This Easy Quick Pickled Vegetables recipe is a colorful and crunchy treat! It’s perfect for adding zing to your meals, and the best part? You can enjoy them the same day!
I love how simple this is—just chop your favorite veggies, mix with vinegar and spices, and let them pickle for a bit. Great for snacking or brightening up a sandwich!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Fresh carrots add a nice crunch. If you’re out, try using parsnips or even radishes for a different texture.
Cucumbers: I prefer English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and are less watery, but regular cucumbers work too. If cucumbers aren’t available, zucchini can be a fun substitute!
Cauliflower: It adds a lovely bite and absorbs flavors well. You can swap it for broccoli florets if you like. They pickles beautifully too!
Vinegar: White vinegar is a go-to for pickling, but apple cider vinegar lends sweetness and depth. Use what you have on hand!
Fresh dill: I love adding dill for a fresh taste! If you don’t have it, parsley or cilantro works too, or you can skip herbs entirely.
How Do I Ensure My Vegetables Stay Crunchy?
Keeping your pickled vegetables crunchy is key. Here are some useful tips:
- Choose firm vegetables that aren’t overripe.
- Cut vegetables into even sizes so they pickle uniformly.
- Don’t skip the salt! It helps draw out moisture and keeps the crunch.
- Using a quick pickling process means less time in the vinegar, which helps maintain their texture.
Easy Quick Pickled Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup sliced radishes
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
For the Pickling Mixture:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- Fresh dill or other herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for the vegetables to pickle in the fridge. You can enjoy your tangy snack in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Vegetables:
Start by washing and preparing all your vegetables. Slice them or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Make sure you have a good mix of colors for a beautiful presentation!
2. Make the Pickling Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Once dissolved, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Pack Your Jars:
Place your prepared vegetables into clean glass jars or heatproof containers. Scatter the smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and if you’re using them, mustard seeds into the jars.
4. Add the Pickling Liquid:
Carefully pour the warm vinegar mixture over the vegetables in each jar. Make sure all the vegetables are fully submerged for optimal pickling.
5. Cool and Seal:
Let the jars cool to room temperature. Once cool, seal each jar tightly with a lid.
6. Refrigerate:
Put the jars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Your quick pickled vegetables will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, feel free to garnish with fresh dill or your favorite herbs for a pop of flavor. Enjoy your homemade pickled veggies as a tangy snack, side dish, or topping on your meals!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. You can use green beans, asparagus, or even sliced radishes. Just keep in mind that firmer vegetables hold up better and will retain their crunch during pickling.
How Long Do the Pickled Vegetables Last?
Your quick pickled vegetables will typically last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they remain fully submerged in the vinegar mixture to maintain their freshness!
Can I Adjust the Level of Sweetness or Tanginess?
Yes! You can totally adjust the sugar and vinegar ratios to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, add more sugar; for a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar. Just make sure to balance the flavors to your liking!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Pickled Vegetables?
These pickled vegetables are versatile! You can enjoy them as a crunchy snack, toss them into salads, use them as a sandwich topping, or even serve them alongside grilled meats. You can also add them to tacos for an extra zing!
