Add some crunchy zing to your family meals with these vibrant, zesty Pickled Red Onions and Cucumbers that brighten up everything from taco suppers to snack boards. This quick refrigerator pickle recipe combines crisp vegetables with a perfectly balanced brine for a versatile condiment that elevates everyday cooking.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time2 minutesmins
Total Time17 minutesmins
Servings: 6
Calories: 23kcal
Author: Melissa Griffiths
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Ingredients
1cuprice vinegar
½cupwater
1tablespoonchopped chives
1clovegarlicminced
½tspsea salt
½tspsugar
¼tspdried oregano leaves
⅓English cucumbercut into matchsticks
½red onionsliced thin
½cupshredded carrotsoptional
½cupshredded radishoptional
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the vinegar and water to a boil. Add the chives, garlic, sea salt, oregano, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and remove from heat.
Place the veggies in a bowl or jar with lid and slowly pour the hot vinegar mixture over the veggies. For a crisper, more al dente feel, let the liquid cool a bit before adding it to the jar.
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then cover and place in the fridge. Enjoy the same day for a crisper, slaw-like texture and bite, or allow to sit for several days for softer, more deeply-flavored veggies.
Notes
If you prefer a sweeter pickle, you can increase the sugar to 1-2 teaspoons without affecting the preserving properties of the brine.
If you wish to exclude carrots and radish, use ⅔ English cucumber and 1 cup red onion instead.
The boiled brine slightly softens the vegetables when poured hot. For maximum crispness, you can let the brine cool slightly before adding to the vegetables.
This base recipe isn't spicy, but you can easily add heat by including sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine if your family enjoys a kick!