Quick-pickling turns fresh veggies into tangy, crunchy fridge pickles in hours—with no intense canning. This roundup of 10 quick pickling recipes covers my favorites!
Growing up in a Ukrainian home, my mom and grandma pickled everything! They were so creative and always found a way to pickle just about every vegetable. This list includes some of my absolute favorites— the recipes I am truly obsessed with. I always have something pickled in my fridge, and even if you don’t think pickled vegetables are your thing, you will after trying these recipes!
“Tool” spotlight: Quick pickling doesn’t need a lot of tools, but I do have a few favorites! I love these weck jars with lids, or these mason jars. And of course – a set of good knives is vital, too!
What is Quick Pickling?
Quick pickling is a method where fresh vegetables or fruit soak in a vinegar, salt, and water brine for a short time — no need to mess with sterilizing jars for canning! Instead, these “refrigerator pickles” are stored in the fridge and never processed for shelf stability.
Refrigerator pickles and other veggies are ready in as little as a few hours, but I generally wait until at least 24–48 hours so they have enough time to slightly soften and soak in the salty, tangy flavor from the pickling brine. Get ready for brighter, fresher flavor and a crunchier texture than traditional canned pickles!
Quick pickling vs traditional pickling: Still on the fence on which to try? Think of it this way: traditional canning takes more time and effort, and the veggies soften overtime. On the flip side, quick pickling is fast and the veggies stay crunchy!
10 Best Quick Pickle Recipes
1. Quick Pickled Cucumbers aka Refrigerator Pickles
Skip the hassle of canning and ditch the heavy vinegar! These cucumbers rely on a simple saltwater brine packed with fresh dill sprigs and garlic to deliver an insanely crunchy, crave-worthy snack. Just prep in minutes, let them sit for a day or two, and enjoy the perfect bite of quick dill pickles!
2. Quick Pickled Onions
These red onions come together in only five minutes flat with only six ingredients! Packed with a tangy apple cider vinegar marinade, they deliver the ultimate vibrant crunch and punchy flavor to tacos, wraps, burgers, and salads.
3. Pickled Mushrooms
After a quick pre-boil, tender button mushrooms are packed into jars with fresh garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and a perfectly seasoned white vinegar brine. These mushrooms are a must at any Slavic gathering!
4. Quick Pickled Beets
Beets are almost like a whole food group to the Slavic people. Growing up, I remember eating them in so many different ways – especially in soup and salad. These quick pickled beets are a crunchy and tangy way to enjoy this red vegetable.
5. Quick & Easy Curtido
Curtido is flavorful Salvadoran pickled cabbage slaw that comes together in a flash. It’s made with shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and jalapeños tossed in a simple vinegar brine.
6. Pickled Vegetables (Giardiniera)
Forget sad, store-bought relishes—this homemade pickled vegetable salad is a massive upgrade that requires absolutely zero canning skills. Simply chop a colorful rainbow of cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, and carrots, then pour in the hot vinegar brine. Ready!
7. Quick Pickled Mini Bell Peppers
These mini peppers are so great with leg of lamb, grilled ribeye steak, or grilled tilapia – or honestly any meats! They add the perfect tang and freshness to cut through the taste of meat.
8. Pickled Jalapeños
Pickled jalapenos are such a great way to easily get a little bit of spice into any dish you want. I frequently add these thin slices to my pork sandwiches, salads, or as a topping for tacos or burrito bowls.
9. Quick Pickled Asparagus
Honestly, I lived most of my life not knowing you can pickle asparagus. And yet, you totally can (pun intended)! If you’re ready this, you HAVE to try these asparagus spears. Plus they look really great on a charcuterie board!
10. Pickled Cabbage
This pickled cabbage is the quick-pickled version of sauerkraut except crunchier and more vinegary (and less sour). I also love to add some carrots, onions, and peppers into mine just to switch things up a little!
More Canned Recipes
- Canned Cherries – Great as ice cream toppers and in baking
- Canned Sweet Spicy Pickles – These pickles have a subtle tomato flavor!
- Canned Green Tomato Salad – A plethora of veggies, including green tomatoes!
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