• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Recommendations
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Recommendations
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Recommendations
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home > Recipes > Easy recipes

    Spicy Pickle Relish

    September 9, 2015 by bobbiskozykitchen 40 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest graphic with the image if spicy pickle relish in a white bowl on it.

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.

    This Spicy Pickle Relish recipe is perfect. Tangy, sweet, with just a bit of heat. It will soon become your go-to relish for hot dogs, burgers, and more and is the perfect way to add a little something something to your low carb and keto dishes!

    Four mason jars full of spicy pickle relish on a wooden cutting board with a red kitchen towel.

    Join my newsletter and never miss a recipe!

    WOW lookie me canning Spicy Pickle Relish with veggies from my garden! 

    I feel all farmer-ish and stuff. 

    This spicy pickle relish is actually something that I have been wanting to make for years, but have just put off for one reason or another.

    I guess the 3+ pounds of cucumbers that popped up in my garden spurred me on to get it done. The last thing I want to do is waste any bit of the gorgeous garden veggies that I grew with my own little hands.

    It is hard to believe that this girl, the one that could barely keep a chive plant alive, has two raised bed gardens that have actually done OK this year. 

    We just won't discuss the whole beet issue. Nothing like sprouting 18 gorgeous little baby beet plants, then planting them in the garden, and watching all but one die but, as I said, we won't discuss that.

    I will tell you one cool thing, come in close so I can whisper, I don't want this getting around to just anybody.....

    This is a magic pickle relish. Yup, uh-huh, you heard me right.

    Why is it magic? 

    Well, it performed a miracle for me.......

    It made my husband fall in love with it, and don't mean just strongly like, I am talking the full-blown pity pat, heart fluttering love. 

    That has got to be magic because before this recipe he absolutely hated pickle relish and didn't want me to put it in anything!!

    In This Post
    • 🥘Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • Storage
    • 💭Top tip
    • FAQ about Spicy Pickle Relish
    • More Keto and Low Carb Cucumber Recipes
    • Spicy Pickle Relish (Sugar-Free & Keto)

    🥘Ingredients

    These are the ingredients needed to make this Spicy Pickle Relish recipe.

    • cucumbers
    • yellow onion
    • red bell pepper
    • jalapenos
    • pink salt
    • white vinegar
    • Besti Monk Fruit and Allulose Sweetener
    • garlic
    • dill seed
    • mustard seed
    • celery seed
    • turmeric
    • pint-sized canning jars, lids, and rings

    Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

    🔪Instructions

    This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Spicy Pickle Relish. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    1. Place the cucumber and onion in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
    2. Pour the cucumber and onion mixture into a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt.
    3. Drain the cucumber mixture in a colander; rinse with cold water and drain well.
    4. Boil the vinegar, erythritol, garlic, dill seed, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric.
    5. Add the cucumber mixture, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper, and boil for 10 minutes.

    Substitutions

    • Peppers - you can use whatever peppers you prefer.
    • Sweetener - you can use whatever keto sweetener you prefer or regular sugar if you are not low carb.

    🍽 Equipment

    You will need a food processor, a large glass bowl, a colander, a large pot, sterilized pint mason jars, rings, and lids, and a water bath canner.

    Storage

    Store the canned spicy pickle relish in a cool dry place for up to a year. Once opened the relish will last for up to a month in the refrigerator.

    💭Top tip

    Be careful not to over-chop the cucumber and onion in the food processor or it can end up mushy.

    Three pint mason jars full of spicy pickle relish with a small white bowl full next to them on a wooden cutting board.

    FAQ about Spicy Pickle Relish

    Can I store this Spicy Pickle Relish in the pantry?

    Homemade pickles which have been canned properly with sterilized jars (be sure that a seal has been created) can be stored in the refrigerator, in the pantry, or in a cabinet for up to 1 year.

    How long will my Spicy Pickle Relish last after I open it?

    As long as it is stored in the refrigerator it should last about a month.

    Is pickle relish keto-friendly?

    Yes, as long as you use keto-friendly sweeteners in your recipe.

    Three mason jars full of spicy pickle relish with a small white bowl full of relish and a hot dog topped with spicy pickle relish on a wooden cutting board.

    More Keto and Low Carb Cucumber Recipes

    Looking for more keto cucumber recipes like this? Try these Garlic and Ginger Pickles, Spicy Peanut Cucumber Noodle Salad, or this Creamy Cucumber Salad.

    Other fabulous recipe ideas to try are these Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites, Smashed Cucumber Salad, and this Cucumber Salsa with Fresh Tomatoes.

    Mason jars of spicy pickle relish and a white bowl full of relish with a hot dog topped with the relish on a wooden cutting board.

    Spicy Pickle Relish (Sugar-Free & Keto)

    This spicy pickle relish recipe is perfect. Tangy, sweet, with just a bit of heat. It will soon become your go-to relish for hot dogs, burgers, and more and is the perfect way to add a little something something to your low carb and keto dishes!
    3.75 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Add to Collection Go to Collections Add to Shopping List Go to Collections
    Prep Time 1 hour hr
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Homemade Ingredients
    Cuisine American
    Servings 128 1 tablespoon servings
    Calories 4 kcal

    Equipment

    • food processor
    • large glass bowl
    • colander
    • Large pot
    • pint mason jars
    • water bath canner

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 lb cucumbers seeded and rough-chopped
    • 1 large yellow onion chopped
    • 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
    • 3 or 4 jalapenos chopped (I left the seeds in to add a bit more heat)
    • 1/4 cup pink salt
    • 3 cups white vinegar
    • 3/4 cup Besti Monk Fruit and Allulose Crystilized Sweetener
    • 6 cloves garlic minced
    • 3 tsp dill seeds
    • 3 tsp mustard seeds
    • 2 tsp celery seeds
    • 1/2 tsp turmeric
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Place the cucumber and onion in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Be careful not to over-process or the relish can end up mushy.
    • Pour the cucumber and onion mixture into a large nonreactive bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Stir well and allow to stand for 1 hour.
    • Drain the cucumber mixture in a colander; rinse with cold water and drain well.
    • In a large pot, bring vinegar, sweetener, garlic, dill seed, mustard seed, celery seed and turmeric to a boil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the drained cucumber and onion mixture, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper, and return to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
    • Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Seal with lids and rings and process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes.

    Disclaimer

    Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 4kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 222mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword 10 ingredients or less, american, DIY, easy, easy recipes, gifts, gluten-free, Homemade, Keto, keto recipes, Low Carb, Sugar-Free
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you like this recipe please leave a comment!

    If you make this recipe, take a photo and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #BobbisKozyKtchn I love to see what you make. You might even make it into our newsletter!!

    Thank you for reading and supporting the companies I partner with. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. tracy

      August 24, 2017 at 8:15 pm

      I made this and boy am I glad I did ! Super good! It reminds me of chow-chow . I tripled the recipe and still don't think it's enough. I will definitely be making this every year.

      Reply
    2. Bobbi

      August 25, 2017 at 9:08 am

      Yay!! I am so glad you said it reminds you of chow-chow. I lived in the south for a few years and developed a love for chow-chow. This was kinda fashioned after it 🙂

      Reply
    3. Unknown

      July 13, 2018 at 6:30 am

      Did you peel the cucumbers first?

      Reply
    4. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      July 13, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      Nope, just gave them a good scrub ?

      Reply
    5. Unknown

      August 16, 2018 at 10:56 am

      How long does the relish last canned? Also- how long should I wait before eating? thanks x

      Reply
      • Nicole

        July 29, 2023 at 12:58 pm

        Has this recipe been updated or changed? I have made this a couple years now but it didn’t use sweetener? Do you use the same amount of sugar?

        Reply
        • bobbiskozykitchen

          July 29, 2023 at 4:52 pm

          Yes, I use low carb sweeteners now due to health reasons but, if you are not low carb, you can use the same amount of regular sugar.

    6. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      August 17, 2018 at 11:14 am

      I would say at least 2 weeks, but with it being pickled I would think longer. We eat it so fast it doesn't last long LOL

      Reply
    7. Unknown

      September 03, 2018 at 6:04 pm

      i just made a 4x batch and it seems very salty or tangy. Will this go away with time?

      Reply
      • Donna

        July 26, 2023 at 12:33 pm

        How many quarts does this make?

        Reply
        • bobbiskozykitchen

          July 28, 2023 at 1:37 pm

          This recipe will make approx 6 pint jars of pickle relish.

    8. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      September 09, 2018 at 8:49 am

      Hhmmmm tangy I can undestand as this recipe makes the relish spicy (tangy) but salty? I am not sure. I have made this several times, along with friends and family, and the salt level has always been fine. I am sorry this didn't work well for you. I hope the flavored was better after sitting for a bit!

      Reply
    9. Unknown

      August 01, 2019 at 9:05 am

      Rinse very well before putting on to cook

      Reply
    10. Unknown

      August 18, 2019 at 11:04 am

      Can you use zucchini in place of or mixed with the cucumbers?

      Reply
    11. Bobbi

      August 18, 2019 at 11:06 am

      I have never tried using zucchini. I would think, since they are pretty comparable to a cucumber, that it would work well. Let me know if you try it!

      Reply
    12. Unknown

      February 03, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      Why sugar substitute? I was looking for relish without sugar.

      Reply
    13. Bobbi

      February 03, 2020 at 1:43 pm

      The sugar balances out the spicy/tangy flavor profile. The sugar substitute instead of regular sugar is because I am low carb.

      Reply
    14. Unknown

      April 01, 2020 at 12:24 pm

      Why the special salt? I pulled up the link and see that it is a course sea salt. Would any course sea salt work?

      Reply
    15. Bobbi

      April 01, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      I use Redmond's in everything because it contains natural minerals that are really important on a low carb or keto diet. You can always use regular salt if you prefer.

      Reply
    16. Unknown

      July 07, 2020 at 5:11 pm

      what about splenda as a substitute?

      Reply
    17. Bobbi

      July 07, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      Splenda is a blend of dextrose, maltodextrin, and sucrolose so not really great for keto.

      Reply
    18. Chappy

      July 18, 2020 at 4:24 pm

      Once they relish has been sealed in jars how long should we wait to eat and how long will it last on the shelf unopened? Thank you!!

      Reply
    19. Bobbi

      July 18, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      Once the jars have cooled you can go to town 🙂 The relish should last about a year.

      Reply
    20. Unknown

      July 28, 2020 at 7:47 am

      My first time making this.... it definately is not your grandmother's relish. Just took jars out of hot water bath and they are beautiful. Left-over is in dish on counter...with a spoon next to it. Did I say yummy?..well it is. Thank you for a life long recipe.

      Reply
    21. MachelleKalb

      September 08, 2020 at 1:35 pm

      Ugh...i forgot to rinse mixture after salting ... I may be doing this over.

      Reply
    22. jlkerns007

      January 19, 2021 at 7:42 am

      Just a FYI. I grow a lot of hot peppers including several super hots to sauces and powders every year. Seeds don't actually have any heat of their own. The heat is produced by the ribs they are attached to and some of the capsaicin ends up coating the seeds. Seeds don't add to the flavor and sometimes can add some bitterness. That's why I use a food mill to remove the seeds from my fermentations. Anyways, I will be trying this recipe during my next growing season. Oh, and I am 7 years Keto. 🙂

      Reply
    23. Anonymous

      May 26, 2021 at 2:55 pm

      Beets, oh beets! They hate to be transplanted, so just plant your seeds directly. I add a small amount of borax for the boron to the soul. Have had pretty good luck. Same to you next try.

      Reply
    24. Unknown

      June 08, 2021 at 1:08 pm

      Did you use distilled white vinegar, white rice vinegar, or white wine vinegar?

      Reply
    25. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      June 08, 2021 at 1:09 pm

      You could actually use any of those but I used distilled white vinegar in this recipe.

      Reply
    26. Heather

      September 09, 2021 at 12:06 pm

      Do these have to be canned, or can I place them in refrigerator? How long might they last that way? Thanks!

      Reply
    27. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      September 09, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      I have not made this without the canning process. I do make pickles by pouring the boiling brine over them in a jar, place the lid on, let the jar cool, then store in the fridge. Those pickles (and pickled eggs) last a long time. I am not sure of an exact time frame but we always eat them all before they could go bad.

      Reply
    28. Anonymous

      September 08, 2022 at 12:08 pm

      I just have this simmering on the stove right now. I am in love with this recipe. Is there any way that I could thicken the juice up a bit?

      Reply
    29. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      September 08, 2022 at 12:09 pm

      I have never thickened a relish but you could experiment with some xanthan gum if you are keto I guess.

      Reply
    30. Kim

      July 25, 2023 at 7:42 am

      Can you use any of the monk fruit sweeteners.

      Reply
      • bobbiskozykitchen

        July 28, 2023 at 1:35 pm

        You can use any keto sweetener you prefer, just be aware that the amounts and crab count may be different.

        Reply
    31. Cathy Strzempka

      June 29, 2024 at 11:54 am

      When do you add the garlic, with the onions and cukes or with peppers? They are in the ingredients list but not the recipe.

      Reply
    32. Cathy Strzempka

      June 29, 2024 at 11:56 am

      Never mind, old lady brain misread:D

      Reply
      • bobbiskozykitchen

        June 29, 2024 at 2:50 pm

        No worries, I do it myself sometimes LOL

        Reply
    33. PAM SYKES

      August 09, 2024 at 3:04 pm

      I haven't tried this recipe yet, but plan to do it soon, but from what I have read, none of the sweeteners such as allulose, and others have been approved for canning....only stevia and sucralose, which bothers some people's stomach...can you point me in the direction to show that it is ok? ..and does the one you use, taste sweet and no aftertaste? Thanks!

      Reply
      • bobbiskozykitchen

        August 10, 2024 at 9:16 am

        There are no published pH tests for canning with monk fruit. Allulose, however, has been found to be heat stable and approved for commercial canning. Allulose also doesn't change the flavor or structure of food, or crystallize. I tend to be a rebel canner so I still use the monk fruit allulose blend for all of my canning but, if you prefer you can use just allulose (it is available on the same website I have linked) you will just have to increase the amount of sweetener you use because Allulose is not as sweet as regular sugar.

        Reply
    3.75 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Bobbi from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen outside in the sunshine with trees and a fence in th ebackground.

    Welcome! It is so nice to meet you. My name is Bobbi. I am the Mom of 2 great kids, and Nana to 3 amazing littles. I share my home in the beautiful PNW with my husband Kevin, and 2 furbabies, a Pyrador named Sia, and a Boxer/GSD Mix named Hawk..

    More about me

    Recommended Recipes

    • Featured image for Crispy Salmon Sliders.
      Salmon Sliders with Lemon Dill Slaw (So Crispy!)
    • Closeup of homemade ranch dressing mix in a glass bowl with a silver spoon.
      Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (Better Than Store-Bought!)
    • Air fried crispy garlic shrimp (Chinese-style) on a white serving dish.
      Crispy Garlic Asparagus (Air Fryer or Oven!)
    • Closeup of a slow cooker smoked brisket on a wooden cutting board with a few slices carved from it.
      Slow Cooker Beef Brisket (with Smoky Flavor Hack!)

    Footer

    Go Back to top

    bobbis kozy kitchen logo

    Stay Connected

    • Like us on Facebook
    • Follow me on twitter.
    • Follow me on instagram
    • Follow me on pinterest
    • Subscribe to my youtube channel.

    Contact

    • About Me
    • Lets's Work Together
    • Keto Kitchen Recommendations
    • Privacy Policy

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 bobbiskozykitchen.com

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.