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A colorful jar of homemade refrigerator pickled vegetables with vibrant carrots, cucumbers, red onions, and peppers in a clear brine.

Homemade Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables

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Homemade Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables are a crunchy, tangy, and flavorful way to preserve fresh vegetables. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards, these quick pickles require no canning equipment and are easy to prepare at home in just a few days. Customize with your favorite herbs and spices for a delicious homemade snack or side dish that stays fresh for weeks in your refrigerator.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes + marination
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fresh vegetables (e.g., cucumbers, carrots, radishes, cauliflower, green beans)
  • 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt (preferably pickling or kosher salt)
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, sliced or crushed
  • Spices (such as dill, peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes)
  • Optional: fresh herbs like dill or thyme

Instructions

  1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Slice or cut them into desired shapes—thin rounds, spears, or chunks—based on your preference. Thin cuts pickle faster.
  2. Clean glass jars or airtight containers with hot soapy water, rinse, and sterilize by boiling in water for 5 minutes or placing in the dishwasher.
  3. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Add spices and herbs; simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Pack the prepared vegetables into sterilized jars, pressing them tightly. Add garlic slices and spices among the vegetables.
  5. Pour hot brine over vegetables, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Seal jars with airtight lids. Let cool to room temperature.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours; for best flavor, wait 3-5 days before enjoying. Store up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best crunch and flavor.
  • Adjust acidity by varying vinegar type and amount.
  • Experiment with spices like coriander, bay leaves, or chili peppers for unique flavors.
  • Ensure vegetables stay submerged in brine for even pickling.
  • Allow sufficient marination time for ideal taste and texture.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers, Snacks
  • Method: No-cook, Refrigeration
  • Cuisine: American, Homemade
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 20 Kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg