Mixed Pickled Vegetables (Easy + Quick)

Love crunchy, tangy veggies? These quick mixed pickled vegetables are easy to make at home and totally customizable. Use whatever veggies you have on hand—carrots, cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers—and enjoy as savory snacks, bright salad toppers, or on charcuterie boards in just a day or two!

Don’t worry if you’ve never tried pickling before! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step. You’ll get a simple recipe, a list of veggie ideas, and some tips for the best crunch and flavor. We’ll also go over the pickling brine and how to add fun extras like garlic, herbs, or even a little heat.

Whether you’re a first-time pickler or already hooked, this recipe is a fun and tasty one to keep around! Get ready to enjoy the vibrant colors, crisp textures, and mouthwatering flavors of homemade mixed vegetable refrigerator pickles! Yum!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Pickled Vegetables

Are you ready to fall in love with pickled mixed vegetables? These pickles are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Here’s why these homemade delights are a tasty and healthy addition to any meal!

Easy to Make. With simple ingredients and no canning required, anyone can make these pickles at home. It’s also a great late summer activity to do with children.
Incredibly Customizable. You can mix and match vegetables and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. There’s no limit to the types of veggies you can use!
Savory Healthy Snack. Pickled vegetables are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy vegan snack option.
Long Shelf Life. When stored in the fridge, these pickles can last for weeks, allowing you to enjoy them over time. They might not last that long, though!
Budget-Friendly. Making your own pickles at home is cost-effective, especially if you have an abundance of vegetables to use up. Excess garden produce is perfect for this!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

It really doesn’t take much to make tasty pickled veggies, but each ingredient plays a crucial role. key ingredients. Here’s what we recommend:

Vegetables – The star of the show! Choose firm, fresh vegetables that can stand up to pickling. Almost any vegetable can be pickled, so feel free to mix and match based on your preferences. Think about including unconventional veggies like asparagus, cauliflower, chickpeas, or green beans for a creative twist.
Vinegar – Provides the acidic base for pickling, preserving the vegetables and adding tanginess. Substitute with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor. You can also experiment with flavored vinegars like balsamic or champagne vinegar for a unique twist.
Salt – Helps to draw out moisture from the vegetables, preserving their crunch and enhancing flavor. Use kosher salt or sea salt, but avoid iodized table salt as it can make the brine cloudy.
Sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar, providing a more mellow flavor. Swap for vegan honey or maple syrup if you’d like to use a natural sweetener. But is generic sugar vegan? Yes—we consider sugar vegan.
Spices – Try adding herbs like dill or thyme, or spices like cinnamon or cloves, to infuse the brine with different flavors. Also consider including extra spices like mustard seeds, peppercorns, or red pepper flakes for extra spice.

Best Vegetables for Pickling

From our experience, these are the top vegetables that are perfect for pickling. These veggies not only hold up well to pickling but also absorb flavors beautifully. Experiment with a variety of veggies and discover which ones are the tastiest and most appealing to you!

Asparagus
Beets
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Green Beans
Peppers
Radishes
Raw Red Onion

How to Make Quick Mixed Vegetable Pickles

This simple refrigerator pickle process allows you to enjoy crisp, crunchy, and vinegary veggies in no time. Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious pickled vegetables at home! This technique will become a new favorite kitchen ritual, especially when you have extra vegetables from the garden.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Slice or cut your favorite veggies into desired shapes. Make them big enough to remove easily with a fork and small enough to fit into the jar.

Step 2: Make the Brine

Mix water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a medium saucepan.

Step 3: Combine Veggies and Brine

Add the mixed veggies to the jar, along with your choice of herbs and spices. Pour the brine over the vegetables.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Enjoy

Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. The longer the better!

Helpful Tips and Serving Suggestions for Quick Pickled Veggies

Enhance your pickling skills with these tried-and-true tips and fun suggestions:

Choose Fresh Veggies – Select vegetables that are fresh and firm to ensure a crunchy texture in your pickles.
Slice Uniformly – Cutting your vegetables into uniform slices ensures that they pickle evenly and look appealing in the jar.
Experiment with Flavors – Don’t be afraid to get creative with your flavors! Try adding spices like dill, garlic, or mustard seeds for a unique twist.
Use the Right Vinegar – Stick to white or apple cider vinegar for that classic pickled taste that pairs perfectly with your veggies.
Add Sugar Carefully – While a bit of sugar can help balance the tartness of the vinegar, be careful not to add too much and overpower the flavors.
Wait Patiently – Allow your pickled vegetables to marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours to develop their full flavor.
Serve Creatively – Serve your pickled vegetables as a side dish, on sandwiches, or in salads (especially with this classic vegan potato salad) to add a delightful tangy kick to your meals. It’s an excellent addition to a vegan charcuterie board, too!

Common Homemade Pickle FAQs

How long do pickled vegetables last in the fridge?

Homemade pickled vegetables can last in the fridge for about one to two months. It’s important to store them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness.

What is a brine?

In pickling, a brine is a mixture of water, vinegar, salt, and sometimes sugar, herbs, or spices. It’s like a flavorful bath that preserves and adds a tangy taste to vegetables. The brine penetrates the veggies, giving them their delicious pickled flavor.

Can I use any type of vegetable for quick refrigerator pickles?

You can pickle many types of vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, onions, and radishes in the fridge. However, vegetables with high water content, like lettuce or cabbage, may not pickle well. These veggies might become too soft or mushy.