Cucumber and Tomato Relish
A crisp and refreshing relish made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, tossed in a tangy vinegar dressing. It's a perfect no-salt topping for grilled meats or salads, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the vegetables
- b.Wash the cucumber and tomatoes thoroughly.
- c.Finely dice the English cucumber. There's no need to peel it.
- d.Cut the Roma tomatoes in half, scoop out the seeds, and then finely dice them.
- e.Peel and finely dice the red onion.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the dressing
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and chill
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
- c.Pour the dressing over the vegetables and add the chopped fresh dill.
- d.Toss everything together gently until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- e.For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Give the relish a final stir and serve chilled as a topping or side dish.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use English or Persian cucumbers as they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, resulting in a less watery relish.
- 2Deseeding the tomatoes is a key step to prevent the relish from becoming soggy.
- 3For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding.
- 4This relish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- 5Serve this relish over grilled chicken, fish, burgers, or as a fresh side salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
Use a mini food processor or a vegetable chopper to quickly dice the vegetables, but be careful not to over-process them into a puree.
healthyHealthy
For a lower-fat version, you can omit the olive oil. The relish will be tangier but still delicious.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add 1/2 cup of diced sweet corn or finely chopped sweet bell peppers for extra color and a naturally sweeter flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent for Hydration
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this relish a hydrating and refreshing side dish, especially in warm weather.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Sodium-Free Flavor
This recipe provides a burst of fresh, tangy flavor without any added salt, making it an excellent choice for low-sodium diets.
Low in Calories
As a light and fresh vegetable-based dish, it's a perfect low-calorie topping to add flavor and texture to meals without extra guilt.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this relish is very healthy. It's low in calories and fat, contains no added salt, and is packed with vitamins and hydration from the fresh vegetables.