Diet Pickles
Enjoy these crisp, tangy diet pickles made from fresh cucumbers and a flavorful spice mixture. Perfect for those seeking low-calorie, healthy snacks, they offer a delightful combination of sour and savory flavors. Ideal for adding zest to sandwiches, salads, or enjoyed straight from the jar.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and cut cucumbers into slices about 1/4-inch thick.
- Mix cucumbers and salt together.
- Let stand overnight.
- In the morning, drain and press out all the juice possible.
- Rinse cucumbers once in cold water.
- Combine vinegar, sugar substitute, and spices in a saucepan and boil for 1 minute.
- Add cucumbers to the boiling mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pack cucumbers into clean, hot sterile jars to within 1-inch of the top.
- Fill jars with hot liquid to the top.
- Seal jars tightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting some of the cucumbers with zucchini or yellow squash. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, adjust the sugar substitute to your taste. When mixing the vinegar and spices, feel free to add garlic or dill for a more robust flavor. Ensure all jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
These diet pickles make a fantastic snack on their own or as a crunchy addition to sandwiches and burgers. They pair beautifully with Quick Hoppin' John With Cabbage for a refreshing contrast. Serve them alongside charcuterie boards or as a tangy side dish at barbecues.
Storage & Reheating
These pickles can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year if sealed properly. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within a month. For best flavor, let them sit for a week before enjoying, allowing the spices to fully infuse.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diet Pickles contains roughly 725 calories, with 4g protein and 170g carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of calcium (116% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1573mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of vinegar for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different vinegars such as apple cider or white wine vinegar. Each type will impart a unique flavor to the pickles, so choose one that complements your taste preferences.
How long will these pickles stay crisp?
If prepared and stored correctly, these pickles should remain crisp for several months. The key is to ensure they are packed tightly in the jars and submerged in the brine, which helps maintain their crunch.
Can I add other vegetables to this pickle recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even green beans. Just make sure to adjust the pickling time accordingly based on the vegetables' firmness to ensure they are properly pickled.
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).