Pickled Vidalia Onions (Or Pickled Yellow Squash)
Tangy, sweet pickled Vidalia onions and bell peppers offer a vibrant flavor, perfect for snacking, garnishing, or adding a zesty kick to dishes. Ideal for preserving summer harvests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put onions, bell peppers, and salt in ice water and soak for 1 hour.
- Mix white vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and mustard seed in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Add the drained onion and pepper mixture to the vinegar mixture and bring to a second boil.
- Transfer the hot mixture into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a few cloves of garlic or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the brine. If you can't find Vidalia onions, any sweet onion can work as a substitute. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference, keeping in mind that less sugar will yield a tangier pickle. To ensure crispness, avoid over-soaking the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
These pickled Vidalia onions are perfect as a vibrant topping for sandwiches, tacos, or salads. They pair beautifully with dishes like Potato-Meat Casserole or can be served alongside grilled meats. For a refreshing twist, add them to a charcuterie board or enjoy them as a zesty condiment with chips or crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickled onions in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. They can last up to 2-3 weeks. For best flavor, allow them to marinate for at least 24 hours before using. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply heat a small portion in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring they don't become too hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pickled Vidalia Onions (Or Pickled Yellow Squash) contains roughly 524 calories, with 12g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 636mg per serving (28% 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 other types of onions for this recipe?
Yes, while Vidalia onions are preferred for their sweetness, you can use other sweet onions like Walla Walla or Maui. Just keep in mind that different onions will alter the final flavor and sweetness of your pickles.
How long do the pickled onions last?
If stored properly in the refrigerator, your pickled onions can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Just ensure they are fully submerged in the brine to maintain their flavor and freshness.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
Absolutely! You can modify the amount of sugar according to your taste. Reducing the sugar will result in a tangier pickle, while increasing it will make them sweeter. Experiment to find the perfect balance for your palate.
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).