• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Nutrition
  • Cooking Resources
  • Welcome to caitey jay
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
Caitey Jay
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cooking
  • Wellness
  • Start Here
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cooking
    • Wellness
    • Start Here
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Condiments

    How To Pickle Red Onions (Quick & Easy)

    Feb 15, 2021 · Modified: Apr 3, 2022 by Caitey Jay

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    • Email

    If you've ever wondered how to pickle red onions, you may be surprised to learn that it's actually incredibly easy. This tangy and sweet quick pickled onions recipe can be done with six ingredients and five minutes of hands-on time. So, what are you waiting for?

    A mason jar filled with pickled red onions.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Nutritional Benefits
    • Instructions
    • Cooking Tips
    • Recipe Video
    • How To Serve
    • Recipe Variations
    • Equipment
    • Similar Recipes
    • How To Pickle Red Onions (Quick & Easy)

    Ingredients

    Ingredients needed to make quick pickled red onions. Onions, maple syrup, water, salt and apple cider vinegar are in bowls on a white table. A black and white table cloth is there for decoration.

    To make these quick pickled red onions, you’ll need 5 ingredients: red onions, apple cider vinegar, water, maple syrup, and salt. 

    • Red Onions: You can use another type of onion in this recipe, but red is most common because it creates pretty pink pickled onions that add a pop of color when used to top a variety of dishes.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: Again, you can use any vinegar. But, apple cider vinegar is a good choice because it cuts down harshness, giving the quick-pickled onions a mellower (almost sweeter) flavour than if pickled solely in white vinegar. Not to mention, apple cider vinegar is known for its health benefits.
    • White Vinegar: I like to mix Apple Cider Vinegar with White Vinegar. That ensures the flavour isn't too sweet or too strong, as ACV has a unique flavour profile.
    • Maple Syrup: While pickled onions are mostly about vinegar and salt, it's good to add a little sweetness to the mix to get optimal flavouring. I use very little and use a natural sugar rather than white table sugar. Maple syrup is a good choice because it has vitamins and minerals that are great for your health.
    • Water: If you only use vinegar to brine the onions, the flavour will be too sharp. Water is needed to help mellow out the flavour.
    • Kosher Salt: Use kosher salt or canning salt because these types have no additives. Don't use iodized salt. Not only will it make the brine cloudy, but it can also affect the colour and texture of the pickled onions.

    Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

    Nutritional Benefits

    These easy pickled red onions are more than just tasty. They also offer up numerous health benefits. So dish them up.

    What makes this pickled onions recipe healthier?

    • Red Onions: A 2017 study found that red onions were the healthiest type of onion. They are high in an antioxidant called quercetin that has been shown to help prevent cancer. They're also rich in vitamin B9 and folate that can improve heart health.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a number of health benefits. On top of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, evidence suggests that it can help with weight loss, reducing cholesterol and lowering blood sugar levels.

    Instructions

    Let’s break it down step by step to take any guesswork out of how to make pickled onions.

    Sliced onions in mason jar and sauce pan filled with brine for making quick pickled red onions.
    • Slice onions: First, slice the onions as thin as you can. You can use a knife or food processor to chop them. But, it's easiest to use a mandoline to quickly slice the onion into uniform loops. These are also easier to pull out of the jar once they're pickled. Ultimately, you'll want to prepare them into the shape you want them to be on your finished dish. So keep the end use in mind.
    • Pack the onions inside an airtight container: Loosely pack the sliced onions into an airtight container, like a mason jar.
    • Prepare and simmer brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, salt, maple syrup, and warm water. Stir until the salt dilutes into the mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
    Sliced onions in mason jar being filled with brine for making easy pickled onions.
    • Pour brine over the sliced onions: Once the brine is simmering, remove from heat and pour the pickling mixture over your sliced onions until they are completely submerged. Gently press down to get rid of any space for air bubbles.
    • Let the mixture sit: Let the onions in brine sit for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature uncovered. Then cover and place in refrigerator. While they're good to eat after sitting at room temperature, they'll get extra flavour and crunch after they've had a chance to fully chill. So, I recommend waiting. They’ll keep in the fridge for a couple weeks.

    Recipe Notes

    • When letting the mixture sit at room temperature, ensure the jar is uncovered or the lid is screwed on loosely. This will allow any potential heat or steam that needs to escape to get out. Otherwise, your risk a kitchen explosion!

    For the full ingredient list and step-by-step directions, scroll down to view the recipe card.

    Cooking Tips

    Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this easy pickled red onions recipe.

    Do pickled onions need to be refrigerated?

    Yes. After letting the pickled red onions cool to room temperature, they should be covered and refrigerated. I recommend using a mason jar for storage as it's airtight.

    How long do pickled onions stay good?

    Pickled red onions will last up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. You'll know they've gone bad if they have a bad smell, there is bubbling in the jar, the lid is bulging, or if there is a change in color or texture of the brine. If you notice any of these indicators, it's time to dispose of your pickled onions.

    What is the best vinegar for pickling?

    My preference is apple cider vinegar because I like the subtle sweetness it adds and that it's good for my health. However, you can pretty much use any light colored vinegar. You can find other suggestions in my recipe variations below.

    Do you have to use sugar when pickling?

    Not necessarily. Sugar acts as a preserver and adds sweetness. But, if you're avoiding sugar, the salt and vinegar will be sufficient preservatives on their own.

    Recipe Video

    Want to see how I make these easy pickled onions? Watch the video below!

    How To Serve

    Now that you've made these sweet and tangy, quick pickled red onions, it's time to build the perfect meal with them. These are the perfect pickled onion for tacos, salads, and more. Below are some ideas.

    • Finish your your avocado toast with them
    • Top your salad or bowl with them
    • Stuff them in a burger or a sandwich
    • Add on top of any Mexican dish
    Pink pickled onions in mason jar.

    Recipe Variations

    • Swap out your vinegars: While apple cider and white vinegar is my favourite combo, you can change the flavouring of your pink pickled onions by swapping out the vinegar. Another combination I like is a mix of white wine vinegar and rice vinegar.
    • Add herbs and spices: Make the flavour more interesting by adding herbs and spices to your brine. Some of the classics are dill, peppercorns, garlic cloves, and mustard seeds. Combine these with the other ingredients before simmering. Add as much or little as you like, as this really is up to your taste buds.
    • Use honey instead of maple syrup: Choosing maple syrup or honey instead of white table sugar offers flavour and health benefits. Pick the one that you like more. While you can skip sweetener altogether, I don’t recommend it. The natural sweetness balances the flavour. Without it, the onions are vinegary and pungent.

    Equipment

    Here's what you need to make this recipe.

    • Mandoline: While it's not necessary, it does make it easier to quickly slice the onions into uniform slices. And, I'm all about speed. I use this tool in a lot of my recipes. It's truly a staple in my kitchen.
    • Mason Jars: You need an airtight container when pickling. Mason jars are my favourite because I can use them from everything to pickling to smoothie glasses. Multifunctional!

    Similar Recipes

    If you enjoyed this recipe for quick pickled red onions, I invite you to check out my collection of easy healthy condiments or check out the ones that I hand selected for you below.

    • Easy 4-ingredient Chia Seed Jam (Ready in 5 Minutes!)
    • How To Make Homemade Almond Butter
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    How To Pickle Red Onions (Quick & Easy)

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Caitey Jay
    • Prep Time: 5
    • Cook Time: 20
    • Total Time: 25
    • Yield: 1 Jar 1x
    • Category: Condiments
    • Method: mandoline
    • Cuisine: American
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    If you've ever wondered how to pickle red onions, you may be surprised to learn that it's actually incredibly easy. This tangy and sweet quick pickled onions recipe can be done with six ingredients and five minutes of hands-on time. 


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 large red onion
    • ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar (or other light colored vinegar)
    • ¼ cup white vinegar
    • 1 cup of warm water
    • 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
    • 1.5 teaspoons of kosher salt

    Instructions

    1. Slice onions: First, slice the onions as thin as you can. You can use a knife or food processor to chop them. But, it's easiest to use a mandoline to quickly slice the onion into uniform loops. These are also easier to pull out of the jar once they're pickled. Ultimately, you'll want to prepare them into the shape you want them to be on your finished dish. So keep the end use in mind.  
    2. Pack the onions inside an airtight container: Loosely pack the sliced onions into an airtight container, like a mason jar. 
    3. Prepare and simmer brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, salt, maple syrup, and warm water. Stir until the salt dilutes into the mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.  
    4. Pour brine over the sliced onions: Once the brine is simmering, remove from heat and pour the pickling mixture over your sliced onions until they are completely submerged. Gently press down to get rid of any space for air bubbles. 
    5. Let the mixture sit: Let the onions in brine sit for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature uncovered. Then cover and place in refrigerator. While they're good to eat after sitting at room temperature, they'll get extra flavour and crunch after they've had a chance to fully chill. So, I recommend waiting. They’ll keep in the fridge for a couple weeks.

    Equipment

    Mandoline

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    When letting the mixture sit at room temperature, ensure the jar is uncovered or the lid is screwed on loosely. This will ensure any potential heat or steam that needs to escape can.  

    Keywords: healthy condiments, easy recipes, healthy recipes

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @caiteyjay on Instagram

    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    • Email
    « How To Make Homemade Almond Butter
    Easy Healthy Homemade Chocolate Granola »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a comment! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Caitlin

      February 16, 2021 at 3:20 am

      Will definitely be making these again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Well Hello There

    I’m Cait, the holistic nutritionist, recipe developer and food photographer behind Caitey Jay. Welcome to my little piece of the Internet, a recipe collection for amateur cooks looking for approachable, real-ingredient recipes that are designed to nourish your body and mind. ♡ Get to know me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Banana Chocolate Protein Muffins
    • Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
    • Healthy Air Fryer Granola
    • Ayurveda Golden Milk
    • Immune Boosting Turmeric Shot
    • Pumpkin Protein Muffins

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2020 CaiteyJay

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.