Cherry Tomato Relish is loaded with fresh flavor and is a perfect condiment for eggs, chicken, burgers, fish, and sandwiches.
There is nothing like freshly made condiments and this "no cook" fresh tomato relish can be made anytime since fresh cherry tomatoes are now available year-round regardless of the season.
With just 7 ingredients and a few minutes, the tangy and robust flavor of this fresh cherry tomato relish is a perfect way to add a burst of flavor to any plate.
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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 basic 4 ingredient 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!
Ingredients
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.
Pro Tip
♡ For the freshest flavor, prep all the ingredients in advance and combine just before serving.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Vinaigrette. In a large bowl vigorously whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Combine. Add the cut cherry tomatoes, minced shallot, and chopped chives to the vinaigrette and gently combine all with a large spoon.
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.
Ways to Use Fresh Cherry Tomato Relish
- On Slices of Crusty Bread
- With Scrambled Eggs
- Over Omelets
- Mixed into Cooked Pasta
- Over Plain White or Brown Rice.
- As a Dip with Chips
- On Burgers and Sandwiches
- With Plain Baked Chicken
- Over Fish
- With Grilled Meat
My Top Tips
♡ For the best flavor use the freshest, sweetest cherry tomatoes.
♡ If you store this relish in the fridge for a day or two, add more fresh chopped chives to boost the flavor and visual appeal of the relish.
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.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can make this tomato relish early in the day, or even the day before and serve it the next day. I always add a small amount of fresh chopped herbs and let the relish come to room temperature before serving it.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container.
Do not freeze this relish. Freezing will change the texture and make this relish less appealing.
More Condiment Recipes
♡ Did you love this Fresh Cherry Tomato Relish? Please leave us a star rating and a comment below!
📖 Recipe
Fresh Cherry Tomato Relish
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon White Balsamic Vinegar
- ¼ Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes, Halved and Diced
- 1 Shallot, Minced
- 2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Fresh Chives
Instructions
- Make the Vinaigrette. In a large bowl vigorously whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon White Balsamic Vinegar, ¼ Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt, ¼ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Combine. Add the cut cherry tomatoes, minced shallot, and chopped chives to the vinaigrette and gently combine all with a large spoon.2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes, 1 Shallot, 2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Fresh Chives
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Per 1 serving. All nutritional information on this site is an estimate. Your results may vary.
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