Sweet and Crunchy Refrigerator Pickles
These Sweet and Crunchy Refrigerator Pickles are a delightful way to preserve the freshness of garden cucumbers. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this simple no-cook recipe transforms fresh vegetables into an irresistible snack or accompaniment to any meal. Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy! Ideal for picnics, salads, or as a topping on sandwiches, these pickles can be customized with your favorite flavors such as garlic or dill. They last for up to three months in your fridge, making them a convenient option for anytime snacking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced cucumbers
7 cups (about 5 medium cucumbers, sliced)
sliced fresh sweet onion
1 cup (sliced)
green bell pepper
1 (seeded and finely sliced)
sugar
2 cups
white vinegar
1 cup
salt
1 tablespoon
celery seed
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, sweet onion, and green bell pepper together, ensuring even distribution.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, white vinegar, salt, and celery seed until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3
Pour the sugar and vinegar mixture over the cucumber-vegetable mix. Stir gently to ensure all the vegetables are well coated in the brine.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to airtight containers.
5
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. The longer they sit, the better the flavor.
6
Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing crunch of these homemade pickles, which can last up to three months in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Crunchy Refrigerator Pickles?
They are a simple, no-cook snack made from garden cucumbers, onions, and peppers preserved in a sweet and tangy brine.
How many cucumbers do I need for this recipe?
You will need approximately 7 cups of sliced cucumbers, which is about 5 medium-sized cucumbers.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one cup of sliced fresh sweet onion.
Do I need to cook the brine for these pickles?
No, this is a no-cook recipe. You simply whisk the sugar, vinegar, salt, and celery seed together until the sugar dissolves.
How long do the pickles need to sit before eating?
The pickles should be refrigerated for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How long do refrigerator pickles last?
These homemade pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Can I add other flavors like garlic or dill?
Yes, these pickles are easily customizable; you can add garlic or dill according to your preference.
What kind of vinegar is required?
This recipe specifically uses one cup of white vinegar.
Do I need to seed the green bell pepper?
Yes, the green bell pepper should be seeded and finely sliced before being added to the mixture.
What is the purpose of celery seed in the recipe?
Celery seed provides a unique savory flavor that complements the sweetness and tang of the brine.
How much sugar is used in the brine?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sugar to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
What is the best way to store these pickles?
You should store them in the refrigerator either in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in airtight containers.
Are these pickles served hot or cold?
These pickles should always be served chilled for the best refreshing crunch.
What dishes do these pickles pair well with?
They are excellent as a snack, a side for picnics, or as a topping for sandwiches and salads.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that requires no canning or cooking.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of salt.
Can I use red bell pepper instead of green?
While the recipe calls for green bell pepper, you can substitute other colors like red for a different visual appeal.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers before slicing?
The recipe does not require peeling; slicing the cucumbers with the skin on adds to the crunch and color.
How should I mix the vegetables?
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, sweet onion, and green bell pepper until they are evenly distributed.
How do I know when the sugar is ready in the brine?
Whisk the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved into the vinegar and salt.
What happens if I leave the pickles in the fridge longer than 24 hours?
The longer they sit in the brine, the better and more developed the flavor becomes.
Is this recipe considered a summer recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe because it is a great way to use fresh garden cucumbers.
How many green bell peppers are needed?
The recipe requires one green bell pepper, seeded and finely sliced.
Are these pickles very sweet?
They are designed to have a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, using 2 cups of sugar.
Do I need to boil the jars?
No, since these are refrigerator pickles and not shelf-stable canned goods, boiling the jars is not necessary.
What is the texture of these pickles?
These pickles are known for being very crunchy and refreshing.
How much celery seed is included?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of celery seed.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, because they last up to three months, they are a convenient option for anytime snacking and meal prep.
Should I stir the vegetables after adding the brine?
Yes, stir gently to ensure all the vegetables are well coated in the brine mixture.
Are these pickles good for salads?
Yes, they are an ideal addition to various salads for extra crunch and flavor.