Make Your Own Quick And Easy Pickled Red Onions

Pickled Red Onions are a delicious way to elevate just about any dish. With their vibrant color, tangy flavor and satisfying crunch, they’ve quickly become a staple in my kitchen and should be in yours too! 

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Pickled Onion Popularity

Pickled red onions have become popular for many reasons.

1. Flavor: The flavor of pickled red onions is unique. The balance of the sweet and tangy taste goes well with both savory and sweet dishes.
2. Texture: Picked red onions add a crisp texture to a meal and offer a satisfying crunch.
3. Visual Appeal: The bright pink color of pickled red onions adds a splash of vibrancy to any dish.
4. Versatility: You can add them as a topping or a garnish to a variety of meals. Keep reading for serving ideas!
5. Easy: Pickled red onions are so easy to make at home. They require minimal ingredients and tools and will be in the fridge pickling within minutes. And with items you probably already have in the pantry! 
6. Healthy: This recipe does not use sugar which allows the pickled onions to be a healthy addition to your dish. They also offer increased antioxidants and prebiotics. 

Ingredients For Pickled Onions

Red Onion (I usually do 1 or 2 at a time) – I prefer red onions, but you can use white onions as well. Red onions are specifically known for potential benefits to heart health due to the antioxidant content. They also contain vitamin C which can help boost the immune system.

Apple Cider Vinegar – You can use white vinegar, but I’ve only used apple cider vinegar which comes with its own set of health benefits such as helping to manage blood sugar levels and supporting gut health by acting as a prebiotic.

Glass Mason Jar – Any airtight jar will do, but I always use my go to, glass mason jars.

Water – Always opt for filtered water. It’s best to use filtered water because for one, it’s better overall for you with a reduced amount of chemicals. Second, non-filtered water can cause cloudy brine and it can also contain chlorine which can inhibit the pickling process.

Caraway Seeds (for flavor) – Caraway seeds are completely optional but I added them to this recipe because I personally add them to my pickled onions. I’m not a huge fan of caraway seeds in general, but they do add a bit of extra flavor to this recipe.

Making Pickled Onions

Step 1 – Peel onions and cut them into thin slices. The slices are traditionally very thin and you can use a mandoline if that’s easier for you. I use a kitchen knife because I prefer thicker slices for more crunch.

Step 2 – Add sliced onions to glass mason jar or other airtight glass container.

Step 3 – Cover the onions with 3 parts ACV and 1 part water. Make sure onions are fully submerged in liquid.

Step 4 – Place 1 tbsp caraway seeds in (if desired) and mix.

Step 5 – Cover and seal your jar and leave in the fridge for the pickling process for 24 hrs before use. 

Step 6 – Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Recipe Variations

• Add peppercorns – Most traditional pickled red onion recipes add a tablespoon of peppercorns.
• Add red pepper flakes to make spicy pickled red onions.
• Add 1 tbsp of sugar to cut the tanginess a bit.
• Add any seasoning you desire – garlic, mustard seeds, thinly sliced jalapenos, etc.

Serving Suggestions

Add some tangy red pickled onions to all of your favorite dishes as a beautiful and tasty condiment!

• Salads
• Burgers
• Eggs
• Tacos/Burritos
• Avocado Toast
• Roasted Veggies
• Rice Bowls