Quick & Easy Refrigerator Pickles
These Quick & Easy Refrigerator Pickles are a delightful and tangy side dish that you can whip up in no time, perfect for summer picnics or to add a zesty crunch to meals. This no-boil recipe requires no canning or sterilization, making it a hassle-free way to preserve the fresh flavors of cucumbers and onions. The sweet-and-sour brine combines sugar and vinegar with earthy spices like celery and dill seed, creating a bright and flavorful pickle that will elevate any dish. Let the pickles sit in the fridge for just 24 hours, and you’ll have a crisp and refreshing treat ready to enjoy! Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or just as a snack.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 cups (none)
Vinegar
1 cup (none)
Salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Celery Seed
1 teaspoon (none)
Dill Seed
1 teaspoon (none)
Onion
1 cup (sliced)
Cucumbers
8 cups (sliced, unpeeled)
Onion
1 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vinegar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2
Add the salt, celery seed, and dill seed to the mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3
In a separate large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions.
4
Pour the brine mixture over the cucumbers and onions. Gently stir everything together, ensuring that the cucumbers and onions are submerged in the liquid. If needed, press them down to make sure they stay under the brine.
5
Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 24 hours. During this time, the brine will increase as the vegetables release moisture, so don’t worry if it appears sparse at first.
6
After 24 hours, transfer the pickles and brine into clean jars. Store in your refrigerator. There’s no need to can them; just keep them sealed in the fridge.
7
These pickles can be kept indefinitely in the refrigerator and will taste even better over time!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Quick & Easy Refrigerator Pickles?
They are a tangy, zesty side dish made with cucumbers and onions in a sweet-and-sour brine that requires no boiling or canning.
Do I need to boil the brine for this recipe?
No, this is a no-boil recipe, making it a hassle-free way to preserve fresh cucumber flavors.
Is sterilization of jars required?
No canning or sterilization is necessary for these refrigerator pickles; you just need clean jars.
How long do the pickles need to sit before refrigeration?
The mixture should stand at room temperature for 24 hours before being moved to the fridge.
What are the main ingredients in the brine?
The brine is made from 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of salt, celery seed, and dill seed.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 8 cups of sliced, unpeeled cucumbers.
How long do refrigerator pickles last?
They can be kept indefinitely in the refrigerator and will actually taste better over time.
What should I do if the brine seems sparse at first?
Don't worry; the brine volume will increase as the vegetables release moisture during the 24-hour room temperature period.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sliced onions to be mixed with the cucumbers.
Are these pickles sweet or sour?
They have a sweet-and-sour profile created by the combination of sugar and vinegar.
What spices give these pickles their flavor?
The earthy flavors come from the addition of 1 teaspoon of celery seed and 1 teaspoon of dill seed.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Can I eat the pickles immediately?
It is recommended to let them sit for 24 hours at room temperature and then refrigerate them for the best flavor and texture.
Do I need a pressure canner for this recipe?
No, no special canning equipment or pressure canners are needed.
How should I prepare the cucumbers?
You should slice 8 cups of unpeeled cucumbers before adding them to the brine.
Should the vegetables be submerged in the liquid?
Yes, gently stir and press the cucumbers and onions down to ensure they are submerged in the brine.
What is the first step in making the brine?
The first step is to combine the sugar and vinegar in a large bowl and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Are these pickles crunchy?
Yes, the no-boil method helps preserve the fresh, zesty crunch of the cucumbers.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of salt.
Is this recipe suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, these pickles are perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even as a standalone snack.
What is the ratio of sugar to vinegar?
The ratio is 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of vinegar.
Can I store these pickles in the pantry?
No, because they are not processed in a canner, they must be stored in the refrigerator.
How much dill seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dill seed.
How much celery seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of celery seed.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a vegetable dish.
Is there any fat or cholesterol in these pickles?
Based on the ingredients, there is no fat or cholesterol in this recipe.
Can I reuse the brine?
While not explicitly stated, refrigerator pickle brines are often flavorful enough to be used in salads or for a second quick batch.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it sits?
The recipe suggests an initial stir to ensure everything is submerged, but no further stirring is required during the 24-hour wait.
Are these pickles good for summer?
Yes, they are specifically described as perfect for summer picnics.
What makes this recipe hassle-free?
It is hassle-free because it bypasses the traditional canning, boiling, and sterilization steps.