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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Quick Pickled Onions

    Published: May 8, 2022 by Ayeh Manfre 71 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This quick pickled onions recipe is easy to make in less than 5 minutes and is the perfect addition to so many different foods.

    Close up of Quick Pickled Onions on a fork

    Quick Pickled Onions are one of my favourite condiments to make and something you will always find in my fridge.

    They are super easy to make and are the perfect addition to so many different foods, not to mention the gorgeous pop of pink colour they bring.

    This recipe is quick, hence the name, taking only 5 minutes to make. They have a light tangy taste so they provide a hint of zingy freshness to each bite!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients to Make Quick Pickled Onions
    • What to Eat with Quick Pickled Onions
    • Important Tips
    • FAQs
    • Recipe
    • Comments
    Quick Pickled Onions in a jar before going into the fridge

    Ingredients to Make Quick Pickled Onions

    • Red onions are the best to use for their sweetness and also become so nice and pink once pickled
    • White vinegar is my preferred vinegar but you can also use white wine vinegar or even apple cider. I wouldn’t recommend balsamic vinegar as the flavour and colour is too strong so it will become overpowering
    • Maple syrup brings natural sweetness. You can substitute with agave, honey, or even sugars
    • Salt brings a balance to the flavors, I preferably always use pink Himalayan sea salt 
    Quick Pickled Onions in a jar

    What to Eat with Quick Pickled Onions

    Some of my favourite things to add them to are:

    • Avocado on toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning
    • Quesadillas
    • Wraps and Sandwiches
    • Fritters
    • Burgers
    • Falafel
    • Tacos

      The list can go on and on as they really taste great with everything!

    Important Tips

    • Slice the onions nice and thin for the quickest and best pickling results
    • You can use a mandolin if wishing them to be all the exact same size however a sharp knife will also be suffice
    • They will be ready to eat after an hour of pickling, however, the longer they are left the better they will taste. Personally, I love them after a few days.

    FAQs

    How long do pickled onions last?
    They will last about a month in the fridge in an air-tight mason jar, well that’s if they last that long!

    Which vinegar is best for pickling?
    I prefer to use white vinegar but you can also use white wine vinegar or even apple cider.

    Quick Pickled Onions with avocado and everything bagel seasoning on toast

    I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to tag @cookingwithayeh and share a photo on Instagram so I can share the love.

    Recipe

    Close up of Quick Pickled Onions on a fork
    4.85 from 38 votes

    Quick Pickled Onions

    This quick pickled onions recipe is easy to make in less than 5 minutes and make the perfect addition to so many different foods
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: condiment, onions, pickled, pickled onions
    Servings: 15
    Author: Ayeh
    Pin Print Rate

    Ingredients

    • 2 medium red onions
    • 2 cups warm water
    • 1 cup white vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    • Peel and slice onions into thin slices and place into a clean distilled mason jar
    • Pour over the warm water along with the vinegar
    • Add the salt and maple syrup, secure the lid tightly and turn it it upside down a few times so all the ingredients are all mixed together evenly 
    • Place the jar in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour before eating. For best results, wait a few hours or overnight.

    Video

    More Sides

    • White Bean Dip
    • Cauliflower Steaks
    • Fried Halloumi Bites
    • Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Debbie

      March 08, 2021 at 8:17 am

      5 stars
      I have been wanting to make pickled onions for awhile, so decided to try your recipe. They turned out great. Your recipe appealed to me because it used a natural sweetener. Have you pickled other veggies with this same recipe?

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        March 11, 2021 at 11:59 am

        So happy to hear Debbie! I havent tried this same recipe however I do have another recipe for pickled veggies in which I will share xxx

        Reply
    2. Nikita

      March 17, 2021 at 3:20 pm

      Hey Ayeh,
      Just wanting to find out how many mls is the jar that you use?

      Reply
      • Bita M

        April 01, 2021 at 8:13 pm

        Super easy to make, so tasty. Everyone loved it. Thank you so much dear Ayeh for your amazing recipes.

        Reply
        • Ayeh

          April 07, 2021 at 5:33 pm

          So happy you all like them Bita, you're so welcome xxx

          Reply
          • Faith

            April 16, 2021 at 6:43 am

            5 stars
            Is there a way to actually can this recipe, like you do for pickles for the following season?

            Reply
          • Shirin

            May 02, 2021 at 2:25 am

            5 stars
            I make every week at least 1 jar and my kids loves it too

            Reply
            • Ayeh

              May 06, 2021 at 12:24 pm

              Yay love that your kids love it too xxx

      • Tegan Hinchey-Gerard

        April 18, 2021 at 2:34 pm

        5 stars
        Delicious! We have been eating them with a cheeseboard and today I made some avocado on cruskets topped with pickled onions as Ayeh has shown on her Instagram and it didn’t disappoint!

        Reply
        • Ayeh

          April 27, 2021 at 5:05 pm

          Oh love that you had it on a cheese board, I must try that too!

          Reply
    3. Cat

      March 23, 2021 at 3:40 am

      What size is the mason jar that you use?
      Thanks so much!

      Reply
    4. Danna

      March 24, 2021 at 6:55 am

      Hi I love onions and never realize how easy was to make this recipe thanks for sharing. I made it today. Keep you posted

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 07, 2021 at 5:12 pm

        So happy to hear! Im quietly obsessed and add them to everything hehe xx

        Reply
    5. Tony Knighton

      March 24, 2021 at 9:41 pm

      5 stars
      This is the easiest recipe to make and tastes soooooooooo good. I'm addicted to this. Thankyou

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 07, 2021 at 5:13 pm

        Hehe me too! So happy you like them

        Reply
    6. Nurcan Delaney

      March 30, 2021 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      I made this for the first time 2 days ago and I honestly hate myself for not making them sooner. They have been added to most of my meals. Absolutely incredible and so easy!! Thank you so much for the easy recipe, will also mention how incredible the colour of the onions look also!

      Reply
      • Kumru Dippel

        March 30, 2021 at 1:49 pm

        5 stars
        I love this recipe especially on my avacado toast so easy to prepare and delicious on top of that. And it doesnt matter how many days it stays crunchy.

        Reply
        • Ayeh

          April 07, 2021 at 5:25 pm

          Its my number 1 fav combo with Avocado! So glad you like them too

          Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 07, 2021 at 5:22 pm

        So happy to hear! Hehe im the same im quietly obsessed 🙂

        Reply
    7. Sumeeyae

      March 31, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      I am so obsessed with these. About to make my second batch today, finished the first one within 4 days 😉 so yummmmmmm. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 07, 2021 at 5:30 pm

        Haha love it!!

        Reply
    8. Rhianna

      April 01, 2021 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      These pickled onions are insane, I could eat a whole jar, so easy to make and go with everything!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 07, 2021 at 5:33 pm

        Hehehe I feel the same and add them to everything! xxx

        Reply
    9. Shashi

      April 06, 2021 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      I am obsessed with this onion pickle! It is so good and goes well with so many things. I made a huge jar of it and I am sure I will keep making new batches every time it finishes. Thank you so much for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 07, 2021 at 5:41 pm

        I'm totally obsessed too! great to hear I'm not the only one hehe xxx

        Reply
    10. Samantha

      April 06, 2021 at 7:01 pm

      5 stars
      These are just so delicious that you cannot believe how easy it is!
      My Nan who is always over a pan or pot cooking, preserving or pickling food; loves loves loves them too!
      They are just that perfect amount of sweetness! The perfect addition to anything!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 15, 2021 at 5:35 pm

        So happy you like them lovely! If your Nan loves them too, its the ultimate compliment!!

        Reply
    11. Mlies

      April 07, 2021 at 2:03 am

      So so good!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 15, 2021 at 5:37 pm

        Yay 🙂

        Reply
    12. Natalie

      April 08, 2021 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      Made this last night and it was so quick and easy, tastes great too! Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 15, 2021 at 5:52 pm

        So glad you like them! xx

        Reply
    13. Bella

      April 09, 2021 at 3:11 am

      5 stars
      This is soooo yummy and easy to make, added it to my Ryvita crackers bread with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Love the colour it adds to the dish ❤️❤️

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 15, 2021 at 5:49 pm

        Yum the perfect combo!

        Reply
    14. Bellabee

      April 09, 2021 at 3:12 am

      5 stars
      This is soooo yummy and easy to make, added it to my Ryvita crackers bread with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Love the colour it adds to the dish ❤️❤️

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 15, 2021 at 5:49 pm

        Yum the perfect combo!

        Reply
    15. Che

      April 14, 2021 at 3:51 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and simple to make, and tastes amazing! I used apple cider vinegar and it's perfect as a side or with salad. It looks great too, I really love the pink color 🙂

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 15, 2021 at 5:43 pm

        Me too! the colour brings life to any dish doesnt it x

        Reply
    16. Anita

      April 14, 2021 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      Fabulous go to recipe for preserving onions and for saving money. Thank you so much Ayeh, I’m glad I’ve come across your page x

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 15, 2021 at 5:43 pm

        Yay!! So happy you're here too xx

        Reply
    17. Delilah

      April 15, 2021 at 5:13 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe super easy and tastes so good. Used to buy mines at Marks & Spencer's and since I have discovered your recipe I have stopped and was so proud to have made my own red onions pickles. Already did it four times. Thank you so much. I eat them with many things so delicious. Love your account your blog and most of all your personality and your lovely smile. Merci love from Paris France

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 15, 2021 at 5:42 pm

        Awww thank you so much! These are a staple in my fridge too hehe xx

        Reply
    18. Shilo

      April 18, 2021 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and addictive! Thank you sharing the recipe and tips.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 27, 2021 at 5:06 pm

        Hehe im addicted to them too! xx

        Reply
    19. Mandy

      April 19, 2021 at 5:07 pm

      5 stars
      These pickled onions were super quick and easy to make and taste great! I am looking forward to having them as part of a sandwich or salad. Thank you for the recipe Ayeh x

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 27, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        They are so good in sandwiches and even tacos 🙂 Enjoy lovely x

        Reply
    20. Eléonore BERTHREU

      April 28, 2021 at 6:24 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Ayeh,

      I really wanted to thank you for your great recipes ideas. I have done the pickles onions which is amazing in falafel sandwich or wrap ! I also tried another version with carrots.

      Many thanks from france

      Eléonore « jolis.petits.plats »

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        May 06, 2021 at 12:20 pm

        Oh yummy I must try it with carrots too! xxx

        Reply
    21. Anahita

      May 03, 2021 at 1:25 am

      5 stars
      Just made my second batch , don’t even know how we finished the first batch so quickly.
      I put these little flavorful onions on sandwiches, salad or just have in the side of everything.
      Soooo tasty

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        May 06, 2021 at 12:25 pm

        Hehe yay! Love that you love it so much too xxx

        Reply
    22. Leen

      June 28, 2021 at 8:33 pm

      I tried topping my avocado toast with pickled onions and sesame seeds (because I didn’t have everything bagel seasoning) and it was amazing!! So simple yet so delicious!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 06, 2021 at 12:09 pm

        Yummy its the best with Avo toast! Also I have a recipe online showing how to make Everything Bagel Seasoning too lovely x

        Reply
    23. Maria Wallace

      July 05, 2021 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love it, on my toast with avo and philly with the sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Thank you Ayeh. Now I'm trying to bake your bagel.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 06, 2021 at 11:52 am

        Oh yummy sounds great!! you are most welcome lovely xx

        Reply
    24. Danielle

      July 07, 2021 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      This is SO good. Great color and similar taste.. I just put it on everything now. ☺️

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 12, 2021 at 11:01 am

        Love that Danielle! Im totally addicted too hehe

        Reply
    25. Popo

      July 17, 2021 at 1:35 am

      5 stars
      One word: life-changing!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 17, 2021 at 9:41 am

        So happy you love them so much too!

        Reply
    26. Hannah

      July 26, 2021 at 2:14 pm

      Hi just wondering how long these would last for in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 26, 2021 at 4:42 pm

        About 4 weeks dear , if they last that long, hehe x

        Reply
    27. Su

      August 11, 2021 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      Tried it and loved it. First time I ever pickled anything and it turned out so good. I added some pepercorns for a slight kick

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 12, 2021 at 11:17 am

        Oh yum love that!

        Reply
    28. Amy

      August 21, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      5 stars
      Quick, simple, delicious with every meal!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 24, 2021 at 11:44 am

        They're so good right! So happy you love them too Amy x

        Reply
    29. Caitlin V

      August 30, 2021 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      These are so so so easy to make and have become a staple in our house. My 3 yr old absolutely loves them. So happy I found this page 🙂

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 31, 2021 at 11:04 am

        Yay so happy you love these too! Im so glad you found my page too, plenty more easy recipes to come xxxx

        Reply
    30. Meeeriams

      December 21, 2021 at 12:57 am

      5 stars
      Deeeelicoous recipe. My 2 year old son cannot get enough of these pickled onions. They are a must with my daily avo toast for breakfast! So good.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        December 24, 2021 at 10:26 pm

        Heheh this is so sweet!!!

        Reply
    31. Natalie

      March 23, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      LOVE this !!! my go-to recipe for pickled red onion. balanced flavour of tangy and sweet, it was perfect with the tahini kale salad. I used apple cider vinegar and maple syrup and it was so addictive. my only regret is only pickling 1 red onion

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        March 28, 2022 at 5:31 pm

        Yay love this! Haha they're so addictive right 🙂

        Reply
    32. Melinda A

      April 10, 2022 at 8:36 pm

      Looks wonderful! How much sugar would you use? I’m out of maple syrup and want to use what I have in the pantry. Thank you!!!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        April 11, 2022 at 9:58 am

        The same amount lovely 🙂 Honey also works too x

        Reply

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