Lemon Drop Zucchini Relish

Prep: 30 min

A tangy and sweet zucchini relish with lemon and mustard flavors, perfect for summer cookouts, sandwiches, or as a vibrant condiment for grilled dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 12 cups shredded zucchini
  • 4 cups chopped onion
  • 5 tablespoons salt
  • 2.5 cups lemon juice
  • 4 cups sugar or honey
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Shred zucchini with peel on and turn toward the grating surface.
  2. Scrape out the seeds from the shredded zucchini.
  3. Shred or chop the onions finely.
  4. Mix the zucchini, onions, and salt well and let stand overnight.
  5. Rinse the mixture thoroughly with cold water and drain.

Tips & Substitutions

When preparing the zucchini, consider using a food processor for quicker shredding. If you find zucchini too watery, you can squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients. For a sweeter relish, substitute honey for sugar. You can also experiment with adding crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. Ensure you allow the mixture to sit overnight to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Drop Zucchini Relish makes a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for crackers with cheese. It pairs beautifully with Garlic Storage dishes, offering a zesty contrast. Consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board or as part of a summer picnic spread for a refreshing twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover relish in clean, airtight jars in the refrigerator, where it can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the relish. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring not to boil it, as this can alter the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Drop Zucchini Relish contains roughly 1568 calories, with 16g protein, 376g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (216% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and iron (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1568mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).

1568 kcal 78% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.2g 32% DV
Total Fat 3.5g 4% DV
Carbs 376.4g 100% DV
Fiber 33.1g 100% DV
Sugar 8.9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1568.5mg 68% DV
Potassium 2536.7mg 54% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 59.4mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 194.7mg 100% DV
Calcium 266mg 20% DV
Iron 18.9mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

While fresh zucchini is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen zucchini if necessary. Just ensure it's thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture in your relish.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?

To adjust the sweetness, simply modify the amount of sugar or honey according to your taste. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

Is it possible to can this relish for long-term storage?

Yes, you can can Lemon Drop Zucchini Relish using proper canning techniques. Make sure to sterilize your jars and follow safe canning practices to ensure it lasts for up to a year on your pantry shelf.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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