Tangy Pickled Cucumbers with Onions
These Tangy Pickled Cucumbers with Onions are the perfect balance of crunch, acidity, and flavor, making them an ideal addition to salads, sandwiches, and antipasto platters. The vibrant colors and zesty notes create an appealing snack that's ready to enjoy after just one day of marinating. Customize the vinegar to suit your taste; apple cider vinegar contributes a fruity dimension, while other varieties can add unique touches. Storing them in a mason jar keeps them fresh, with a shelf life of about one week. Whether you're using them as a topping, a side condiment, or simply snacking straight from the jar, this recipe will delight your palate!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumber
1 (peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4 inch slices)
Onion
1/4 (sliced (yellow or red))
Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 cup (not applicable)
Water
2/3 cup (not applicable)
Salt
1 pinch (not applicable)
Coarse Black Pepper
1 pinch (not applicable)
Bay Leaf
1 (not applicable)
Dill
1/2 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
Dried Chili Pepper Flakes
1 smidgeon (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the cucumber and using a melon baller or the tip of a teaspoon to remove the seedy middle. Then, cut the cucumber into 1/4 inch slices.
2
Slice the onion thinly, either using yellow or red as per your preference.
3
Take a clean pint-sized mason jar and layer the sliced cucumber and onion inside, pressing down lightly to fit them snugly.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the apple cider vinegar and water until thoroughly combined. Pour this mixture into the mason jar, filling it to the top.
5
Sprinkle the pinch of salt, coarse black pepper, and dill over the cucumber and onion layers. Add the bay leaf and if desired, your smidgeon of chili pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
6
Seal the mason jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, consume within one week for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Pickled Cucumbers with Onions?
It is a quick-pickled vegetable dish featuring cucumbers and onions marinated in an apple cider vinegar brine, perfect for salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
How long does it take to marinate the cucumbers?
The cucumbers should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld.
What is the shelf life of these pickled cucumbers?
For optimal freshness and crunch, these pickles should be consumed within one week when stored in the refrigerator.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
Apple cider vinegar is recommended for its fruity dimension, though other varieties can be used to add unique touches.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling the cucumber and removing the seedy middle before slicing.
How should I remove the seeds from the cucumber?
You can use a melon baller or the tip of a teaspoon to easily remove the seedy middle of the cucumber.
How thick should the cucumber slices be?
The cucumbers should be cut into approximately 1/4 inch slices.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
You can use either yellow or red onions depending on your personal preference.
What size jar should I use?
A clean pint-sized mason jar is the ideal size for this recipe.
What is the ratio of vinegar to water?
The brine consists of 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2/3 cup of water.
Can I make these pickles spicy?
Yes, you can add a smidgeon of dried chili pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
What spices are included in the brine?
The recipe uses salt, coarse black pepper, dill, a bay leaf, and optional chili flakes.
Should I use fresh or dried dill?
You can use either 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill or an equivalent amount of fresh dill.
Is this a cooked pickle recipe?
No, this is a cold-process quick pickle recipe; you simply mix the brine and refrigerate.
How should I layer the ingredients in the jar?
Layer the sliced cucumber and onion inside the mason jar, pressing down lightly to fit them snugly before adding the liquid.
Can I use these as a condiment?
Absolutely, they make an excellent side condiment for various meals or a topping for sandwiches.
What are some serving suggestions?
They are perfect for adding to salads, topping sandwiches, or serving on antipasto platters.
Do I need to seal the jar?
Yes, the mason jar should be sealed tightly before being placed in the refrigerator.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this specific recipe does not call for any added sugar.
What purpose does the bay leaf serve?
The bay leaf adds a subtle herbal depth and complexity to the pickling liquid.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a vegetable-forward snack that fits into healthy eating patterns.
Can I reuse the jar?
Yes, as long as the mason jar is clean, it is perfect for storing these pickles.
How many cucumbers do I need?
The recipe requires one large cucumber.
How much onion should I use?
Use approximately 1/4 of an onion, thinly sliced.
Are these pickles crunchy?
Yes, peeling and coring the cucumber while using a vinegar-based brine helps maintain a perfect crunch.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?
You can customize the vinegar to suit your taste; white vinegar or rice vinegar are common alternatives.
Should the brine be mixed before adding it to the jar?
Yes, mix the vinegar and water in a separate bowl until thoroughly combined before pouring it over the vegetables.
Is the chili pepper flakes amount flexible?
Yes, adding chili pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat tolerance.
When are the salt and pepper added?
The salt, pepper, and dill are sprinkled over the cucumber and onion layers once they are in the jar.
Can I eat these straight from the jar?
Yes, they make a delightful and refreshing snack directly from the jar after the 24-hour marinating period.