Quick French Pickles

Prep: 120 min Cuisine: French

Bright, tangy French pickles with crisp vegetables and a sweet-vinegar flavor, perfect for snacking, salads, or as a flavorful condiment. Suitable for quick, refrigerator pickling.

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Ingredients

  • 6 c. thinly sliced cucumbers
  • 1 c. thinly sliced onions
  • 1 c. thinly sliced bell pepper (optional)
  • 1 c. vinegar
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. celery seed
  • 1 Tbsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle salt over vegetables; cover and let stand for 2 hours in refrigerator.
  2. Drain off liquid.
  3. Mix vinegar, sugar and celery seed.
  4. Do not heat.
  5. Pour over cucumber mixture after sugar is dissolved.
  6. Cover in airtight container and store in refrigerator. Keeps for several weeks.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the pickle mixture. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the sugar or substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia. For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Ensure the cucumbers are fresh for the best crunch, and try to slice them uniformly for even pickling.

Serving Suggestions

These quick French pickles make a fantastic accompaniment to sandwiches or grilled meats. They can also be served alongside a refreshing salad or as a tangy topping on tacos. For a delightful meal, pair them with Cuban Black Bean Soup for a vibrant contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store the quick pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for several weeks, but for the best flavor and crunch, consume them within the first two weeks. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture of the cucumbers.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick French Pickles contains roughly 420 calories, with 5g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1942mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).

420 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5g 10% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 85.6g 31% DV
Fiber 6.3g 22% DV
Sugar 60.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1942.3mg 84% DV
Potassium 1102.2mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 127.8mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 107.7mg 100% DV
Calcium 175.9mg 14% DV
Iron 3.9mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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

What vinegar works best for this recipe?

White vinegar is commonly used for its clean flavor, but you can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruity taste. Avoid using flavored vinegars, as they may overpower the other ingredients in this recipe.

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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