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!
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If you're looking for more fantastic recipes, try my Tomato Bacon Jam, Mexican Street Corn Salad, or my Steak Tacos! All so good and all so easy!
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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 quick-pickled red onions 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 (They Go With Everything)
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.
I could go on and on, but here are some of my favorite serving ideas!
- On Salads
- With Sandwiches
- Served With Grilled Meats
- Toppings for Tacos, Nachos, and Taquitos
- On Your Breakfast Eggs
- With Bagels and Cream Cheese
- With Charcuterie Boards
And, if you're looking for another great charcuterie board add-in, try my savory roasted nuts recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe gluten and/or dairy-free?
Yes to both! Enjoy this recipe without any worry!
Do I have to cook the pickling liquid?
Nope! Not for this recipe. Since we are using honey or maple for the sweetener, it easily dissolves without heating.
I don't like onions? Can I enjoy this?
I think so! The vinegar takes away the bite of onions that a lot of people find too overwhelming. I'll put it this way. My kids loathe a piece of raw onion. They eat pickled ones straight out of the jar.
Tips and Tricks
- 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.
- Make sure the onions and other ingredients have enough pickling liquid so that they are submerged at all times. You don't want anything hanging out about the liquid.
- After all of the quick-pickled red onions ingredients are in the jar, secure the lid well and give the pickles a good shake. This gets everything nice and combined.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make them spicy. Add sliced jalapeños or serranos for a kick. You can also add cayenne pepper or some red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Feel free to experiment with flavored vinegars. They make so many fun varieties now. If you come up with something awesome, let me know!
- 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.
- Add your favorite pickle ingredients. Anything from mustard seeds to caraway seeds to even bay leaves would be great!
Quick-Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 med red onions, thinly sliced
- 1-1½ cups apple cider vinegar
- 1-1½ cups water
- 1-2 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. Add maple syrup or honey to your desired sweetness preference.
- Fill jar with half vinegar, half water. Secure the lid and give everything a good shake.
- Store in fridge at least an hour. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Storage Instructions
These onions will last up to 3 weeks in the fridge. If they last that long.
I do not recommend freezing them. They will not thaw out well. But, don't worry. Once you make these, you'll plow through them quickly! We always do!
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! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Recipes You'll Love
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad - My favorite pasta salad of all time! It's such a fun spin on a classic pasta salad recipe!
Air Fryer Potstickers - This is my favorite go-to for lunch. I grab frozen potstickers and throw them in the air fryer. While they cook, I whip up two delicious dipping sauces and I am a happy, happy girl!
Green Goddess Salad - A phenomenal salad recipe with a green goddess dressing that is just out of this world. What else do I throw in there? My quick-pickled red onions. It's just so good!
brenda says
pickled onions are so GREAT on so many dishes... and these are so easy.