Skip to main content

How to Make Pickled Red Onions

Image
Donna Urso

Pickled onions are a condiment that will enhance just about anything. You can very quickly and easily make pickled red onions for your refrigerator.  Then you will always have a crisp, colorful, and flavorful way to jazz up any meal.

Make some pickled onions this morning and they'll be ready to use on your sandwich at lunch or your vegetables for dinner.

Quick and Easy Refrigerator Pickled Red Onions

A jar of refrigerator pickled red onions.
These pickled red onions are so versatile you'll want to make them regularly.  They will add a delightful tart-yet sweet, crunchy texture to many dishes and the vibrant color will be a feast for your eyes.

The Reasons You'll Love Pickled Red Onions

This recipe is quick and easy to make.  You can make these pickled onions in about fifteen minutes.  You'll want to chill them for at least an hour before using but they are even better the next day.

Red onions have a beautiful, vibrant color when pickled.  These onions will enhance any dish.

Pickled red onions are crisp and delicious.  They will maintain their crisp texture for up to two weeks in your refrigerator, but they probably won't last that long.

There is no need to get out canning gear.  Just make a simple brine and pour it over your thinly sliced onions. Refrigerate and enjoy.

The Pickled Red Onions Ingredients

The ingredients to make these delicious pickled onions are simple. You may have them in your kitchen now.

Red onions are the best choice because they have great flavor and beautiful color when pickled.  Yes, you can substitute other onions. Feel free to experiment.

Apple cider vinegar is a mild vinegar.  It doesn't overwhelm the red onion. You can substitute white distilled vinegar if that's what you have on hand.

Whole black peppercorns add just a hint of peppery heat.

Watch the Pickled Red Onions Video


Frequently Asked Questions

How long do refrigerator pickled onions last?

Your pickled onions will be ready to eat in about an hour.  You'll notice the color change and they'll be bright pink with a tender texture. They will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks but are best when consumed within a week.

Should homemade pickled onions be refrigerated?

Yes. Let the pickled onions cool to room temperature (about 20 to 30 minutes)after adding the pickling mixture. Cover and refrigerate your pickled onions so they get crisp and colorful, for at least an hour. 

What are the best onions for pickling?

Any onions will work but shallots and red onions are best to use for pickling because of their vivid, purple-red color. They will produce the prettiest pickled onions.

How do I use pickled red onions?
Try them on just about anything.  Top burgers and sandwiches with pickled red onions.  Add the pickled onions to salads. They'll add flavor and color to green beans.  I love them with my scrambled eggs.

Other Pickled Condiments

Watch the Pickled Beets Video


The Pickled Red Onions Recipe

pickled onions, condiments
condiments, salad
American
Yield: 4, one pint
Author: Donna Urso
Easy Refrigerator Pickled Onions

Easy Refrigerator Pickled Onions

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 5 MinTotal time: 15 Min
A small batch recipe for fast and easy pickled onions.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Slice the red onion.
  2. Layer the onion in a pint jar. Pack the onion tightly. Add the peppercorns.
  3. Prepare the brine: In a pan over medium heat, mix the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and mustard. Bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and cool to warm.
  4. Pour the brine over the onions. Cover and refrigerate.
  5. Consume within 2 weeks.

Notes

Double the recipe for 2 pints.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

58.02

Fat (grams)

0.11

Sat. Fat (grams)

0.02

Carbs (grams)

13.05

Fiber (grams)

1.01

Net carbs

12.05

Sugar (grams)

9.95

Protein (grams)

0.64

Sodium (milligrams)

296

Cholesterol (grams)

0

Nutritional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Easy Refrigerator Pickled Beets

©Just One Donna

Comments

Post a Comment

Talk to me. I welcome your comments. (These comments are strictly moderated. Spammers take note.)

More Popular Posts

How to Make a Perfect Bacon and Eggs Breakfast

Donna Urso
In my opinion, the best breakfast consists of two perfectly fried eggs, crispy bacon, and toast made with hearty bread. This bacon and eggs recipe delivers. Bacon and eggs or eggs and bacon? No matter, it is definitely the breakfast you want on those lazy mornings when you have time to relax around the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee or two. The Best Bacon and Eggs Breakfast (This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  When you make a purchase using these links you help support this blog.) How to Cook Bacon and Eggs My technique was learned from my mom, by watching her make our family's breakfast over and over again, year after year.  This is a basted egg recipe which means the eggs are cooked in bacon grease. Cooking eggs in bacon fat is easy and takes just a little practice to perfect.
3 comments
Read more

Calla Lily Tea Sandwiches

Donna Urso
These calla lily tea sandwiches are an easy way to create something truly special for a bridal shower, tea party, or small gathering, without making things complicated. One look at these calla lily tea sandwiches and you might think they are far too fussy for you to make for your special gathering.   Fear not! These calla lily tea sandwiches are adorable, tasty, and not too fussy once you get your assembly technique down. Best of all, these calla lily finger sandwiches make a beautiful presentation on your buffet table. Calla Lily Finger Sandwiches (This post includes affiliate links.) Calla Lily Tea Sandwiches If you are looking for finger sandwiches that are a little different, you have found them here. These calla lily sandwiches are a perfect little bite to add to your party menu.  They are especially perfect for bridal show...
Post a Comment
Read more

Crunchy, Spicy Gingersnap Cookies

Donna Urso
An Old-Fashioned Cookie That Always Turns Out There’s something about a good gingersnap cookie that just feels right. Not fancy. Not complicated. Just dependable… and really, really good. These crunchy, spicy gingersnaps are the kind of cookie you make when you want something you know will turn out—and something everyone will recognize and enjoy. They’ve got that classic crackled top, a warm blend of spices, and just enough sweetness to balance it all out. And the best part? They’re easy. No mixer required. Traditional Ginger Snaps Cookie Recipe ( This post contains affiliate links.  I will be compensated when you make a purchase with these links.) Gingersnaps Cookies This old-fashioned gingersnap cookie is a winner.  It's easy to make and will be a favorite in your recipe rotation.
11 comments
Read more

How to Trap and Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Donna Urso
If you have fruit flies buzzing around your kitchen, you want them gone—fast. This simple homemade fruit fly trap uses just two ingredients you probably already have, and it works within hours. No chemicals. No special equipment. Just a quick fix that actually works. The Best Homemade Fruit Fly Trap (Works in Hours) Those pesky little buggers can often be brought into your home on the vegetables and fruit you buy. You don't have to tolerate the annoyance. This homemade fruit fly trap is one I have been using for many years, and it works every time.
1 comment
Read more

Make Dinner Easier with a Go-To Meal List

Donna Urso
How to Be Sure You’re Never Stuck Wondering What’s for Dinner There’s a moment most of us face at least a few times a week. It’s 4:30… maybe 5:00. You’re tired, you’ve had a full day, and the last thing you want to do is figure out dinner from scratch. That’s exactly why I’ve come to rely on something simple, but incredibly effective: A small collection of quick, dependable dinners I can make without thinking. These are not recipes I have to look up. They’re not complicated meals that require planning. They’re just a handful of go-to meals I know I can pull together fast.
Post a Comment
Read more

Traditional New England Whoopie Pies

Donna Urso
These old-fashioned whoopie pies are soft, chocolatey, and filled with a rich, creamy filling, just like the ones many of us remember. This is a true New England-style recipe. If you’re looking for a true whoopie pie recipe—the kind made in New England with a cooked filling—this is it. Whoopie pies are a beloved treat, a nostalgic dessert that evokes childhood memories and continues to delight today. My mom would make them for us every once in a while. Oh, what a treat to come home from school to a platter of chocolate whoopie pies! This recipe, inspired by traditional Maine-style whoopie pies, comes from my family recipe box. It delivers soft, chocolatey cakes with a rich, creamy cooked filling – no marshmallow fluff needed! The Best Whoopie Pies Recipe (Soft cakes & Creamy Filling) This post includes affiliate links. Whoopie pies are essentially handheld cake sandwiches: soft, round, cake-like cookies embracing a luscious, creamy filling.  While their ...
11 comments
Read more

The Ultimate Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A Bread Machine Recipe

Donna Urso
Today's recipe will fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma and lots of smiles. It's homemade cinnamon swirl bread made with your bread machine. If you’ve ever struggled to get that perfect cinnamon swirl or ended up with gaps or leaking filling, this method fixes that using your bread machine. Bread Machine Cinnamon Swirl Bread (Soft, Easy Recipe) This post includes affiliate links. This recipe brings together the ease of your trusty bread machine with the deliciousness of a warm, sweet, and perfectly swirled cinnamon bread. Get ready for a slice of pure comfort!
2 comments
Read more

Five Keys to Growing A Healthy Ficus Tree

Donna Urso
Have you ever wondered how a single Ficus benjamina tree could become a beloved part of your home for decades, thriving and growing alongside your family?  If you haven’t yet, you might consider the addition of this living, air-purifying companion in your home that not only beautifies your space but also stands the test of time.  You may know this tree as either a Ficus benjamina or a weeping fig.   I have loved growing a ficus tree in my home for 36 years. It’s remarkable that I've had this tree for so long.   How to Grow A Ficus Tree Inside for Decades This post includes affiliate links. I may receive compensation when you use these links. When thinking about how I managed to keep this indoor ficus tree happy, healthy, and growing strong all these years it boiled down to five key Ficus benjamina plant care tips. Follow these tips and you can have a happy, healthy ficus tree in your home for many years, too.
22 comments
Read more

Grandma's Soft and Chewy Date-Filled Cookies

Donna Urso
One of the things I can count on as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons arrive each year is a feeling of nostalgia. The traditional foods we serve at our family's holiday tables can surely bring out all the feels. Now that it is officially cookie season, we should kick it off with an old-fashioned homemade date-filled cookie recipe. This is a soft, tender cookie with dates that is a special, nostalgic, family recipe.   An Old-Fashioned Date Cookie Recipe What are old-fashioned date-filled cookies?   Old-fashioned date-filled cookies are a nostalgic, soft sandwich cookie featuring two rounds of tender sugar cookie dough with a sweet, homemade date jam filling in the center.  This vintage 1930s recipe is a traditional holiday favorite, prized for its soft texture and the perfect balance of buttery dough and naturally sweet dates. This old-fashioned, date-filled cookie was my dad's favorite cookie from his childhood. My dad was born in 1932, so this...
18 comments
Read more

The Best Asian Dipping Sauce You'll Ever Taste

Donna Urso
If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-make Asian dipping sauce perfect for sushi and dumplings, then you've come to the right place. This recipe for the best Asian dipping sauce is perfect for any time you want a  kick of delicious Asian flavor. An Asian Dipping Sauce for Sushi and Dumplings Try this if you are looking for a dipping sauce that is a little more flavorful than you typically get with your takeout order. You'll love it with dumplings, too!
2 comments
Read more