Dinner

The Ultimate Relish Tray Guide Recipe

ByLily Monroe December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

The ultimate relish tray is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that brings a variety of tastes and textures to your table. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this assortment of pickled and marinated goodies pairs wonderfully with cheeses and crackers for an irresistible starter.

A collection of glass trays on a white marbled surface, each filled with different snacks. The first divided tray has three sections: green olives with lemon slices on top, round bright red stuffed peppers in the middle, and white marinated mushrooms with herbs at the bottom. Next to it is a smaller divided tray holding green olives in one side and more red stuffed peppers in the other. Another divided tray holds pickles, whole okra, and boiled peanuts with some red chili as decoration. A rectangular tray at the bottom shows three sections of fresh green beans, carrot sticks, and a light brown dip. To the side, a tray with sliced toasted bread rounds and another with square crackers complete the spread, all arranged on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 oz Greek pitted mixed olives
1 package garlic parmesan toasted French rounds
1 cup pimento cheese
3 oz parmesan cheese crisps
6 oz stuffed green olives
10 oz hot cherry peppers
1 cup marinated mushrooms
8 oz pickled green beans
8 oz pickled carrots
4 oz cornichons or sweet gherkins
8 oz pickled okra
2 cups boiled peanuts

Instructions

Step 1: Drain all of the marinated or pickled ingredients thoroughly to avoid excess liquid on the tray.
Step 2: Arrange the ingredients artfully on one or more large relish trays, considering color and texture for an appealing presentation.
Step 3: Serve immediately, or cover the trays lightly and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

Relish trays can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
Adjust the quantity and variety of ingredients to suit the number of guests; choose fewer items for a smaller group.
Balance colors and textures by mixing crunchy, soft, spicy, and mild components for visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Provide plenty of small plates, cocktail forks, and napkins to make it easy for guests to enjoy the tray.

Storage

Store any leftover relish ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tray can be covered with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness. Before serving again, allow the tray to come to room temperature or serve chilled according to preference.

How to Serve

A top-down view of multiple clear glass dishes arranged on a white marbled texture surface, each filled with different appetizers. Starting from the top left, one dish has green and dark olives mixed with lemon slices, next to it a dish with neatly stacked rectangular crackers. Below, a dish holds round slices of toasted bread, adjacent to an oval divided dish containing bright red stuffed cherry peppers, light green olives, and small white cheese balls with herbs. To the right, a divided dish contains green pickles, whole okra, pickled peanuts, and a red chili pepper. At the bottom, a longer dish holds green beans on the left and bright orange carrot sticks on the right, with a smaller dish holding a creamy, light orange spread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the relish tray in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the relish tray shortly before serving to maintain the best texture and appearance.

What can I serve alongside the relish tray?

Garlic parmesan toasted rounds, crackers, and pimento cheese make excellent accompaniments, adding crunch and creaminess to complement the pickled and marinated items.