Once you try this quick pickled red onions recipe, it will become a fridge staple. These bright, crunchy onions add color and tang to shrimp tacos, Greek chicken gyros, pulled pork, burgers, salads, grain bowls, and more. This method uses just two main ingredients and only two minutes of hands-on prep. The basic jar can be customized with garlic, herbs, spices, a pinch of sugar, or left sugar-free. Pickled red onions are low in calories, vegan, and gluten-free, so they’re an easy way to brighten many meals.
Why You’ll Love My Quick Pickled Red Onions
This recipe is fast, economical, and flexible. Instead of making a brine from scratch, reuse the pickling liquid from pepperoncini or any jarred pickled vegetable for instant flavor without heating or canning. Red onions give a lovely pink color and bold flavor; white or sweet onions are milder options. Add a garlic clove for extra punch, a little sugar or honey for sweetness, or keep it simple for a sugar-free result. I make these weekly because they’re versatile and easy to scale. If you aim to reduce waste, reusing pickling brine is a smart, flavorful choice.
Ingredients
Red onion: One medium red onion, peeled and sliced into very thin rings so the slices absorb the brine quickly.
Pickled pepperoncini brine: Use the liquid from a jar of pepperoncini or any pickled vegetable. The leftover brine is all you need to make these quick pickled onions.
Nonna’s Tip 🧅
For a milder result, use brine from pickles or olives instead of spicy pepperoncini.
Storage Tips
Store the pickled onions in an airtight jar in the fridge for about 2 to 3 weeks. For best flavor, prepare them the day before you plan to serve so the onions can mellow and absorb the brine. Freezing is not recommended — they’ll lose their crunch — so make smaller batches if you won’t use a full jar. If you need shelf-stable jars, follow proper canning procedures; this simple recipe is intended for refrigerator storage.
Quick Pickled Red Onions Variations and Substitutions
- Swap in sweet, yellow, or white onions, or shallots, depending on how mild or sweet you want the final flavor.
- Add spices and aromatics such as black peppercorns, mustard seeds, dill, or a smashed garlic clove for more complexity.
- For sweeter pickles, stir in a tablespoon of sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
- Add lemon or lime zest to the jar for a citrusy lift.
- Include sliced jalapeños or other hot peppers if you want heat.
- Use brine from any pickled vegetables you enjoy: jalapeños, banana peppers, olives, or other jarred picks.
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Best Served With
- Tacos, burgers, or pizza as a bright, tangy topping.
- A fresh Cobb Salad or a simple green salad.
- Avocado toast for added crunch and acidity.
- High-protein chicken gyros, rice bowls, or grain bowls.
- Sandwiches like pulled pork for a zesty contrast.
Common Questions
Use the brine from milder pickled items like dill pickles or jarred olives for a gentler flavor.
They keep 2–3 weeks in an airtight jar. Many families eat them much faster because they’re so good.
Yes—add spices, herbs, garlic, peppers, or a touch of sugar to tweak the flavor to your taste.
Make a quick brine with vinegar, water, and a pinch of salt, then add any spices or herbs you like.
No—this recipe works fine without sugar. Add it only if you prefer a sweeter pickle.
Quick Pickled Red Onions
Video
Equipment
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Knife
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Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 jar pickled pepperoncini or any pickled vegetable (use the brine)
- 1 medium red onion peeled and sliced thin
Instructions
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Empty most solids from a jar of pickled vegetables and save the brine.
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Add the thinly sliced onion to the jar and press down so the onions are completely submerged in the pickling liquid.
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Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight. The next day the onions will be bright, tangy, and ready to enjoy.
Nonna’s Notes
- Onion varieties: Swap with sweet, yellow, or white onions, or shallots.
- Herbs & spices: Try mustard seeds, peppercorns, dill, or a garlic clove for extra flavor.
- Sweeteners: Add sugar, honey, or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter pickle.
- Zest: Lemon or lime zest brightens the brine.
- Spicy add-ins: Add sliced jalapeños or hot peppers for heat.
- Brine alternatives: Use brine from other pickled vegetables you enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.