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Easy Pickled Red Onions

pickled red onions in a jar with a gold fork next to it and an onion in the background.

5 from 3 reviews

These easy pickled red onions are so simple to make with just a few ingredients, and add a pop of flavor to tacos, salads, and more! Includes a quick pickling option. (gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free)

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 small red onion
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Very thinly slice onion and pack tightly into a glass jar with a lid.
  2. Heat the water to boiling. Mix with the vinegars, salt, sugar, and mustard seeds. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
  3. Pour the hot liquid over the onions, covering them completely. Close the lid and give it a little shake.
  4. Refrigerate onions overnight.
  5. Store tightly sealed in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • To make quick pickled onions, let the onions sit at room temperature for about an hour instead of placing in the refrigerator.
  • If you want a brighter pink color and less sweet flavor, use all white vinegar. If you want a milder flavor, use all apple cider vinegar. You can also experiment with other vinegars, such as red or white wine vinegar.
  • You can use pickling salt if you have it, but kosher salt works just fine here.

Keywords: easy pickled onions, pickled red onions, quick pickled onions