Add a punch of flavor to your dishes with pickled recipes that brighten, balance, and elevate meals. From quick refrigerator pickles to more complex ferments, these ideas provide tang, crunch, and depth. Each recipe complements mains, sides, or snacks, making everyday meals more exciting. Pickling turns simple ingredients into bold flavor statements. Discover how a little acidity can transform your dishes.

Pickled Red Onions

Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bright, tangy pickled red onions add an instant pop of flavor to any meal. Their crisp texture and vibrant color make them a great topping for tacos, sandwiches, bowls, and salads. They store well and take only minutes to prepare. A simple recipe that quickly becomes a kitchen staple.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Red Onions

Pickled Shrimp

Pickled Shrimp. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tangy, zesty flavors make pickled shrimp a refreshing and exciting appetizer. The brine infuses each piece with citrus, spice, and a subtle sweetness that feels perfect for warm-weather gatherings. It chills beautifully, making it easy to serve at any time. A crowd-pleasing dish that tastes as bright as it looks.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Shrimp

How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage

How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage . Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Crunchy, tangy pickled cabbage adds instant brightness to meals ranging from sandwiches to rice bowls. A quick brine brings the leaves to life with acidity and a hint of sweetness. It keeps well in the fridge and is incredibly simple to prepare. A great condiment for adding flavor without much effort.

Get the Recipe: How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage

Pickled Onions

Overhead shot of a jar of pink pickled onions with lime halves on the side.
Pickled Onions. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mexican pickled onions offer sharp, citrusy flavor thanks to fresh lime juice and simple seasoning. They add a refreshing contrast to tacos, grilled meats, and sandwiches. The quick pickling process keeps the onions crisp and vibrant. Ideal for adding acidity and color to everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

Beetroot Daikon Radish Pickled

A bowl filled with cubed beetroot pickled daikon radishes.
Beetroot Daikon Radish Pickled. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

A mix of beetroot and daikon creates a crunchy, tangy pickle with a stunning ruby color. The quick brine brings out earthy, sweet, and sharp notes that complement many dishes. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for small households or meal prep. A flavorful way to brighten plates with both taste and color.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Daikon Radish Pickled

Quick Pickled Garlic Dill Pickles

Quick garlic dill pickles in a jar.
Quick Pickled Garlic Dill Pickles. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Garlic and dill infuse these quick pickles with bold, herbaceous flavor that develops beautifully in the brine. The cucumbers stay crisp and snappy even after chilling. They make a great homemade gift or a simple snack right from the jar. Easy, classic, and full of fresh dill aroma.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Garlic Dill Pickles

Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Chicken mu in a brown bowl.
Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Crisp cubes of daikon radish deliver the signature sweet-tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with Korean fried chicken. The chilled brine keeps each piece refreshing and crunchy. It’s simple to prepare at home and stores well for days. A great side dish whenever you want authentic Korean flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Mixed Pickles

Side view of mixed pickles in a glass jar.
Mixed Pickles. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

A quick brine transforms any assortment of vegetables into bright, tangy mixed pickles with just a few minutes of prep. The acidity balances with a touch of sweetness, giving each bite a lively, refreshing flavor. It’s a great way to use up produce you already have and add instant crunch to meals. Perfect for topping sandwiches, bowls, or enjoying straight from the jar.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Shredded cabbage, cranberries, and carrots come together in a tangy, vibrant mix that transforms within just a couple of days. The flavors grow brighter and more complex as it ferments. It’s delicious on sandwiches, served as a side, or added to winter salads. A lively, colorful take on traditional sauerkraut.
Get the Recipe: Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill.
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sweet pickled beets and crisp cucumbers create a refreshing contrast in this chilled salad. A zesty dressing ties everything together with brightness and tang. The dish feels light yet flavorful, making it ideal for warm days. A unique salad that brings color and crunch to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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