How Do You Make Squash Relish

You make squash relish by combining chopped squash with onions, peppers, vinegar, sugar, and spices, then cooking it down into a sweet-and-tangy condiment you can jar and enjoy all year.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how do you make squash relish, the good news is that it’s one of the easiest preserving projects you can tackle, even if you’re a beginner.
 
You can make squash relish with just about any summer squash you have on hand, whether it’s zucchini, yellow squash, or a mix of both.
 
The process is forgiving, the ingredients are affordable, and the end result is a jar of golden goodness that tastes amazing on burgers, hot dogs, beans, and so much more.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make squash relish step by step, including the ingredients you need and the tips that make the biggest difference.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

What Is Squash Relish and Why You’ll Love It

Squash relish is a sweet, tangy, and slightly crunchy condiment made from diced squash, onions, and peppers that are simmered in a vinegar and sugar brine.
 
It’s similar to cucumber relish, but it uses squash instead, which gives it a milder flavor and a beautiful golden color.
 
Learning how to make squash relish is worth your time because it’s a fantastic way to use up the overflow from your garden when squash season hits hard.
 
If you’ve ever had more zucchini than you know what to do with, squash relish is the answer.
 
It also makes a wonderful homemade gift, and a jar of squash relish on the pantry shelf feels like a little jar of summer you can open any time of year.
 

Ingredients You Need to Make Squash Relish

Before you learn how do you make squash relish, you need to gather your ingredients.
 
Here’s what goes into a classic batch of squash relish.
 

1. Fresh Squash

You’ll need about 10 to 12 cups of diced squash, which is roughly 6 to 8 medium squash.
 
Yellow squash and zucchini both work beautifully, and you can even use a combination of the two for variety.
 
Just make sure your squash is firm and fresh, not soft or spongy.
 

2. Onions and Peppers

Add 4 large onions and 4 to 6 bell peppers, finely chopped.
 
Onions give squash relish its savory depth, while bell peppers add sweetness and a pop of color.
 
For a little heat, toss in a couple of jalapeños if you like things spicy.
 

3. Vinegar, Sugar, and Spices

The brine is what transforms plain squash into relish.
 
You’ll need 4 cups of white vinegar, 3 cups of sugar, 2 tablespoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of mustard seed, and 1 tablespoon of celery seed.
 
Some people add turmeric for extra color, and a pinch of turmeric makes your squash relish look bright and inviting.
 

How Do You Make Squash Relish Step by Step

Now for the fun part, actually making squash relish.
 
Here’s the process broken down so it’s easy to follow.
 

1. Chop and Salt the Squash

Start by dicing your squash, onions, and peppers into small, even pieces.
 
Sprinkle the chopped vegetables with salt and let them sit in a colander for a few hours or overnight.
 
This step draws out excess water, which keeps your squash relish from turning mushy.
 
Rinse the vegetables well and drain them thoroughly before cooking.
 

2. Simmer the Brine

In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric.
 
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
 
This brine is what gives squash relish its signature sweet-and-sour flavor.
 

3. Cook the Vegetables

Add your drained squash, onions, and peppers to the brine.
 
Simmer everything for about 20 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
 
Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
 
Your kitchen will smell incredible while you make squash relish.
 

4. Jar and Process

Ladle the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace.
 
Wipe the rims, seal the jars with lids, and process them in a water bath canner for 15 minutes.
 
If you plan to eat your squash relish within a few weeks, you can simply store the jars in the fridge instead.
 

Tips for the Best Squash Relish

A few small details make a big difference when you make squash relish.
 
Always use fresh, firm squash for the best texture.
 
Don’t skip the salting step, because it’s the secret to keeping your relish crunchy instead of soggy.
 
Feel free to adjust the sugar and spice levels to suit your taste, since squash relish is very forgiving.
 
And if you’re wondering how do you make squash relish that lasts, proper canning and clean jars are the key to shelf-stable jars that keep for a year or more.
 

So, How Do You Make Squash Relish?

You make squash relish by chopping fresh squash, onions, and peppers, salting them to remove excess water, then simmering them in a sweet vinegar brine with mustard and celery seed before jarring and processing.
 
It’s a simple, rewarding way to turn a bumper crop of squash into something you’ll reach for again and again.
 
Once you know how do you make squash relish, you’ll never look at a pile of zucchini the same way again.
 
Grab your squash, fire up the stove, and make a batch of squash relish this week, because your future self will thank you every time you twist open a jar.