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Giardiniera is the perfect relish of pickled vegetables. The kicker? This quick pickling recipe is ready in just 24 hours, but can stay fresh for weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.

a jar of pickled vegetables

What is Giardiniera?

Giardiniera is an Italian pickle relish packed full of bright and colorful veggies. The usual suspects are carrots, cauliflower, and peppers. The flavor profile can be described as vinegary and herby.

Like many Italian recipes, there is an American interpretation and it hails from the Chicago area. Chicago style giardiniera differs from Italian-style as it rarely contains vinegar. Instead, it’s made primarily of olive oil and herbs. You’ll find this condiment sprinkled throughout the Windy City and at eateries known for Italian-style street and comfort food.

This giardiniera recipe (which leans closer to Italian-style) has been in my family for over 15 years. It’s so darn good and we have it at almost every single family party.

Vegetables That Are Good for Pickling

Not interested in the veggies I use? That’s perfectly okay! This recipe is super versatile and you can get creative. Find a couple substitutes below and mix and match them as you please:

  • Crimini Mushrooms
  • Asparagus
  • Zucchini
  • Yellow Squash
  • Onion
  • Tomatoes
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Okra
  • Garlic
  • Eggplant
  • Artichoke hearts

Hot Tip: This tip is literally hot. If you like things spicy, add in more red pepper flakes and jalapeños. Adjust as you see fit.

How Long Giardiniera Lasts

The best part about giardiniera is that it is quick to whip up and lasts so long when stored properly. Snag a handful of mason jars and store the giardiniera with the lid screwed tight and the salad will last for up to two weeks. Ensure your veggies are submerged in pickling liquid for as long as possible to keep them fresh.

a jar of pickled vegetables

How To Make Giardiniera

Pickling doesn’t have to be hard. This quick pickling recipe makes it easy. Follow the instructions below to get crisp and crunchy veggies each and every time:

  • Gather and clean your veggies.
  • Dice all the veggies into similar sized pieces. Mix them together in a large bowl.
  • Combine together water, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a saucepan. Bring to boil and pour over veggies.
  • Let the veggies marinate for at least 24 hours.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to several weeks.
chopped vegetables in a bowl
pickling marinade for the vegetables
a large bowl with vegetables
A bowl of pickled vegetables

How Do I Serve Giardiniera?

From Italian beef sandwiches to hot dogs to roast beef, this relish pairs perfectly with rich and savory foods. Also, if you are a fan of charcuterie boards this relish is a great addition. I always like to have a jar stowed away in the back of my fridge for last minute guests and get-togethers.

Giardiniera is also the perfect ingredient to up-level salads or sandwiches. I’ll toss it straight into a classic garden salad or pop it on a grinder sandwich for a pop of tanginess.

A bowl of pickled vegetables

More Pickled Vegetables

Love everything pickled and crunchy? Here are some of our favorite recipes:

  • Pickled Mushrooms – Pickled mushrooms go great with any beef straight off the grill. Slice them up and pop them on burgers or serve on top of steak.
  • Quick Pickled Beets – Use them for salad or soup.
  • Pickled Jalapenos – From tacos to pizza, there’s never a bad occasion for pickled jalapeños.
  • Pickled Onions – Pop them on a steak sandwich or on carne asada tacos.

Recipe

a jar of pickled vegetables

Pickled Vegetable Salad

Print Pin
Servings
12 servings
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Marinade 1 d
Total Time 1 d 30 mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
Giardiniera is the perfect relish of pickled vegetables. The kicker? This quick pickling recipe is ready in just 24 hours, but can stay fresh for weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

  • 1 Small Cabbage
  • 1 Large Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 Large Yellow Bell Pepper
  • 1/2 Medium Cauliflower
  • 1 Small Broccoli
  • 1 Large Carrot
  • 1 Medium Yellow Onion
  • 5 cup Water
  • 1 cup Light Olive Oil
  • 1 1/4 cup White Vinegar
  • 1 cup White Sugar
  • 3 tbsp Salt
  • 5 Bay Leaves
  • 20 Peppercorns
US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Gather and clean all your veggies for pickling.
    Vegetables on the table including; a carrot, broccoli head, yell bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, cabbage and cauliflower
  • Dice all the vegetables into same-sized pieces. I like to stick to around one-inch in size. Mix vegetables together in a large dish. Preferably something that you can cover with a lid for marinating.
    chopped vegetables in a bowl
  • Into a small saucepan, combine together water, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring the sauce to a boil and pour the sauce over the prepared vegetables.
    pickling marinade for the vegetables
  • Let the vegetables marinade for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can place them in mason jars or other airtight containers.
    a large bowl with vegetables
  • When stored properly, the relish will last for up to two weeks.
    a jar of pickled vegetables
Nutrition Facts
Pickled Vegetable Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 139 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 1792mg75%
Potassium 432mg12%
Carbohydrates 28g9%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 21g23%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 1569IU31%
Vitamin C 116mg141%
Calcium 70mg7%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted November 10, 2020

About Author

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.