Dr. Lisa'S Grandma'S Refrigerator Pickles

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Creamy, tangy refrigerator pickles with a sweet and spicy flavor profile, perfect for snack lovers and those craving homemade preserved vegetables with bold, fresh taste.

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Ingredients

  • 4 qt. sliced cucumbers
  • 4 c. apple cider vinegar
  • 3 medium onions, sliced
  • 1 1/2 tsp. mustard seed
  • 1 1/2 tsp. dill
  • 4 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. coarse salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. turmeric

Instructions

  1. Layer sliced cucumbers and sliced onions alternately in a gallon jar until full.
  2. Mix apple cider vinegar, coarse salt, sugar, mustard seed, dill, and turmeric in a bowl.
  3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the layered cucumbers and onions in the jar.
  4. Seal the jar and refrigerate.
  5. Pickles will be ready to eat in 5 days and can be stored for up to 9 months.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra crunch, consider using a mix of cucumbers, like Persian or Kirby varieties. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or substituting with honey for a more natural option. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to experiment with other spices or herbs like coriander or thyme.

Serving Suggestions

These refrigerator pickles are perfect as a tangy side dish or topping. Serve them alongside sandwiches or burgers, or add them to a charcuterie board for a delightful crunch. They also pair beautifully with dishes like Apricot Pork Chops, enhancing the meal with their zesty flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store the pickles in the refrigerator in an airtight jar. They will develop more flavor over time and can be kept for up to 9 months. Always use a clean utensil when retrieving pickles to prevent contamination. There’s no need to heat them; simply enjoy them cold straight from the jar.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dr. Lisa'S Grandma'S Refrigerator Pickles contains roughly 355 calories, with 14g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (326% of the Daily Value), iron (103% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

355 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.1g 28% DV
Total Fat 4.2g 5% DV
Carbs 78.1g 28% DV
Fiber 16.7g 60% DV
Sugar 1.4g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 192.9mg 8% DV
Potassium 2517.2mg 54% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 929.9mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 293.7mg 100% DV
Calcium 572.8mg 44% DV
Iron 18.5mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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

How long do the pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?

The pickles will be ready to eat in just 5 days after preparing them. Allowing them to marinate longer will enhance their flavor, so feel free to taste them periodically to find your preferred level of tanginess.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cucumbers are traditional, you can also try adding carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers for added variety and texture. Just make sure to slice them thinly to ensure they absorb the brine well.

What should I do if my pickles are too salty?

If your pickles turn out too salty, you can soak them in fresh water for a couple of hours to draw out some of the salt. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly before serving. Adjusting the salt in the brine next time can help prevent this issue.

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).

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