Real Easy Pickles
Crisp, tangy pickles with garlic, onions, and peppers, perfect for snacking or as a condiment. Bright, flavorful, and easy to prepare for refrigerator storage.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice vegetables and sprinkle with 1/3 cup salt; cover with crushed ice for 3 hours.
- Drain the vegetables.
- Bring to a boil: vinegar, mustard seed, and sugar.
- While still hot, pour the hot vinegar mixture over the drained vegetables.
- Refrigerate the pickles.
- Do not can the pickles.
- Store in a gallon glass jar; they will keep up to one year in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
Use freshly picked cucumbers for the best crunch. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the vinegar mixture. For a different flavor profile, try substituting apple cider vinegar for white vinegar. Be sure to slice the vegetables evenly to ensure they pickle uniformly.
Serving Suggestions
These easy pickles make a fantastic side for sandwiches or burgers and add a zesty crunch to salads. They pair beautifully with Easy, Delicious Chocolate Cake for a sweet and savory meal. Serve them alongside grilled meats or as a topping for tacos for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in a clean, airtight gallon glass jar in the refrigerator. They will maintain their crispness and flavor for up to one year. There is no need to can these pickles, as they are intended for immediate consumption and refrigeration.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Easy Pickles contains roughly 1259 calories, with 28g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (210% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1175mg per serving (51% 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 types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other varieties of cucumbers, such as English or pickling cucumbers. Just choose firm ones for the best texture. Each type will impart a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment with what you have available.
How long do these pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?
While you can start enjoying these pickles after a few hours in the refrigerator, they taste best if allowed to chill for at least 24 hours. This resting period lets the flavors meld together, providing a more robust taste experience.
What should I do if I want to make these pickles sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter pickles, simply increase the amount of sugar in the vinegar mixture. Start with an extra tablespoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add a splash of apple juice to enhance the sweetness even more.
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).