Pickled red onions are a delicious addition to salads, burgers, tacos, and just about anything else you can think of. Make this easy pickled red onions recipe tonight.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Red onions add a sweet tang and crunch that bumps up the flavor of almost anything you add them to. And when you pickle them with apple cider vinegar, they make the perfect partner for spring and summer dishes.
This recipe for pickled red onions is so simple to make that you will want to be sure and keep a jar in your fridge at all times.
However, take note. This recipe is not shelf-stable.
Follow these directions exactly, and make the pickled onions recipe with fresh red onions. You can then store them in a glass jar in the fridge.
However, you could preserve them for longer by following the water bath canning method after preparing them. Then they're ready to store in your prepper pantry.
Fun Fact: did I mention that besides being delicious, these pickled onions are also good for you? A study from the University of Guelph (yup, my alma mater) found that red onions actually helped reduce breast cancer and colon cancer cells.
10 Ways to Serve Pickled Red Onions
This is one of my favorite sweet and savory toppings for spring and summer dishes. Here are ten different ways to serve this pickled condiment.
Tacos
The tangy flavor of pickled red onions tastes great with the rich and savory flavors of traditional tacos. Try topping your tacos with pickled red onions, shredded cabbage, and avocado for a delicious combination. Or give this sweet balsamic onion relish recipe instead.
Falafel Wraps
Red onions add a sweet note to these crispy and flavorful chickpea patties wrapped in pita bread. Add some salad greens, hummus or tahini sauce, and your choice of vegetables.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Do you love pulled pork, too? My family absolutely loves this smoked pork butt recipe.
Top your pulled pork sandwich with a hearty helping of pickled red onions to add a tangy flavor to your meal. Adding pickled onions can help cut through the heaviness of the meat and add an extra layer of flavor.
Chicken
Pickled red onions add a zesty crunch to a barbecued chicken dinner. Try serving barbecue chicken with a side of these red onions for a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors. It's also a great addition to grilled chicken nuggets.
Black Bean Salad
You know we love our beans around here - especially black beans. Add pickled onions to a tangy black bean salad for a fresh, plant-based option. The acidity and crunch of the onions pair perfectly with the creamy texture of black beans.
Grilled Fish
We fish off our dock every chance we get! Lots of jackfish (aka pike) in lakes up in the north. And red onions pickled in apple cider vinegar add a delicious flavor dimension to grilled fish, especially when paired with fresh herbs and spices.
For an unusual flavor, try serving grilled fish with pickled red onions, pomegranate seeds, and shaved fennel.
Vegan Nachos or Salad
This pickle recipe with red onions makes the perfect topping for vegan nachos, adding a refreshing kick to the savory crunch of the tortilla chips. Top with guacamole, refried beans, and fresh cilantro for a delicious twist on this classic snack. Or serve it alongside your favorite vegan pasta salad for an additional flavor sensation.
Beetroot Salad
Try adding pickled onions to your beetroot salad to complement this vegetable's sweet and earthy flavor. Add some feta cheese and roasted walnuts for a rich and satisfying meal.
Lentil Soup
Onions that have been pickled go great with the earthy flavor of my favorite lentil soup. They offer a tangy bite that contrasts with the savory texture of the lentils, making the soup much more delicious.
How to Make Pickled Red Onions
Here's how to pickle red onions - the fast and easy method.
Ingredients
- 1 large or two small red onions
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions for Making Pickled Onions
Peel red onions, cut them in half, and slice them as thin as you like.
Place sliced onions in a pint jar.
Next, in a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is completely melted.
Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
While the vinegar mixture is cooling, add peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and mustard seeds to the jar.
Carefully pour the cooled vinegar mixture into the jar, completely covering the onions.
Wipe off the jars and replace the lid.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
FAQs for Pickling Red Onions
Got questions about this recipe? I have answers!
Do I need to water bath can this pickled onions recipe?
The recipe does not require water bath canning as it is intended for immediate use.
Can I store these for later use?
A: For up to three weeks, you can store them in an airtight container (I like mason jars) in the refrigerator.
How long does it take to make this?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes and can be used immediately after preparation.
What can I use pickled onions for?
These pickled onions are a really versatile condiment. Use them in many different dishes, such as tacos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. And by the way, you might also like my Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam recipe as a fun summer topping.
Does this pickled red onion recipe require any special equipment?
No, this recipe can be made with standard kitchen equipment, such as a saucepan, a knife, and a cutting board.
Recipe
Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large or 2 small red onion
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel red onions, cut them in half, and slice them as thin as you like.
- Place sliced onions in a pint jar.
- Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is completely melted.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- While the vinegar mixture is cooling, add peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and mustard seeds to the jar.
- Carefully pour the cooled vinegar mixture into the jar, completely covering the onions.
- Wipe off the jars and replace the lid.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
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So easy to make!
i always buy my pickled onions, but a friend gave me an extra bag of red onions so I wanted to use them up.
this was so easy.
We have had them on fish tacos and last night I added them to some crispy fried chicken burgers.
YUM!
I love pickled onions. It’s great on salads!
I dislike the taste of raw onions in my salads and sandwiches. But your recipe takes the sulphur sting out of them! Making a bigger jar next time, since the last a while. Thank you!
These Pickled red onions are so easy to prepare and super good! I make them all the time!