Ice Water Pickles
Crisp, tangy ice water pickles combine fresh cucumbers and peppers with a savory brine, perfect for summer snacking or adding zest to sandwiches and salads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, minced garlic, sliced green pepper, and sliced red pepper in a Dutch oven.
- Sprinkle vegetables with salt and cover with crushed ice.
- Let stand for 3 hours.
- Drain the vegetables.
- Bring vinegar and sugar to a boil to prepare the vinegar solution.
- Pour the hot vinegar solution over the drained vegetables.
- Keep the pickles in a large container or jar in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure crisp pickles, use fresh, firm cucumbers and avoid over-salting. For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh dill. If you don't have celery seed, caraway seeds can be a flavorful substitute. Remember to stir the mixed vegetables gently when adding the vinegar solution to prevent bruising.
Serving Suggestions
Ice water pickles make a refreshing side dish, perfect alongside BBQ or sandwiches. They pair beautifully with Harvey House Coleslaw for a fantastic summer meal. Serve them on a charcuterie board or as a topping on burgers and hot dogs for an extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the ice water pickles in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a month. Avoid freezing, as it will change the texture. To enjoy leftovers, simply serve them cold straight from the fridge without reheating, as they are best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ice Water Pickles contains roughly 515 calories, with 12g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (219% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1902mg per serving (83% 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 different vegetables for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other crunchy vegetables such as carrots, radishes, or bell peppers. Just keep the proportions similar to ensure a balanced flavor and texture.
How long do these pickles need to marinate?
These pickles are ready to eat after just a few hours of soaking in the vinegar solution, but for the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Are ice water pickles safe to can?
Ice water pickles are not designed for canning due to their short shelf-life and lack of acid. They should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a month for the best taste and safety.
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).