10 Substitute For Sweet Pickle Relish To Try Out

Sweet pickle relish is a popular condiment that adds a tangy-sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re topping a hot dog, making potato salad, or mixing it into your favorite sandwich spread, sweet pickle relish brings a unique taste that is hard to match. However, there are times when you might run out of this ingredient or simply want to try something different. Fortunately, there are several other ingredients that can mimic its flavor and texture, giving your recipes that familiar sweetness and crunch.

In this blog post, we’ll explore ten excellent substitute for sweet pickle relish. Each substitute offers a unique twist, whether it’s a different level of sweetness or a slightly varied texture, but all of them can work well in dishes where you’d usually use sweet pickle relish. We’ll walk through these alternatives, giving you a detailed look at how they compare to the classic relish and how you can use them to enhance your meals.

10 Substitute For Sweet Pickle Relish

1. Chopped Dill Pickles with Sugar

One of the easiest and most common substitute for sweet pickle relish is chopped dill pickles mixed with a little sugar. Dill pickles have a tangy flavor, but by adding sugar, you can mimic the sweet and sour taste of sweet pickle relish. Simply chop the pickles finely and sprinkle a small amount of sugar over them. Start with about half a teaspoon of sugar for every two tablespoons of chopped pickles, and adjust to your taste.

This combination works well because dill pickles already have the vinegary flavor that’s present in sweet pickle relish. Adding sugar balances the tartness with sweetness, making it a close match. This substitute can be used in potato salads, hot dogs, and even in sauces where you need that sweet and tangy kick.

2. Chutney

Chutney, particularly sweet varieties like mango chutney or apple chutney, can serve as an interesting substitute for sweet pickle relish. Chutneys are made from fruits or vegetables combined with spices, sugar, and vinegar, which gives them a flavor profile similar to sweet pickle relish. They are usually thicker and chunkier than relish, but you can chop the chutney into smaller pieces if you want a finer texture.

The fruitiness of chutney adds a new dimension to your dishes, while the sweetness and acidity can still provide that balanced flavor you’re looking for. You can use chutney as a topping for burgers or hot dogs, or mix it into salad dressings for a unique twist. Keep in mind that chutneys can be spicier than relish, so if you’re using a spicy variety, you may want to adjust the quantity to suit your taste.

3. Sweet Pepper Relish

Sweet pepper relish is a great substitute if you’re looking for something with a similar sweet and tangy flavor but with a different base. Made from bell peppers, vinegar, and sugar, sweet pepper relish has a milder taste compared to pickle relish but still delivers on sweetness and acidity. It’s slightly less crunchy but has a lovely texture that works well in many dishes.

This type of relish can be used as a topping for hot dogs, in sandwiches, or mixed into potato salad. Because sweet pepper relish lacks the strong vinegary punch of pickle relish, you might want to add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors if needed. However, if you’re looking for a milder alternative that’s still sweet, this is an excellent choice.

4. Pickled Jalapenos

If you’re looking for a substitute with a bit of a kick, pickled jalapeños can do the trick. While they are spicier than sweet pickle relish, they still provide the tangy and vinegary flavor you need. To make them more similar to sweet relish, you can chop the jalapeños finely and mix them with a little sugar. This combination gives you a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor all in one.

Pickled jalapenos work particularly well in dishes where you want to add some heat, such as burgers, sandwiches, or even certain salads. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance, as jalapeños can vary in spiciness.

Read also, 11 Best Hotter Substitute For Jalapeno

5. Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles are another close match for sweet pickle relish. These pickles are made with a combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices, giving them a sweet and tangy flavor very similar to sweet pickle relish. All you need to do is chop them finely to match the texture of relish.

Bread and butter pickles can be used in nearly any recipe that calls for sweet pickle relish. They work well in sandwiches, burgers, and potato salads, and their sweetness pairs nicely with savory ingredients. If you’re out of sweet pickle relish but have bread and butter pickles on hand, this is an easy swap.

6. Capers with a Touch of Sugar

Capers are small, briny buds that are often used in Mediterranean cooking. While they have a strong, salty flavor, they can be made into a sweet relish-like substitute by adding a touch of sugar. Simply chop the capers finely and mix them with a bit of sugar and vinegar to balance out their intense saltiness.

Capers can add a unique twist to dishes where you’d normally use sweet pickle relish. They’re best used in sauces, spreads, or salads, where their briny flavor can complement other ingredients. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and want something a little different, this combination might be perfect for you.

7. Relish from Pickled Beets

Pickled beets might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they can make an interesting substitute for sweet pickle relish. Pickled beets are naturally sweet with a vinegary tang, and when chopped finely, they can mimic the texture of relish. Their bright color also adds a vibrant touch to your dishes.

The earthy sweetness of beets pairs well with many savory dishes, so this substitute can work in salads, sandwiches, or as a topping for grilled meats. The flavor is a bit more complex than traditional sweet pickle relish, but it can add a nice depth to your recipes.

8. Corn Relish

Corn relish is another sweet and tangy alternative that can be used in place of sweet pickle relish. Made from corn, vinegar, sugar, and spices, it has a similar flavor profile but with the added crunch and sweetness of corn. The texture is a bit chunkier than pickle relish, but you can chop it finely if you prefer a smoother consistency.

This substitute works especially well in salads, burgers, and as a topping for grilled meats. The sweetness of the corn adds a unique touch to dishes, while the vinegar keeps the flavor balanced. If you’re looking for something a little different but still want that sweet and tangy taste, corn relish is a great option.

Read also, 13 Best Substitutes For Jicama

9. Zucchini Relish

Zucchini relish is another great substitute that’s very similar to sweet pickle relish in terms of flavor and texture. Made with chopped zucchini, vinegar, sugar, and spices, it has the same sweet and tangy flavor but with a slightly milder taste. You can find zucchini relish in many stores, or you can make it at home if you have fresh zucchini on hand.

Zucchini relish can be used in all the same ways as sweet pickle relish. It works well in salads, sandwiches, and as a topping for hot dogs or burgers. The mild flavor of zucchini makes this relish a versatile alternative, and its texture is quite similar to the original, making it a great substitute.

10. Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish

Finally, if you have some time and the right ingredients, you can always make your own sweet pickle relish at home. Homemade relish allows you to control the sweetness, tanginess, and texture to suit your preferences. All you need are cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, and some basic pickling spices like mustard seeds and celery seeds. You can chop the cucumbers finely and simmer them with vinegar, sugar, and spices until they reach the desired consistency.

This option is perfect if you enjoy cooking from scratch and want to replicate the exact flavor of store-bought sweet pickle relish. You can also experiment with different spices and levels of sweetness to create a relish that’s tailored to your taste.

Conclusion

There you have it—ten fantastic substitute for sweet pickle relish. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, tangy, spicy, or mild, these alternatives can fit into your recipes seamlessly. From dill pickles with sugar to homemade zucchini relish, there’s no need to worry if you’re out of sweet pickle relish. Each of these substitutes offers a unique flavor twist while still delivering that satisfying crunch and sweet-tangy taste.