There’s just something magical about a jar of Pickled Red Onions. These ruby-pink rings are tangy, crisp, and quick to make, instantly transforming even the humblest dishes into something extraordinary. Whether tucked into tacos, scattered atop salads, or layered onto a juicy burger, their vibrant color and punchy flavor never fail to impress. If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing condiment that delivers both personality and a jolt of brightness to your meals, Pickled Red Onions are the culinary trick you’ll want up your sleeve every time.

Pickled Red Onions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how such dazzling Pickled Red Onions come together with only a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one brings something essential—whether it’s sharpness, a touch of heat, or that all-important vivid pink hue. Simplicity is the magic here.

1 large red onion, thinly sliced: The star ingredient, supplying color and crunch—slice as thinly as you like for daintiness or bolder bites.
1 cup apple cider vinegar: Delivers signature tang and a subtle fruitiness that keeps the onions tasting fresh.
1 cup water: Softens the sharpness of vinegar for perfectly balanced pickles.
2 tbsp granulated sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness, mellowing the acidity and making the flavors pop.
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and preserving—don’t skimp!
1 garlic clove, smashed (optional): Infuses a mellow garlicky undertone if you like a savory twist.
5-6 whole peppercorns (optional): Add gentle heat and depth to every bite.
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of fiery personality—totally up to your tastes.

How to Make Pickled Red Onions

Step 1: Prepare Your Onions

Start by peeling your red onion and slicing it as thinly as possible. This helps the brine soak in quickly, giving you beautifully tangled, crisp rings. Layer the slices in a clean pint-sized jar, making sure they’re loosely packed but not jammed—you want the brine to be able to travel between the layers.

Step 2: Mix the Brine

In a small saucepan, add the apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the smashed garlic clove, whole peppercorns, and red pepper flakes at this point. They’ll infuse the brine with irresistible aroma and gentle heat.

Step 3: Heat Until Dissolved

Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar and salt completely dissolve. Keep an eye out for steam and a gentle simmer—you don’t need (or want) a rolling boil, just enough heat to meld everything together.

Step 4: Brine the Onions

Carefully pour the hot brine over the sliced onions in your jar. Make sure every piece gets covered; the heat will soften the onions slightly right away, helping that gorgeous pink tint bloom. Press down lightly with a spoon if needed so everything is submerged.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let your jar sit on the counter until completely cooled to room temperature—it won’t take long. Once cooled, pop the lid on and refrigerate for at least an hour. If you can wait overnight, your Pickled Red Onions will be even more dazzlingly flavorful!

How to Serve Pickled Red Onions

Garnishes

A scattering of Pickled Red Onions adds a jewel-like finish to nearly any dish. Try spiraling them over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a classic potato salad. Their tangy brightness works wonders as a garnish where you’d normally crave a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Side Dishes

You’ll be amazed at how Pickled Red Onions can transform simple sides. Toss them into grain bowls, slide them into sandwiches, or mix them with creamy salads like coleslaw for a modern spin. Even humble rice or beans turn into a celebration with a forkful on top.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Try layering Pickled Red Onions in burger stacks for color or sprinkling them on avocado toast for a gourmet breakfast. Skewer them on toothpicks as part of a charcuterie board, or swirl them in yogurt-based dips for a zesty surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Pickled Red Onions will stay crisp and colorful for up to two weeks in the fridge. Just be sure they’re kept in a tightly sealed jar and always submerged in their brine. The flavor actually improves as time goes by, making them even more versatile throughout the week.

Freezing

While most pickles aren’t fans of the freezer, Pickled Red Onions are best enjoyed straight from the fridge. Freezing can change their texture, making them soft and a little mushy. If you’re hoping for that classic crunch and bright flavor, stick to chilling them, not freezing.

Reheating

No need to reheat Pickled Red Onions—these beauties are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature! Just scoop them straight from the jar when inspiration (or hunger) strikes; their cool, zesty bite will liven up anything you add them to.

FAQs

Why do my Pickled Red Onions lose their color over time?

It’s common for Pickled Red Onions to fade a bit after several days, especially if exposed to lots of light. Keeping them in a tinted jar or simply in the back of your fridge can help preserve that beautiful blush longer.

Can I use white or yellow onions instead of red?

You absolutely can, but red onions yield the brightest color and classic tang. White or yellow onions will work, though the flavor will be sharper, and the result won’t have that signature pink pop.

Are Pickled Red Onions spicy?

They’re usually mellow and tangy, but adding red pepper flakes is an easy way to introduce a hint of heat. If you’re sensitive or serving kids, skip the spice for mild, all-purpose pickles.

How soon can I eat them after making?

In a pinch, you can sample them after just an hour in the fridge! For best texture and flavor, let the Pickled Red Onions rest overnight. That gives enough time for the brine to do its magic.

What vinegar can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

White wine vinegar or even plain distilled vinegar will work if needed. Each type Condiment.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made your own Pickled Red Onions before, I hope you feel inspired to try. They’re one of the easiest ways to brighten up your cooking, and the flavor payoff is unbeatable. Whip up a batch, stash it in your fridge, and discover how many dishes can be transformed with just a spoonful of these zesty, rosy slices.

Pickled Red Onions Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus pickling time)
Yield: 1 pint jar 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Learn how to make quick and easy pickled red onions at home with this simple recipe. These tangy and flavorful onions are perfect for adding a zesty kick to tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 large red onion thinly sliced
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Optional: 1 garlic clove smashed
5–6 whole peppercorns
Pinch of red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the red onion and place in a clean pint-sized jar.
Create the Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add garlic, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer until sugar and salt dissolve.
Pickle the Onions: Pour the hot brine over the onions in the jar. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. For best flavor, pickle overnight.