Ritz Relish

This is a fresh, crunchy relish that comes together in a single bowl with no cooking. Chopped celery, tomatoes, green pepper, and lettuce get tossed in a sweet-tangy dressing of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and a splash of Worcestershire.

The lettuce in a relish is unusual, but it adds a fresh, watery crunch that balances the stronger flavors from the pepper and celery. It also means this relish is best eaten within a couple of days before the lettuce starts to wilt and release water.

That sugar-vinegar-ketchup dressing is the kind of sweet-sour base you find in old-school American condiments. It coats the vegetables without drowning them, and the Worcestershire adds a savory undercurrent that keeps it from being just a sweet salad.

Kitchen Tips

• Chop all vegetables to a uniform small dice. Uneven pieces mean some bites are all celery and others are all tomato.
• Let the relish sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. The dressing needs time to meld with the vegetables.
• Use this relish within 2 to 3 days. The lettuce and tomatoes break down quickly and the texture goes soft.
• Drain off any excess liquid that collects at the bottom of the jar before serving.

Variations

• Add diced cucumber or radishes for extra crunch and color.
• Use apple cider vinegar instead of plain vinegar for a mellower, slightly fruity dressing.
• Spoon over grilled hot dogs, burgers, or sausages as a fresh, tangy topping.