Refrigerator Sweet Pickles

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Sweet refrigerator pickles with crunchy cucumbers and onions, infused with turmeric and celery seed, offering a tangy, sweet flavor perfect for snacking or as a condiment.

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Ingredients

  • 3 medium onions
  • cucumbers to fill jar
  • 4 c. vinegar
  • 4 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. salt
  • 1 1/3 tsp. turmeric
  • 1 1/3 tsp. celery seed

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions and place them in the bottom of a gallon jar.
  2. Fill the jar with sliced cucumbers.
  3. Mix vinegar, sugar, salt, turmeric, celery seed, and mustard seed in a bowl.
  4. Pour the mixture over the cucumbers and onions in the jar.
  5. Refrigerate for 2 weeks before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, allow the pickles to marinate for the full 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, you can use smaller cucumbers or cut them into spears to speed up the pickling process. Feel free to substitute the celery seed with dill seeds or omit it entirely if preferred. Adjust the sugar for a sweeter or less sweet pickle based on your taste.

Serving Suggestions

These refrigerator sweet pickles make a delightful accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, or BBQ dishes. They pair beautifully with Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato Fries for a balanced meal. Serve them on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses and smoked meats for an elevated appetizer or snack.

Storage & Reheating

Store the sweet pickles in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for up to 3 months. Do not freeze, as the texture will change. Serve chilled straight from the jar or allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance their flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Refrigerator Sweet Pickles contains roughly 152 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

152 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 30.5g 11% DV
Fiber 6.1g 22% DV
Sugar 20.5g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1470.4mg 64% DV
Potassium 1135.4mg 24% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 72mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 22.9mg 25% DV
Calcium 159.6mg 12% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal 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

Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of cucumber, but pickling cucumbers are preferred for their crunch. English cucumbers also work well, though you may want to slice them thinner as they have fewer seeds.

How long do these pickles last in the fridge?

These refrigerator sweet pickles can last up to 3 months when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavor may intensify over time, so feel free to taste them periodically.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?

Absolutely! You can decrease the amount of sugar to make them less sweet or try adding a bit more vinegar for extra tang. Just keep in mind that altering the sugar content may affect the overall texture and preservation.

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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