Fresh Tomato Relish

If you love bright, fresh flavors that make any meal pop, you’re going to adore this Fresh Tomato Relish. It’s like summer in a jar — juicy ripe tomatoes, a bit of tang, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of fresh herbs all come together in this vibrant, versatile condiment. Think of it as your new secret weapon for jazzing up everything from grilled meats and fish to sandwiches, tacos, or even scrambled eggs.

I stumbled upon this relish recipe during a particularly abundant tomato season when I wanted something quick and fresh that didn’t require hours of cooking. It’s now one of my favorite ways to celebrate ripe tomatoes and add an instant burst of flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super quick to make — ready in about 15 minutes
• Uses fresh, garden-ripe tomatoes for vibrant flavor
• No cooking required — keeps the tomatoes bright and fresh
• Versatile — perfect on grilled chicken, burgers, fish, or as a dip
• Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie
• Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices
• Great for meal prep — stores well in the fridge for up to a week

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ripe tomatoes — choose a mix of cherry tomatoes and medium-sized ones for texture
• Red onion — adds a little crunch and sharpness
• Fresh basil and/or cilantro — herbs bring freshness and aroma
• Garlic — for a punch of flavor
• Olive oil — smooths and ties everything together
• Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar — for that perfect tang
• Honey or maple syrup — just a touch to balance acidity
• Salt and pepper — to taste
• Optional: finely chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a kick

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prep your ingredients
Dice your tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion, garlic, and herbs. If you want some heat, finely mince jalapeño or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Combine everything in a bowl
Add diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and herbs to a medium bowl. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the top, then add a small spoonful of honey or maple syrup.

Step 3: Season and stir
Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then gently toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — more vinegar for tang, more honey if it’s too sharp.

Step 4: Let it rest
For the best flavor, let the relish sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature so the flavors meld. You can also refrigerate it for an hour or two to deepen the taste.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Spoon your fresh tomato relish over grilled meats, fish, roasted veggies, or spread it on sandwiches and wraps. It’s also fantastic as a topping for scrambled eggs or even dolloped on creamy cheeses like ricotta or burrata.

Helpful Tips

Use the freshest tomatoes you can find
Since this recipe relies on raw tomatoes, the quality really matters. Look for firm, ripe tomatoes without blemishes.

Make it in advance
This relish actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge, making it perfect to prepare ahead for weeknight dinners or parties.

Storage
Keep the relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving again.

Creative twists
Try adding finely diced cucumber for extra crunch, or a splash of balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a sweeter note. You can also add chopped olives or capers for a briny twist.

Pairings
Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, burgers, roasted vegetables, or use it as a fresh salsa with tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes work best here for that crisp, vibrant flavor. Canned tomatoes are usually too soft and watery for this relish.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Can I freeze fresh tomato relish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing can change the texture and make the tomatoes watery when thawed.

How spicy is it?
The heat depends on whether you add jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can leave these out for a mild relish or add more for a kick.

Can I use other herbs?
Definitely! Try fresh parsley, oregano, or mint for different flavor profiles.

I make this fresh tomato relish all summer long — it’s my go-to for quick meals that taste like they took way more effort. One final tip: try spooning it over a slice of toasted sourdough with a drizzle of olive oil for an easy, delicious snack. Give it a try and let me know how you like to enjoy it!