Lazy Day Pickles
Lazy Day Pickles offer a crunchy, tangy, and sweet flavor profile with vibrant peppers and onions, perfect for those craving homemade, long-lasting refrigerator pickles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the sliced cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers into a large container.
- Add ice cubes on top and let stand for 3 hours.
- Drain and rinse the vegetables well.
- Place the vegetables in a large pan.
- Combine the sugar, vinegar, and mustard seed in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot mixture over the vegetables.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Transfer the pickles into glass jars and store in the refrigerator.
- Keeps a long, long time.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider using fresh, firm cucumbers. If you're short on time, you can skip the ice cube step, but it enhances the crispness. For a twist, try substituting some of the white sugar with honey or agave syrup. You can also add spices like dill or garlic to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
These Lazy Day Pickles are perfect as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. They pair beautifully with Hot Dogs With Hot Peppers for a delicious meal. Serve them alongside sandwiches or as a crunchy snack. They also make a great topping for burgers or salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator. They will keep well for several months. The flavors will deepen over time, so try to wait a few days before tasting for the best flavor. If you notice any off smells or mold, discard them immediately.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Day Pickles contains roughly 1630 calories, with 17g protein, 305g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2539mg per serving (110% 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
How long do these pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?
Although you can eat them right after making, it's best to let the pickles sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. The longer they sit, the better they taste! Aim for a week for the best flavor.
Can I use other vegetables in this pickle recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini. Just remember to adjust the salt and sugar ratios slightly if you change the volume of vegetables. The basic brine will still work well with these additions.
What should I do if the pickles are too salty?
If your pickles turn out too salty, you can soak them in fresh water for a few hours, then drain and rinse them again. This will help reduce the saltiness. Adjusting the salt ratio in future batches can also 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).