If you’re hunting for a simple and wildly flavorful way to brighten any meal, Quick Pickled Red Onions are the answer you never knew you needed! These tangy, crunchy onions are an absolute revelation—adding a pop of color and a zippy bite to everything from tacos to salads and burgers. With just a handful of everyday pantry staples and a couple of minutes of prep, you’ll have a vibrant condiment that makes every dish feel restaurant-worthy. Trust me, once you try these pickled beauties, you’ll never want your fridge to be without them!

Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient lineup for these Quick Pickled Red Onions is refreshingly short, yet each part plays its own magical role in balancing sweetness, acidity, and spice. Together, they create that signature zip, crunch, and vivid color that takes any dish from ordinary to unforgettable.

Red onion: The star of the show—its striking color and gentle sharpness make it perfect for quick pickling.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds tangy flavor with a subtle fruitiness that’s milder than plain vinegar.
Water: Dilutes the vinegar just enough so the onions are sharp but still snackable.
Granulated sugar: Balances out the acidity and brings a gentle sweetness to the brine.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp, it brings out all the flavors.
Whole black peppercorns (optional): If you like a hint of peppery spice, toss these in for a subtle kick.
Garlic clove (optional): Adds a mellow garlicky aroma that complements the onions beautifully.

How to Make Quick Pickled Red Onions

Step 1: Slice the Red Onion

To start, grab your sharpest knife or a mandoline and slice your red onion as thinly as possible. The thinner the slices, the quicker and more evenly they’ll absorb all those tasty pickling flavors. Add the onion rings to a medium heatproof jar or bowl—you want something big enough that the onions won’t be packed too tightly.

Step 2: Make the Pickling Brine

Next, it’s time to build the flavorful brine. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a few whole black peppercorns and a smashed garlic clove. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. The aroma at this point? Absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Pour and Submerge

Carefully pour the hot brine over your sliced onions, making sure each and every slice is fully submerged. (If your onions are peeking above the liquid, a gentle press with a spoon will do the trick.) This is when the color magic starts—the onions turn from opaque purple to a vivid pink right before your eyes!

Step 4: Cool and Pickle

Let the onions cool to room temperature, then pop a lid on your container and refrigerate. Give them at least 30 minutes to pickle—just enough time for the flavors to pop and the onions to soften slightly without losing their crunch. They get even better as they sit, reaching peak deliciousness in just a few hours.

How to Serve Quick Pickled Red Onions

Garnishes

Quick Pickled Red Onions aren’t just tasty—they’re showstoppers on the plate! Scatter them over tacos, tuck them into sandwiches, or pile them on burgers. Their bright color alone can transform a simple grain bowl or salad, making any dish instantly more inviting and flavorful.

Side Dishes

These onions work their magic as a side or topping for rich, creamy dishes that benefit from a tangy lift. Think creamy potato salad, smoky barbecue, or an avocado toast taken to new heights. Their briny crunch cuts through heaviness and adds that pop you didn’t know you were missing.

Creative Ways to Present

The possibilities for presenting Quick Pickled Red Onions are endless! Try layering them in mason jars for a pretty edible gift, or swirl them into dips for a colorful surprise. Lay them atop charcuterie boards for a vibrant accent, or use them as a topping for deviled eggs for extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Quick Pickled Red Onions are practically made for make-ahead convenience. Store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, and they’ll keep their bright crunch and tang for up to two weeks. Just always use clean utensils when serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Quick Pickled Red Onions, as their crisp texture and vibrant flavor can suffer in the freezer. Enjoy them freshly pickled, and make a new batch as needed—trust me, you’ll go through them faster than you think!

Reheating

No reheating is needed! In fact, these pickled onions are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just scoop, top, and enjoy—they’re ready to go straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use white or yellow onions instead?

While you technically can pickle any onion, red onions are the best for Quick Pickled Red Onions thanks to their beautiful color and mild flavor. White or yellow onions will work in a pinch but offer a sharper bite and less finesse in both flavor and presentation.

How long do Quick Pickled Red Onions last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight jar, Quick Pickled Red Onions will keep fabulously in the fridge for up to two weeks. They may soften over time but will remain delicious to the very last bite.

Can I adjust the level of sweetness or acidity?

Absolutely! The magic of Quick Pickled Red Onions is how customizable they are—add more or less sugar, swap vinegars, or toss in other spices to make the flavor entirely your own.

Are there other spices I can add to the brine?

Definitely! Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, coriander seeds for citrusy notes, or bay leaves for a subtle depth. Each tweak offers a unique spin on these already irresistible Quick Pickled Red Onions.

What dishes pair best with these onions?

Quick Pickled Red Onions are the ultimate finishing touch for tacos, grilled meats, grain bowls, salads, and pizza—or just about any dish that needs a touch of bright, zesty flavor and an eye-catching garnish.

Final Thoughts

Once you try a batch of these Quick Pickled Red Onions, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re simple to make, endlessly versatile, and always manage to steal the show. Give them a try, and get ready for your meals to get a whole lot brighter and more delicious!

Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes pickling)
Yield: 1 pint 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

This quick pickled red onions recipe is a simple way to add a tangy crunch to your favorite dishes. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can elevate tacos, burgers, salads, and more with these homemade pickles.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 large red onion thinly sliced
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns (optional)
1 garlic clove smashed (optional)

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Instructions

Place the thinly sliced red onions: In a medium heatproof jar or bowl.
In a small saucepan: Combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and garlic if using. Simmer until sugar and salt dissolve.
Pour the hot brine: Over the sliced onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Storage: Pickled onions will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.