Simple Tomato Relish Made from Scratch

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This simple tomato relish can transform everyday meals with its vibrant flavors. Made with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh oregano, it adds a fresh touch to sandwiches, salads, or grilled dishes.

A bowl of chopped tomatoes with fresh oregano leaves.

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Ingredients
Substitutions
Instructions
Tips for Making Tomato Relish
What to Serve Tomato Relish With
More Homemade Condiment Recipes
Storage
FAQs
Recipe

This tomato relish balances juicy sweetness from the tomatoes with the sharp acidity of red wine vinegar, creating a bright, fresh flavor.

Fresh oregano adds a subtle herbal note without overwhelming the other ingredients. Rich, Greek olive oil ties everything together with a smooth richness that enhances the natural taste.

It’s a simple, homemade relish versatile enough to use as a sandwich or burger topping, on top of eggs, or with fresh bread. Try it on a grilled halloumi sandwich.

This relish is similar to pico de gallo or salsa and stays uncooked, keeping the fresh, bright taste of the raw ingredients. For a recipe similar to this, try my pico de gallo recipe.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

Tomatoes: I use a variety pack that my local grocery store sells.
Olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness, helping to meld the flavors together.
Red wine vinegar: Provides acidity and brightness that balances the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note.
Salt and pepper: A must to bring out all of the other flavors.

Substitutions

Red wine vinegar: White wine vinegar or lemon juice are good alternatives but may produce a slightly different tang.
Fresh oregano: Fresh basil or parsley could also be interesting substitutes for a different herb flavor.

Instructions

This simple, fresh tomato relish recipe is easy to make from scratch and perfect for adding bright flavor to sandwiches, as a garnish for omelettes, and more.

Follow these easy steps to make a tangy, flavorful relish that brings your dishes to life.

Chop fresh tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a bowl. A sharp knife helps. If your knives aren't that sharp, try a serrated knife (steak knife).
Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh oregano leaves, salt, and pepper.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Let the relish sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for Making Tomato Relish

Let the relish rest after mixing to allow the vinegar and herbs to infuse the tomatoes.
Use good-quality olive oil to add richness and depth.
Adjust seasoning carefully; salt brings out the tomato flavor but too much can overpower.
Fresh oregano is best, but if using dried, use less and add it earlier to let it rehydrate.
Serve at room temperature for the fullest flavor, especially if refrigerated.

What to Serve Tomato Relish With

This tomato relish works as a fresh topping for sandwiches like grilled halloumi or grilled chicken ciabatta sandwiches.

I also love it on top of an omelette, and I think it would be great on top of lemon rice.

For a casual dinner, spoon this relish over toasted bread or crackers with a swipe of cream cheese, labneh, or whipped ricotta.

More Homemade Condiment Recipes

See more Condiments, Sauce, Dips →

Storage

Keep leftover tomato relish in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.

Bring it back to room temperature before serving to get the best flavor. Stir well before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate slightly when chilled.