Pink Pickled Red Onion

If you're looking for a zesty topping that adds a burst of flavor to salads, tacos, or sandwiches, you're in for a treat! This quick pickled red onion recipe is fast, flavorful, and out-of-this-world delicious. We'll show you exactly how to make them and suggest the tastiest ways to use them.
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Pink pickled red onion in a glass jar with a lid.
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Creating your own jar of pink pickled red onion is a breeze. With a few simple steps, you’ll unlock a secret weapon to elevate your meals to a whole new level of deliciousness. From the satisfying crunch to the explosion of sweet and tangy flavors, these pickled red onions are not just a condiment—they’re the game-changer your taste buds have been waiting for.

This brilliant, brined veggie brings a serious burst of flavor to your meals. Imagine thinly sliced red onions soaking in a mix of vinegar, sugar, and salt—the perfect combo to make your mouth water. Making your own red onions at home is easy, and these sweetly sharp delights will quickly become your go-to topping, adding a tasty punch to every bite.

A fork lifting pickled red onions out of a jar.

Why These Pink Pickled Onions are So Awesome

Whenever you need to add a punch of excitement to your meals, consider pickled red onions! There’s nothing better than a crisp and vinegary bit of onion when the rest of your meal is soft or smooth.

  • Quick and Easy: Making pickled red onions is a breeze—with just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up a jar of these tasty condiments in no time.
  • Vibrant Flavor Boost: Pickled red onions bring tang and zest to your meals, instantly elevating the taste with their unique and fabulous flavor.
  • Versatile Toppings: No matter what the recipe, pickled red onions add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. This makes them a versatile and delicious topping for almost any savory dish.
  • Eye-Catching Appearance: The vibrant magenta hue of pickled red onions adds visual appeal to your dishes…and to your belly!
  • Extended Freshness: Stored in the refrigerator, pickled red onions can last for up to two weeks, allowing you to have a handy and tasty condiment ready at any time.

How To Make Pickled Red Onions

The art of making pickled red onions is super simple with this easy-to-follow guide. Thinly slice a red onion, pour in a sweet and tangy vinegar mixture, and in no time, you’ll have a jar of vibrant, flavor-packed onions ready to make your meals even more mouthwatering!

STEP 1: Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Separate the slices into individual rings. You can also roughly chop or finely dice the onions for a different texture or appearance.

STEP 2: In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt completely dissolve. Bring it to a boil. Feel free to choose another type of vinegar for a unique flavor, such as apple cider, white wine, or malt vinegar. For a darker and sweeter brew, you can also use balsamic vinegar. The red onions will still be bright pink when removed from the jar.

Pickling brine boiling in a large saucepan.

STEP 3: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature while you place the sliced red onions into a clean, heatproof jar or container. Add in your spices, if desired. Carefully pour the pickling liquid over the sliced onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Once cooled, cover the jar or container with a lid and refrigerate. Using a wide-mouthed jar makes the process easier for filling and takes advantage of the most container space for maximum yummy onions.

Finally, let the onions pickle for at least 30 minutes for a quick flavor infusion. For the absolute best flavor, leave them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few days.

Your pickled red onions are ready to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to create a unique flavor profile!

Helpful Tips and Tasty Suggestions for Serving

When it comes to serving pink pickled red onions, your choices are limitless. If you love pickled onions, they seem to enhance pretty much any recipe you have on hand. Here is a list of our favorite ways to use these tangy little treats:

  • Have Fun with Flavors: Experiment with additional spices like pink peppercorns, spicy peppers, or herbs such as dill or thyme to tailor the pickling liquid to your taste. If you want to branch out from using just onions, how about making the perfect pickled veggies, too?
  • Perfect Pairing: Elevate tacos, sandwiches, or burgers by piling on these tangy onions, or toss them into salads for a refreshing twist.
  • Appealing Appetizers: Use pickled red onions as a vibrant garnish for appetizers like vegan crostini or vegan charcuterie boards, adding both color and flavor.
  • Creative Combos: Mix them into creamy dips or spreads (like this Creamy White Bean Hummus) for an unexpected kick, or layer them on a rainbow pizza for a unique and tasty topping.
  • Storage Savvy: Keep pickled red onions fresh by sealing them in airtight jars and refrigerating – they’ll stay delicious for up to two weeks.
  • Thoughtful Gifts: Share the joy of homemade pickled red onions by presenting them in decorative jars as a thoughtful and flavorful gift for friends or family.
Quick pickled red onion in a glass jar.

Pickled Red Onion Recipe FAQs

How long do pickled red onions last?

Pickled red onions can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container.

Do I have to use red onions in this pickled red onion recipe?

Not all all. You can pickle various types of onions, including white or yellow onions, for a different flavor profile in your pickled onions. Using red onions offers the advantage of not only adding a vibrant color to your meal, but also providing a slightly milder and sweeter flavor compared to other onion varieties.

How do I store pink pickled onions?

You can easily store pickled red onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep the onions fresh and flavorful, and they can last for up to two weeks when properly refrigerated.

Elevate your culinary game with the delightful burst of flavor that pickled red onions bring to the table! These zesty, magenta-hued wonders are not just a feast for the eyes but a treat for your taste buds. Whether topping off your tacos with a tangy twist or giving your salads a colorful kick, pickled red onions are the versatile secret ingredient your kitchen needs. Quick to whip up and lasting up to two weeks in the fridge, these vibrant gems are a must-have for any food enthusiast looking to add a pop of excitement to their meals. Get ready to pickle, savor, and relish the magic of pickled red onions!

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Pink Pickled Red Onion

5 from 6 votes
Quickly pickle red onions in a tangy mix of vinegar, sugar, and salt for a zesty topping that adds a burst of flavor to salads, tacos, or sandwiches. You'll want to add them to everything. Fast and flavorful!
Pink pickled red onion in a glass jar with a lid.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 16

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2-3 red onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon coriander seeds
  • ½ teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan add the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar, mix, and bring to a boil. Once salt has dissolved, remove from heat while you assemble your jars.
  • Fill a wide-mouth mason jar with sliced red onion.
  • Add the coriander seeds and black peppercorns.
  • Pour the hot liquid over the red onion until the jar is full. Close the jar and store it in the fridge.

Video

Notes

This recipe makes 2 16-ounce jars or 1 large 32-ounce jar.

Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.03g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 876mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Course — Condiment, Ingredient
Cuisine — American
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5 from 6 votes

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Recipe Rating




6 comments
  1. 5 stars
    Love the gorgeous pop of pink that these add to my sandwiches and salads!

  2. Andrea White says:

    5 stars
    Pickling is always so fun! So good too!

  3. 5 stars
    My new favorite condiment! Not only is it my favorite color, but I love the zesty, crunchy and slightly crunchy texture. Winner!

  4. 5 stars
    These are delicious, and a great addition to salad to kick it up a notch. I also like how versatile this recipe is to pickle other types of veggies.

  5. 5 stars
    Love onions and these pickled onions take them to the next level. Great addition to salads and sandwiches for an extra tang.

  6. 5 stars
    Love putting these on my chickpea tuna sandwiches!

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