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

Coffee and Dessert-A Perfect Pairing

Donna Urso
Coffee and dessert go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly, night and day, or Thelma and Louise. I've teamed up with three blogging friends who love coffee and dessert as much as I do to bring you three of their favorite fall desserts to pair with three specialty coffee drinks I've made in the Ninja Coffee Bar System. I was very excited to receive this Ninja Coffee Bar System (Model CF092) to review.  I am by no means a coffee snob but I do like a good cup of coffee.  I also like a coffee maker that is easy to use and can be depended on to produce a consistent cup of coffee day in and day-out.  In the past few years, I have used a Keurig single-serving system, a French press, and a Cuisinart drip coffee maker. The Keurig is sitting on a shelf in my basement, the French press is on a high shelf in the kitchen and the Cuisinart sits in my beverage center waiting for me to return to it while I take the Ninja Coffee Bar System for a test drive.   I have...
55 comments
Read more

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. All you really need for a great bacon and eggs breakfast is a good nonstick skillet and a good toaster . If you want to make your own bre...
2 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

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

Lemon Yogurt Cake

Donna Urso
A Lemon Cake to Delight Lemon Lovers Something happens to my taste buds as soon as spring hits each year.  I start to crave lemon.  It seems like I can't stop thinking about lemon squares, lemon meringue pie, and lemon cake.  Does this happen to any of you?  It seems that my taste buds have seasons too!  Today I'm making a lemon yogurt cake to satisfy my desire for anything lemon and to use some of the slow cooker yogurt I have in the refrigerator. Lemon Yogurt Cake This is another Ina Garten recipe, from the Barefoot Contessa At Home.   It's a favorite because it is moist and lemony.  You'll like this recipe because it is really easy to make by hand.  No electric mixer is required.  So, when you are in the mood for a little sweet something you'll be able to whip this cake up in a snap. Lemon Yogurt Cake Printer Friendly Recipe Makes 1 loaf cake Ingredients Lemon Yogurt Cake Ingredients 1 1/2 cups all-p...
34 comments
Read more

How to Trap and Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Donna Urso
Fruit flies can be a huge annoyance at certain times of the year. What can you do to kill fruit flies? We've all been there wondering how to get rid of fruit flies.  Fruit flies in the kitchen.  Fruit flies in the bathroom.  Fruit flies buzzing around everywhere in your home.   It's a frustrating problem that happens to everyone at one time or another.  If you are a fresh fruit and produce lover you certainly know what I mean. How to Kill Fruit Flies with Two Ingredients 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

Traditional New England Whoopie Pies

Donna Urso
Are you searching for the ultimate, classic New England whoopie pie recipe? Look no further! 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 without Marshmallow Fluff This post includes affiliate links. Whoopie pies are essentially handheld cake sandwiches: soft, round, cake-like cookies embracing a luscious, creamy filling.  While their origin is debated, New Englanders proudly claim them as their own. This recipe focuses on the traditional Maine-style filling, a cooked flour and milk mixture that creates a uniquely satisfying t...
9 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 sure 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 Cookies Recipe This old-fashioned, date-filled cookie was my dad's favorite cookie from his childhood. My dad was born in 1932 so this recipe has been around for quite a while. 
16 comments
Read more

How to Care for African Violets

Donna Urso
The burst of color from African violet flowers can really brighten up your home and perk up your spirits.  Is your thumb more brown than green?  Not to worry, African violet care is very easy. Read on to learn the best tips to care for African violets. How to Grow Beautiful African Violets (This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  I will be compensated when you make a purchase using these links.) My African Violet Pin This Post For Later:   Seven Tips for African Violet Care Here's a nine-minute video that will show you how I care for my African violets. Watch My African Violet Care Video Seven Tips for African Violet Care African violets like diffused, bright light.   I have them in rooms with either a southern or a western exposure.  That's not to say that you can't grow them in other sunlight exposures, but these work beautifully for me.  It's best not to put your plants on a window sill.  Try ta...
21 comments
Read more

Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Donna Urso
Are you looking for an easy dinner roll recipe? The easiest way to make fresh dinner rolls is with your bread machine. Relax while you use the dough setting of your bread machine to get the time-intensive steps out of the way. You'll be delighted with the results of this easy bread machine dinner roll recipe. The best bread machine dinner rolls are the ones you make yourself. How to Make Bread Machine Dinner Rolls This post contains Amazon affiliate links. When you use your bread machine to make dinner rolls most of the work is done by the machine.  You'll be delighted with how easy it is to make fresh rolls. While most of the work is being done by the bread machine you can be doing something else.
4 comments
Read more