Bright, tangy, and crisp – easy and delicious pickled red onions add the perfect pop of flavor to any dish.

Thinly sliced red onions are soaked in a mixture of water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt.

A little tang with a touch of sweetness creates a delicious topping for tacos, salads, and sandwiches.

pickled red onions in a jar

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Easy Pickled Red Onions

  • Flavor: This recipe for pickled red onions has a tangy, sweet, and slightly salty flavor with a refreshing crunch.
  • Difficulty: This recipe is quick and easy to make, requiring only basic ingredients and minimal preparation.
  • Time: Allow the onions to refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
ingredients assembled to make pickled red onions including red onion, apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar, and water

5 Simple Ingredients

Onions: Red onions are the onion of choice for this recipe. However, yellow onions which have a mild and slightly sweet flavor or white onions that are a little sharper in taste are great choices too. Or try using shallots which will make for a delicate pickled onion.

Vinegar Substitutes: Swap apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for a milder taste.

Spicy Variations: Experiment with spices like black peppercorns, mustard seeds, or chili flakes for a different kick.

Ways to Use Pickled Red Onions

  • Topping: This is the best pickled red onions recipe for adding to tacos, burgers, or sandwiches for a tangy crunch.
  • Salads: Toss them into salads to enhance the flavor with their sweet and sour notes.
  • Charcuterie boards: Serve them alongside cheeses, meats, and crackers for a flavorful accompaniment.
fork scooping pickled red onions from a jar.

Storing Pickled Red Onions

Pickled onions should be stored in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 1 month when properly stored, as the vinegar helps preserve them. For the best flavor, it’s ideal to consume them within the first week or two.

Did you enjoy these Pickled Red Onions? Leave a rating and comment below!

pickled red onions in a jar

Pickled Red Onions

Tangy, sweet, and crunchy pickled red onions are a versatile addition to salads, burgers, and sandwiches.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings 2 cups

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Jar with lid

Ingredients  

  • 1 large red onion
  • ¾ cup water
  • cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar more to taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

Instructions 

  • Peel the onion and thinly slice it using a mandoline or sharp knife. Add sliced onions to a 16-ounce jar.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine water, cider vinegar, sugar, and salt.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Pour liquid over the onions. Allow to cool uncovered at room temperature.
  • Place lid on jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 1 month.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is for one cup that includes the pickling brine.
  • Cut your prep time by bringing the liquid ingredients to a boil while slicing the onions.
  • Pickled onions in brine will keep for up to a month in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1755mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course pantry
Cuisine American
pickled red onions with text
pickled red onions in jars with text

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