This homemade fresh cherry tomato relish recipe uses just 6 ingredients and is the perfect way to use up all the vine-ripened tomatoes from your garden. No garden, no problem, the Farmers Markets are filled with lovely cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes for this simple relish recipe.

Other fresh summer-ripe tomato recipes include my easy Avocado Pico de Gallo Salad or these gently sheet pan roasted grape tomatoes.

So many uses for a fresh tomato relish, try it as an appetizer on Crostini or as an accompaniment to a pan-fried salmon or other fish.

tomato relish in small bowl with cherry tomamtoes on board.
fresh cherry tomato relish is so versatile!

What type of tomatoes should be used to make the relish?

  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Green Tomatoes
  • Heirloom Tomatoes
  • Garden Tomatoes

Ingredients

  • Heirloom Cherry Tomato: Only use fresh, fully ripe tomatoes. The chopped tomatoes don’t need to be de-seeded.
  • Red Onion: The red onion gives the relish a nice bite.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: The vinegar gives the relish that tangy flavor. Good substitutes include balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar.
  • Dried Italian Parsley: You can use dried parsley if fresh is not available. Spice up the relish with a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes.
  • Kosher Salt: This type of salt has a clean flavor and really brings out the tomato flavor. I don’t recommend using iodized table salt for this recipe. Just a dash is needed.
  • Sugar: A little sugar brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes.

Recipe Instructions

Finely dice the tomatoes and onions and place them in a small bowl.

Mix in the apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar, and Italian parsley.

Cover the bowl and set aside until ready to use. The tomato relish is best served at room temperature. The longer the relish sits, the more the flavors develop so this is a good condiment to prepare the day before.

Variations

You can use the basic recipe and add extra ingredients.

  • For a spicy relish sprinkle in a few red pepper flakes.
  • Add chopped sweet onion and green peppers.

More easy condiment recipes

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tomato relish in small bowl with cherry tomamtoes on board.

Fresh Tomato Relish

A light and fresh tomato relish for burgers,hot dogs,grilled fish, and also great over chicken.
4 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author:Sydney Dawes

Ingredients

  • 10-12 Heirloom cherry tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red onion, minced
  • dash salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoons dried Italian parsley
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Chop the tomatoes fine and place in a small bowl.
  • Mix in the apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar and parsley. Stir with a small spoon or spatula.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside until ready to use.

Notes

The main ingredient of your relish is tomatoes, so make sure they’re the best quality you can find. Ideally, use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. The type of tomato can also impact the taste, with varieties like Roma or heirloom being excellent choices.
A good tomato relish balances sweetness, acidity, and spiciness. Tomatoes are naturally sweet and acidic, but adding a little sugar can help enhance their natural sweetness, while vinegar can boost the tanginess. Depending on your preference, you might also want to include spicy ingredients like chili flakes or jalapenos. Taste your relish as you go it and adjust the flavors as necessary.
 A relish should be somewhat chunky, but the ingredients should still be chopped quite fine and even, so you can get a bit of everything in each bite. Too big, and it becomes a salad; too small, and it can become more of a sauce. Pay attention to your chopping to get a good, relish-like consistency.
If you have time, let your tomato relish sit in the fridge for a few hours before using it. This allows the flavors to meld together and will make the relish even more delicious.
Recipe can be doubled or tripled.

Nutrition Disclaimer

I am not a certified Dietitian or Nutritionist. The nutrition amounts given below is an estimate only and provided as a general guide only.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 cup | Calories: 13kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
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Ways to Use Tomato Relish

  • Great as a condiment on a sandwich or burger.
  • I love tomato relish for fish, warmed and topped on pan-fried salmon.
  • No-cook relish is great as a salad dressing over a green salad.
  • Mix the tomato relish into homemade Meatloaf.
  • My favorite way is to add a heaping tablespoon spread to a grilled cheese, so yummy!

Tools Used

You need very little to make this no-cook recipe, just a small bowl, a sharp knife, spoon or spatula, I love my mini spatula set from Hierloom Living and a measuring spoon.

A Mezzaluna Chopper (←affiliate link) makes chopping up the ingredients a snap, and you can chop fine or coarse depending on your preference. I learned how to use this tool while living it Italy and highly recommend every kitchen have one. 🙂

How to Store Leftover Relish

If you won’t be using it the same day then cover and store it in the refrigerator. Let come to room temperature before serving.

Tip

Use only fresh ripe tomatoes. Although we can buy tomatoes year-round the best tomatoes are in season from May to October.

4 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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