Grab a jar, some red onions, and a splash of vinegar! We are about to make the easiest, most delicious add-on on the planet. My easy quick-pickled red onions are simply one of my favorite things to keep in my fridge. They are tangy and flavorful and just all around delicious. Try them on salads, sandwiches, and everything in between!
Let's get started!
Jump to:

overview
Quick-pickled red onions really are one of the most simple recipes you can make. Not only that, but you cannot mess them up. I promise.
For this particular recipe, I use apple cider vinegar. However, if you don't have any, don't worry! You can use plain distilled vinegar or red wine vinegar or whatever you have on hand. Anything vinegar will do.
Also, for this recipe, I love throwing in a few cloves of garlic. Sliced jalapeño will give them a lovely kick. Red chili flakes would be fantastic as well!
Some people like a sweeter pickle situation. Try a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if this is more your speed. Your options are absolutely limitless.
serving ideas
Quick-pickled red onions go with almost anything. I am not kidding. Anything and everything! They bring a lovely acidic zing to basic ham and cheese sandwiches. I throw them in my tuna salad to change things up. Scrambled eggs in the morning come alive with pickled onions.
Grilled meats topped with these lovelies are chef's kiss. And, the ever popular charcuterie board? Add a bowl of these to go along with with your meats and cheeses and they will be gone in no time!
I could go on and on about how wonderful pickled onions are. My four year old will eat them straight from the jar. Make them once and you and your family will never be without.
If you're looking for another great charcuterie board add-in, try my savory roasted nuts recipe or even my chimichurri sauce. They're the perfect accompaniment.
Ingredients
- Red Onions - I love they way these onions look when pickled.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - You can also use distilled white vinegar.
- Water - To tame the vinegar.
- Garlic - You can add as little or as much as you want.
- Maple Syrup or Honey - For just a kiss of sweet.
- Dill Weed - A savory herb that I love. Leave it out if you perfer.
- Whole Mixed Peppercorns - For that great pepper flavor.
- Jalapeno, optional - For spice, if you prefer.

how to make quick-pickled red onions
- Add sliced onions, garlic, herbs and spices to your glass jar of choice.
- Fill jar with half vinegar, half water.
- Store in fridge at least 24 hours.
- Enjoy on everything and evens straight from the jar!
frequently asked questions
Is this recipe gluten and/or dairy-free?
Yes to both! Enjoy this recipe without any worry!
How long will my pickled onions stay good?
These onions will last up to 3 weeks in the fridge. If they last that long.
I do not recommend storing these pickled onions. They will not thaw out well.
What goes well with quick-pickled red onions?
In short, everything. I could go on and on, but here's a list of my top favorites!
-On Salads
-With Sandwiches
-Served With Grilled Meats
-Toppings for Tacos, Nachos, and Taquitos
-With Charcuterie Boards
-On Your Breakfast Eggs
-With Bagels and Cream Cheese
-I could go on and on and on and on...
tips, tricks, and variations
- Slice the onions as thin as you can. I like to use a mandolin to keep them thin and even. It just makes a prettier quick-pickled red onion.
- Add sliced jalapeños or serranos for a kick. You can also add cayenne pepper or some red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Fresh dill is wonderful if you have it. The recipe is written with dried dill weed just because its available year round, but the fresh is really, really good.
- Feel free to experiment with flavored vinegars. They make so many fun varieties now. However, I don't recommend using a balsamic type vinegar for this recipe.
- Add your favorite pickle ingredients. Anything from mustard seeds to caraway seeds to even bay leaves would be great!
Recipe

Quick-Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 med red onions, thinly sliced
- 1-1½ cups apple cider vinegar
- 1-1½ cups water
- 1½ tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon whole mixed peppercorns
- 2-3 whole garlic cloves
- ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt optional
Instructions
- Add onions, garlic, herbs and spices to your glass jar of choice.
- Fill jar with half vinegar, half water.
- Store in fridge at least 24 hours.
- Enjoy on everything and evens straight from the jar!
Notes
Nutrition
If you guys make these Quick-Pickled Red Onions, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Quick-Pickled Red Onions recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links.
brenda says
pickled onions are so GREAT on so many dishes... and these are so easy.