Add a Crunch with Refrigerator Pickled Veggies
Introduction
Looking for an effortless way to boost the flavor and texture of your meals? Refrigerator pickled veggies add an irresistible crunch and tang, brightening up salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, and more. This simple, no-canning-required method preserves your favorite vegetables in a zesty brine, making them the go-to condiment or snack that pleases everyone at the table.
Deliciously Unique Refrigerator Pickled Veggies
Unlike traditional canned pickles, refrigerator pickled veggies are quick to prepare and can be customized with your choice of spices and veggies—think carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, or radishes! The fresh, vibrant crunch paired with a punchy vinegar kick elevates any meal. These pickles are ready in as little as 24 hours and look gorgeous in any jar, making them the perfect make-ahead addition to any spread.
Preparing the Perfect Pickling Brine
The magic starts with a simple brine: equal parts vinegar and water, sweetened lightly with sugar and rounded out with salt. Customize with garlic, dill, mustard seeds, or chili flakes for more flavor. Pour the cooled brine over sliced veggies and let them marinate in the fridge—they get better every hour!
Assembling a Crunchy Veggie Pickle Mix
Start by washing and slicing your veggies uniformly for maximum crunch. Layer them in a clean jar with your favorite spices—try black peppercorns, garlic cloves, fresh dill, or coriander seeds for a punch of flavor. Pour your cooled brine over everything, seal the jar, and—you’re done! Let them chill in the fridge to soak up all the flavor.
Serving Suggestions for a Show Stopping Crunch
Refrigerator pickled veggies add instant brightness and crunch to grain bowls, tacos, burgers, or cheese platters. Add them to wraps for extra zip or serve as a vibrant, healthy side dish. They’re also a hit on snack boards, where their color and tang draw everyone in.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 3 pint-sized jars of pickled veggies, with each serving (about 1/4 cup) containing roughly 10–20 calories, virtually no fat, and a burst of vitamins depending on the veggies you use. It’s a crunchy indulgence you can enjoy every day!
Add a Crunch with Refrigerator Pickled Veggies (Recap)
This pickling method is all about vibrant, crisp veggies and bold flavor—delivered with minimal effort. It’s the fastest, easiest way to ensure a crowd-pleasing, nutritious crunch on any plate.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice your chosen veggies. Divide the veggies evenly among three clean pint jars.
- Add garlic, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, dill, and any additional spices to each jar.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pour the warm (not hot) brine over the veggies until fully submerged. Tap jars gently to release any air bubbles, then seal with lids.
- Cool jars to room temperature, then store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours (and up to 2 weeks for best flavor and crunch).
- Enjoy directly from the jar, or use as a crunchy topping, side, or snack!
Weekly Meal Planning
Refrigerator pickled veggies are a meal prep superstar. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly incorporate it into your weekly meal plan! Batch prep and keep them on hand to brighten up all your weekday lunches, grain bowls, and snacks.
Planning Benefits:
Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
Makes weekly meal prep more efficient and organized
Pro tip: Planning multiple meals? Schedule your recipes to see ingredient overlap and avoid overbuying—if you’re already buying carrots for this recipe, you’ll know just how many to add for other meals. Goodbye, food waste!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 24 hours refrigeration)
