A southern United States favorite! Chow Chow relish is a great topping for hot dogs, burgers, turkey sandwiches, and so much more.
Chow Chow Relish is known for its vibrant and zesty flavor profile. It is crafted from a medley of finely chopped vegetables, typically including green tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage, onions, and sometimes cucumbers. The vegetables are pickled in a brine made with vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices, giving the relish its distinctive tangy and slightly sweet taste.
Chow Chow Relish is characterized by its chunky texture and colorful appearance, with a mix of green, red, and yellow vegetables creating a visually appealing condiment. It is a versatile accompaniment that adds a burst of flavor and crunch to a variety of dishes, from hot dogs and sandwiches to grilled meats and beans.
Popular in Southern cuisine, Chow Chow Relish reflects a tradition of preserving the harvest and adding a flavorful touch to a range of dishes, making it a beloved and distinctive condiment in the culinary landscape.

Chow Chow Relish
Ingredients
- 8 cups Cabbage chopped
- 6 cups Green Tomatoes chopped
- 4 cups Onions chopped
- 2 cups Sweet Green Peppers chopped
- 1 cup Sweet Red Peppers chopped
- 2 small Cayenne Peppers chopped
- 1/4 cup Canning and pickling salt
- 3 cups Granulated Sugar
- 4 tsp Celery Seed
- 4 tsp Dry Mustard
- 2 tsp Mustard Seed
- 2 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Ginger
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1 tsp Crushed Pepper Flakes
- 5 cups White Vinegar
Instructions
- Chop and dice all vegetables.
- Place in non-reactive container (glass, stainless, ceramic).
- Sprinkle with salt. Gently mix well.
- Let stand 4 to 6 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Drain well.
- Rinse and drain again.
- Combine Sugar, Spices and Vinegar in a large saucepot.
- Simmer 10 minutes.
- Add vegetables, simmer 10 minutes.
- Bring to a boil, cook until veggies are tender.
- Pack hot relish into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles.
- Wipe jar rims.
- Adjust the two piece caps.
- Process 10 minutes in a boiling water canner.