Fresh Cherry Tomato Relish

What Is a Relish?

A relish is a condiment containing herbs, spices, and vinegar, and has a chunky texture. It is typically only made with chopped vegetables, while a chutney contains pieces of fruit.

Although tomatoes are botanically classified as a fruit, in cooking they are often considered a vegetable due to their acidity and use in savory dishes. So, technically this recipe could also be called fresh tomato chutney.

Why This Recipe Works

The one word that describes why this recipe works is fresh!

This great recipe begins with making a 4-ingredient basic vinaigrette. Then fresh vegetables and herbs, chopped fresh tomatoes, finely chopped shallots, and chives, are added. Cherry tomatoes are typically sweet and that sweetness is balanced with the vinaigrette and the savory shallots and chives.

I mince the herbs and shallots, so they are more evenly distributed throughout the relish. Plus, I like to use a combination of chopped and halved cherry tomatoes, which makes a very pretty relish that has bursts of tomato flavor.

The resulting side dish is a relish that goes with many dishes and is seasonless.

So, let's cook!

Ingredient Notes

Here's what you need to make this Fresh Cherry Tomato Relish Recipe:

• Olive Oil - A flavorful olive oil adds depth to the flavor of this relish. Although more expensive, I prefer to use a "first pressing" extra virgin olive oil that is loaded with fruity flavor.
• White Balsamic Vinegar - White balsamic is slightly sweet and works well to balance the acidity of the cherry tomatoes.
• Fine Sea Salt - I prefer fine sea salt, but any fine salt will work.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper - Freshly ground black pepper is a must! It adds spice but also has a flowery aroma.
• Cherry Tomatoes - Small ripe cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are perfectly sweet for this relish.  If cherry tomatoes are not available at a local grocery store check out your local farmer's market.
• Shallot - A finely chopped shallot brings mild onion and garlic flavors.
• Fresh Chives - Finely chopped fresh chives are perfect in this relish and will echo the mild onion flavor of the chopped shallot.

Please see the recipe card for the exact quantities.

Substitutions & Variations

• Substitute Roma Tomatoes. If cherry tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute Roma (plum) tomatoes.
• Substitute Another Vinegar & Honey. You can substitute white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar plus a half teaspoon of honey for the white balsamic vinegar.
• Substitute Other Fresh Herbs. You can substitute several different herbs for the chives. Good choices are basil, parsley, chervil, thyme, oregano, and tarragon.
• Substitute Green Onions. You can substitute the green portion of green onions for the chives.
• Substitute Red Onion. For a sharper onion flavor substitute red onion for the shallot.
• Add Jalapeño Pepper. For a spicy cherry tomato relish add a tablespoon of seeded and finely chopped jalapeño pepper. 

How to Make Fresh Tomato Relish

Step 1 - Make the Vinaigrette. In a large bowl vigorously whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Step 2 - Combine. Add the cut cherry tomatoes, minced shallot, and chopped chives to the vinaigrette and gently combine all with a large spoon.

Step 3 - Serve and Enjoy. Serve this relish now or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the relish come to room temperature to serve.