Looking for a quick, affordable way to add a zing of flavor, a pop of color, and a nutritional punch to your meals? Say hello to pickled red onions—the ultimate condiment you didn’t know you needed!
These vibrant, crunchy, tangy onions are a kitchen staple once you try them. They take only a few minutes to prepare and can be used in everything from tacos and salads to burgers, grain bowls, and even avocado toast. The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry.
Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet flavorful recipe, plus explore a few creative ways to use it and tips for customizing your batch.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes about 1½ cups)
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Optional Add-Ins (for flavor twists):
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 small bay leaf
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat)
Note: Apple cider vinegar gives a slightly sweet tang and a beautiful pink color, but you can swap in white vinegar, rice vinegar, or red wine vinegar based on preference.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
Peel your red onion and slice it thinly into rings or half-moons—whatever look you prefer. The thinner, the better, as it allows for faster pickling and better texture.
Place the sliced onions into a clean 16 oz (2-cup) glass jar or container. A mason jar works perfectly.
Pro Tip: Use a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices (just mind your fingers!).
Step 2: Heat the Pickling Brine
In a small saucepan, combine:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This should take just a couple of minutes. You don’t want the mixture to boil—just heat it enough to dissolve everything.
