Just Pickle It

Pickling is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to preserve food, enhance flavors, and reduce waste.

At its core, pickling simply involves soaking fruits or vegetables in a vinegar or brine solution — no fancy equipment or advanced culinary skills required. With just a few pantry staples like vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices, you can transform fresh produce into tangy, crunchy snacks in minutes. The beauty of pickling lies in its flexibility: you can pickle almost anything, from cucumbers to carrots, onions to jalapeños. Whether you’re looking to extend shelf life, boost flavor, or try something new, pickling is a low-effort, high-reward technique anyone can master.

Here are three delicious ways to use your pickled veggies in cooking:

1. As a bright garnish or topping: Add pickled vegetables to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, grain bowls, or avocado toast for an instant flavor boost. They cut through rich foods beautifully—try pickled red onions on pulled pork, pickled jalapeños on nachos, or pickled carrots on bánh mì sandwiches.
2. Chopped into salads and slaws: Dice your pickled veggies and mix them into coleslaw, potato salad, or green salads for extra tang and crunch. Pickled cucumbers, radishes, or cabbage work especially well. They add complexity without needing extra dressing.
3. Blended into sauces and dips: Purée pickled vegetables into aioli, mayonnaise, or cream cheese for zingy spreads. You can also chop them finely and fold them into tartar sauce, remoulade, or even hummus. Pickled peppers make an amazing base for hot sauce or salsa verde.

The acidity and flavor of pickled vegetables can really elevate simple dishes — they’re like a secret weapon in the kitchen! What types of pickled veggies do you have on hand?

Quick fridge pickle

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups sliced cucumbers (or any firm vegetable)
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Optional: garlic, dill, peppercorns

Instructions:

Slice vegetables thinly and pack into clean jars. Boil vinegar, water, salt, and sugar until dissolved. Pour hot brine over vegetables, covering completely. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

Ready in 24 hours; best after 3 days.

Keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated. Experiment with different vegetables and spices!

Great choices for pickling include:

• Carrots: Cut into sticks or coins; they stay wonderfully crisp.
• Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or orange strips add sweetness.
• Radishes: Thin slices turn beautifully pink and lose their bite.
• Red onions: Transform into tangy, vibrant purple rings.
• Cauliflower: Florets absorb flavors perfectly.
• Green beans: Stay crunchy and make excellent “dilly beans.”

For spices, try these combinations:

• Classic dill: Fresh dill, garlic cloves, and black peppercorns
• Spicy: Red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and coriander
• Asian-inspired: Ginger slices, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns
• Mediterranean: Bay leaves, oregano, and fennel seeds

More Featured Articles