Holiday Pickles

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

Tangy and spicy holiday pickles with horseradish and celery seed, perfect for festive gatherings or as a zesty snack that complements a variety of dishes.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 32 oz. jar Polish dill pickles
  • 1 onion
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 heaping tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed

Instructions

  1. Drain the jar of pickles.
  2. Slice the pickles into strips.
  3. Place the sliced pickles in a jar.
  4. Add remaining ingredients: sliced onion, sugar, vinegar, horseradish, and celery seed.
  5. Refrigerate the jar.
  6. Shake the jar every time you pass by.
  7. Eat and enjoy.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding a few cloves of garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the sugar slightly. You can use any type of onion, but red onion adds a lovely color. This recipe is versatile; try substituting the horseradish with a spicy mustard for a different kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these holiday pickles as a zesty accompaniment to sandwiches, or alongside cheese and crackers for a festive appetizer. They also pair nicely with roasted meats, adding a crunchy contrast to rich flavors. For a complete meal idea, enjoy them with Easy, Quick Chuck Pot Roast or alongside a vibrant Strawberry-Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing.

Storage & Reheating

Store the pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks. For best taste, consume them within a week. There’s no need to reheat; simply enjoy them cold as a refreshing snack or side dish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Pickles contains roughly 297 calories, with 3g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

297 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 58.4g 21% DV
Fiber 4.3g 16% DV
Sugar 41.1g 82% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 493.2mg 21% DV
Potassium 592.7mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 30.4mg 34% DV
Calcium 124.5mg 10% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit 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

Can I use other types of pickles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Polish dill pickles are traditional, you can use any type of dill or even sweet pickles if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary based on the pickles you choose.

How long do these pickles need to marinate?

For the best flavor, let the pickles marinate for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the ingredients to meld together. If you can wait longer, they will taste even better after a few days.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the horseradish you use is also vegan-friendly. This dish is a great addition to any vegan recipes collection, especially for festive gatherings.

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).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →