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)

Turkey Ginger Rice Lettuce Wraps
Plate of lettuce boats filled with a turkey and carrot mix.

Turkey Ginger Rice Lettuce Wraps

Fresh and filling meal with a warm blend of rice, vegetables and a savory sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Sesame Fish and Rice Bowl
A colorful bowl of vegetables and fish on top of a bed of rice served with sesame seeds.

Sesame Fish and Rice Bowl

This quick and easy meal of rice topped with fish in a savory sauce can be comforting and healthy. Add pickled vegetables for color, crunch and nutrients.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Master Mix
Glass jar labeled Master Mix with a flour-based baking mix.

Master Mix

Make your own baking mix to have on hand for quick biscuits, pancakes and other recipes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Potato Turnip Gratin
Baking dish of potatoes and turnips with a crispy top layer of breadcrumbs.

Potato Turnip Gratin

Rich and creamy root vegetables, flavored with tangy parmesan cheese and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Rice with Black Beans and Sausage
Large dish of a simple rice, sausage and vegetable mix.

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage

A comforting dish of filling grains, tender beans and spicy sausage.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Whole-Wheat Quick Bread
Photo of Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Whole-Wheat Quick Bread

This warm and comforting whole wheat bread is ready in about an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
16 pieces