Calico Pickles
Calico Pickles are vibrant, colorful preserves combining crunchy cucumbers, carrots, celery, onions, peppers, and cauliflower in a sweet and tangy spiced vinegar brine. Perfect as a snack, condiment, or garnish, they add a bright, eye-catching touch to any meal or appetizer platter.
Ingredients
- 4 c. sliced cucumbers (1-inch slices) ⓘ
- 2 1/4 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced celery
- 2 c. cubed onions (1-inch cubes) ⓘ
- 2 c. cubed sweet red peppers ⓘ
- 1 c. cubed green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium head cauliflower (6 c.) ⓘ
- 1 c. salt
- 4 qt. cold water ⓘ
- 2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. mustard seed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. celery seed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dried whole black peppercorns ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all vegetables in a large bowl.
- Dissolve salt in cold water and pour over the vegetables.
- Soak the vegetables in a cool place for 15 to 18 hours; then drain.
- In a large kettle, mix sugar, spices, and vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the drained vegetables and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Pack the hot vegetables into 8 hot pint jars.
- Remove air bubbles and adjust jar caps.
- Process the jars in boiling water for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, let the vegetables marinate longer than the suggested time. If you prefer less salt, you can reduce the amount of salt used in the soaking process. You might also substitute the green pepper with more sweet red pepper for added sweetness. Experiment with other spices like dill for a unique twist, similar to the flavor profile in Pickles - Dill Into Sweet.
Serving Suggestions
Calico pickles are a fantastic addition to charcuterie boards or picnic spreads. Pair them with sandwiches or serve alongside grilled meats for a refreshing crunch. They also complement dishes like Three Layer Rainbow Salad perfectly. Enjoy them as a tangy snack or condiment with burgers and hot dogs.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume within a month. To serve, simply take out what you need and enjoy them cold; they do not need reheating. If you wish to serve them warm, briefly heat in a saucepan.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Pickles contains roughly 1251 calories, with 31g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (430% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (250% of the Daily Value), and iron (181% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2240mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with vegetables like radishes, zucchini, or green beans. Just ensure they have similar textures and soak times to maintain the integrity of the pickles. The goal is to achieve a balance between crunch and flavor, so select veggies that can hold up during the pickling process.
How long do these pickles last?
When canned properly, calico pickles can last for up to a year stored in a cool, dark place. After opening, store the pickles in the refrigerator and consume them within a month for the best quality. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as off smells or mold.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste. Reducing the sugar will make the pickles less sweet and allow the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through. However, keep in mind that sugar also helps with preservation, so reducing it too much may affect the shelf life of your pickles.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).