditional pickle relish, infusing your dishes with a vibrant zest.

For the best results in your homemade version, combine sugar, kosher salt, and a mix of chopped banana peppers and red peppers.

Guarantee an inch headspace in jars for easy recipe success.

Good luck, and check out the printable recipe card for detailed instructions!

Chopped Red Onion

Adding finely diced red onion provides a sharp, slightly sweet note that complements many dishes where traditional pickle relish is used. It's perfect in hot dogs, potato salad, tuna salad, and chicken salad.

Try mixing chopped red onion with drained cucumber and cream cheese for a fresh twist. This ingredient can inspire new recipes, replacing butter pickles without leaving any excess water.

Sauerkraut

While sauerkraut may not be the first substitute that comes to mind, its tangy and fermented flavor makes it an excellent alternative to traditional pickle relish in sandwiches and salads.

You'll appreciate the subtle crunch and depth it adds, especially if you're aiming for a lower added sugar content.

Make sure it's submerged in cold water, allowing enough water to cover by an inch of the top.

Giardiniera

If you're looking for a crunchy, spicy kick in your dishes, giardiniera serves as a vibrant substitute for pickle relish. This medley of larger cucumbers, carrots, and peppers, pickled to perfection, is one of the top icons of flavor in the United States.

Next time you're tweaking a recipe, use giardiniera. It's a good thing it adds both texture and a bold taste to any meal.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For a touch of Mediterranean flair, consider using sun-dried tomatoes as a flavorful alternative to pickle relish in your dishes. Their rich, concentrated taste enhances recipes greatly, adding a deep, tangy twist.

You can find them via affiliate links or with a quick Google search. Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery even featured them in their third-year culinary show on Discovery Family, highlighting their versatility and unique flavor profile.

Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke hearts, often overlooked, offer a subtly sweet and nutty flavor that makes a delightful substitute for pickle relish in many recipes.

You'll find their texture uniquely tender yet firm, enriching dishes with a pleasing contrast.

Try them finely chopped in salads, dips, or sandwiches.

They'll infuse your meals with a sophisticated twist, elevating the taste without overpowering the original flavors.

Fresh Cucumber and Vinegar

Using fresh cucumber and vinegar, you can create a crisp, tangy substitute for pickle relish that adds an invigorating zing to your dishes.

1. Dice the cucumbers finely for a texture that mimics traditional relish.
2. Mix with distilled white vinegar for sharpness.
3. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
4. Season with salt to enhance the flavors.

Mango Chutney

Mango chutney offers a sweet and tangy alternative, bursting with tropical flavors that can elevate your dishes. You'll find it's packed with ripe mangoes, hints of ginger, and a touch of spice.

This chutney brings a vibrant kick to sandwiches and burgers, replacing traditional relish with its unique blend. It's particularly great if you're looking to add a distinct, fruity twist to your meals.

Celery and Apple Cider Vinegar

For a crisp, tangy substitute, combine finely chopped celery with apple cider vinegar, enhancing your dishes with a fresh and slightly sour note. Here's how you can make the most of this combo:

1. Mix equal parts of celery and vinegar.
2. Let it marinate overnight.
3. Use it in potato salads.
4. Add to your tuna or chicken sandwiches for an extra zing.

Kalamata Olives

If you're looking to bring a rich, fruity depth to your dishes, consider incorporating chopped Kalamata olives as a substitute for pickle relish.

Their distinct dark hue and firm texture infuse meals with a robust, slightly tangy flavor that complements ingredients beautifully.

Ideal in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish, these olives elevate your culinary creations with their unique Mediterranean flair.

Conclusion

Now that you've got a plethora of flavorful pickle relish substitutes, you're all set to immerse yourself in jazzing up your recipes. Whether it's the tangy zest of capers and lemon juice, the sweet crunch of pickle chunks, or the Mediterranean kick of Kalamata olives, each option adds its unique twist.

Don't hesitate to experiment with these alternatives; they'll not only brighten your dishes but also introduce a delightful complexity. Engage and let your taste buds revel in these exciting flavors!