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)

Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili
Colorful bowls of thick chili served with green onion.

Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili

This simple-to-make and healthy slow cooker chili is full of flavor. Substitute any vegetables you have on hand and freeze extras for an easy lunch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
2 to 6 hours
Makes:
12 cups
Sautéed Leeks and Apples
 Bowl of tender leeks and red apples.

Sautéed Leeks and Apples

A sweet and savory side dish perfect for fall.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Creamy Fruit Salad
Small bowl of cubed fruit with a yogurt dressing.

Creamy Fruit Salad

Quick and easy snack or side dish with apples, bananas and pineapple. Easy to customize with your favorite fruits!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Baked Apple and Cranberries
Four cored apples filled with cranberries, butter and brown sugar are baked, broiled and displayed on a serving plate.

Baked Apple and Cranberries

Warm apples and cinnamon combined with sweet-tart cranberries make this flavorful low-sugar dessert!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Apple
Great Gazpacho Soup
Small bowl of tomato based chunky vegetable soup.

Great Gazpacho Soup

Homemade tomato-based chilled soup with hints of lemon and garlic.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Stovetop Bulgur
Bowl of soft, cooked bulgur.

Stovetop Bulgur

Nutrient-rich whole grain with a light and nutty flavor that cooks quickly.
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups