Relish in These 27 Condiments for All Your Summer Barbecue Needs
By Christina Chaey
Photo: Hirsheimer & Hamilton
We’re not above bottled ketchup and mustard. We’re just saying no summer meal spread is complete without the homemade relish, salsa, chimichurri, and mayo. The recipes for all these grilled-food enhancers and more are straight ahead.
Fresh Pickle Relish
Fresher and more vibrant than the jarred stuff, this easy-to-make relish is good on hot dogs, burgers, and grilled sausages.
Photo: Marcus Nilsson
Roasted Poblano and Caper Salsa
A briny, spicy salsa brightens up simple grilled seafood dishes.
Photo: Christina Holmes
Fresno Chile Hot Sauce
This vinegary hot sauce was made for fried fish tacos with lots of slaw and pickled jalapeños.
Photo: Christopher Testani
Pickled Jalapeños
Use to top tacos and nachos, or add a few slices to a cheeseburger.
Photo: Christopher Testani
Anchovy Mayonnaise
We love the rich, salty flavor of anchovies, especially with grilled lamb.
Photo: Roland Bello
Mott St Ssam Sauce
No Korean barbecue spread is complete without this addictive miso and hot pepper paste sauce.
Photo: Gentl & Hyers
Grilled Tomato Salsa
This antidote to jarred salsa is lovely on all grilled fish dishes.
Photo: Ryan Liebe
Cilantro-Parsley Chutney
This sauce goes with pretty much any grilled meat; stir leftovers into yogurt to make a dip.
Photo: Alex Lau
Radish Raita
Digital food editor Dawn Perry loves this combination of peppery radishes and cooling yogurt on grilled chicken or fish.
Photo: Danny Kim
Quick Pickled Onions
Tacos. Burgers. Hot dogs. Pulled pork sandwiches. You name it, and these pickled onions will make it better.
Photo: Kimberley Hasselbrink
Swiss Chard Salsa Verde
This deceptively simple condiment is as addictive as pesto and as transformative as a squeeze of lemon. Spoon it onto grilled fish, chicken, steak, and vegetables.
Photo: Ditte Isager
Charred Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Charring the tomatillos before puréeing them adds smoky depth to your average taco.
Photo: Peden Munk
Zingy Red Sauce
This take on romesco sauce livens up any and all grilled meats.
Photo: Peden Munk
Perilla Chimichurri
Minty sweet perilla (a.k.a. sesame leaf) is available at Asian markets, and is especially delicious with Korean-style grilled short ribs.
Photo: Gentl & Hyers
Roman Sambal
This is a sambal-style hot sauce named after its creator, senior food editor Alison Roman. Use it as you would any other hot sauce: with abandon.
Photo: Matt Duckor
Arugula Salsa Verde
Using mature arugula leaves instead of the baby variety will make for a more peppery salsa. For a nice variation, try it with fresh basil and/or parsley.
Photo: Hirsheimer & Hamilton
Smoked Cashew Salsa
Cashews, chiles en adobo, sugar, and salt are the only four ingredients in this smoky, nutty salsa that’s perfect on any grilled meat.
Photo: Matt Duckor
Pickle-Juice Sauce
Somehow, there are never enough pickles to go around—so we put pickle juice in a sauce. Problem solved.
Photo: Hirsheimer Hamilton
Garlicky Mayonnaise
Use by the dollop for the ultimate burger.
Photo: Peden Munk
Chimichurri Sauce
This colorful sauce doubles as a marinade and an accompaniment to all cuts of beef.
Photo: Francesco Tonelli
Herb Dressing
A drizzle of this herb pesto will complement virtually any savory dish, and it takes only minutes to make.
Photo: Matthew Hranek
Shallot Yogurt
A sophisticated—and infinitely easier—take on sour cream and onion dip. Pair it with lamb, grilled chicken, or fish.
Photo: Peden Munk
Gochujang-Date Sauce
Use this flavorful condiment as a spicy ketchup replacement on your burger, or as a dipping sauce for grilled steak.
Photo: Matt Duckor
Romesco Sauce
Try this Spanish sauce, made with roasted red peppers and almonds, on grilled vegetables.
Photo: Romulo Yanes
Mojo Verde
Drizzle this loose cilantro, cumin, and garlic sauce over grilled fish and meats.
Photo: Danny Kim
Tomato Butter
Grilled fish, crostini, or plain old rice—it all gets better with a spoonful of broiled tomato butter.
Photo: Zach DeSart
More from Bon Appétit:
25 Summer Essential Recipes to Master
All Pie, All the Time: Our Guide to the Best-Ever Crust, Filling, and More
This Cheeseburger Is Made With Vegetable Scraps (and It Will Blow Your Mind)
For an Extra Caffeine Fix, Try Beer With Coffee
27 Sandwich Ideas You Probably Haven’t Thought of Yet
Shaved Snow Is the Most Delightful Frozen Dessert There Is
