Skip to main content

Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables

Make your own crispy pickled vegetables at home with this simple recipe.
Kid friendly
Glass jars of peppers, garlic, asparagus and carrots in pickling brine.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 to 3 days
Makes: 2 pints or 1 quart
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup vinegar (see Notes)
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon salt
1 to 2 Tablespoons sugar (optional)
2 to 4 Tablespoons seasonings (see Notes)
3 ½ to 4 cups fresh vegetables (cut to any size and shape)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a medium saucepan, heat the vinegar, water, salt and sugar, if desired, until the mixture simmers. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved and remove pan from heat.
  4. Put seasonings in the bottom of 2 clean pint-sized jars or 1 quart jar. Add the prepared vegetables, packing pieces closely together. Leave about ½ inch space at the top of the jar.
  5. Fill the jars with the warm vinegar mixture to cover the vegetables. Close the jars with clean lids and refrigerate for 1 to 3 days to allow flavors to develop.
  6. Store jars only in the refrigerator. Use within 3 months.

Notes

  • White, cider, white wine and rice vinegar are good choices. The flavors from balsamic or malt vinegar will be stronger but they can be used.
  • Vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, asparagus, carrots and cauliflower can be boiled for 1 or 2 minutes and then quickly cooled in ice water to soften and preserve their color.
  • Ideas for fresh seasonings: basil, cilantro, dill, garlic, ginger, green onion, hot or bell pepper, oregano, thyme
  • Ideas for dry seasonings: bay leaves, celery seed, cumin seed, dill seed, dried hot peppers, peppercorns, pickling spice, turmeric

Comments

This is a very easy quick refrigerator pickle recipe that results in crispy pickles!  We made these in a class and then I have made them at home many times.  My family loves the asparagus pickles I have made with this recipe. 

I agree with Mandy :) This Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables recipe is so much fun to make and so quick and easy! There are so many creative, colorful, and delicious combinations that can happen. It's hard to pick a favorite combo, but cauliflower with caraway seed is one (of many). Mini yellow, orange and red bell peppers sliced in rings or left whole look amazing in the jar, too. The peppers can be packed randomly or specifically layered in the jar to obtain an intentional color pattern. This is a treat that's also a piece of art.

I have been having so much fun with this recipe and all the flavors you can create.  It is so easy and the pickled vegetables taste so good on salads.  I have done apple cider vinegar with turmeric and red pepper flakes.  I have also done white vinegar with dill, celery seed and turmeric.   It has all been so tasty and fun to incorporate into a variety of dishes.  Definitely a recipe to repeat through out the summer. 

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Savory Turnips
Bowl of browned turnips with parsley.

Savory Turnips

Root veggies cooked in a savory broth and finished with zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Apple Sandwiches
Crispy apple slices with peanut butter and raisin filling are shown on a plate.

Apple Sandwiches

Easy and tasty snack that’s fun and creative for kids to make.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Servings
Roasted Garlic
Heads of golden-brown, tender roasted garlic.

Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic brings out sweet and mellow flavors that go well with many recipes. Freeze extra to keep on hand.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
3 Tablespoons
Pumpkin Pudding
Spiced Pumpkin Pudding in a small bowl.

Pumpkin Pudding

A creamy pudding that is full of warm fall spices and pumpkin flavor.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Black Bean Brownies (without flour)
Black bean brownies on a plate.

Black Bean Brownies (without flour)

Black beans are the special ingredient in these moist and not-too-sweet brownies.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
16 pieces
Fabulous Fig Bars
Oat bars with a fig center on a serving platter.

Fabulous Fig Bars

Sweet and buttery treat with crunchy walnuts and a dash of citrus. For breakfast, snack or on-the-go!
Prepare:
45 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.