MSG Free Apple-Cinnamon Quick-Pickled Vegetable Medley
Crunchy, tangy, and just a little sweet, this quick-pickled medley is the kind of condiment that makes everything on the plate taste more alive. Cabbage, carrots, radishes, and crisp apple come together in a warm brine built from apple cider vinegar, honey, Ceylon cinnamon, fresh ginger, and turmeric — every ingredient is whole and recognizable, with zero hidden additives to worry about. That matters more than it might seem, because so many store-bought pickles and condiments quietly rely on flavor enhancers that people sensitive to MSG are trying to avoid. Here, the depth of flavor comes entirely from the spices and the natural acidity of the vinegar, so what you taste is exactly what you put in. The technique is simple: salt the vegetables to soften them, simmer the brine until fragrant, pour it over, and let the refrigerator do the rest. A scatter of fresh parsley before serving adds a bright, herby finish that pulls the whole thing together. It's the kind of recipe you'll find yourself making on repeat because it's fast, genuinely delicious, and completely on your terms.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the vegetables
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned or coarsely grated
- 6 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 small apple, cored and cut into thin matchsticks
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
For the brine
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 ceylon cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, radishes, and apple in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with the fine sea salt and toss well, then set aside for 10 minutes while you prepare the brine — the salt will begin to draw out moisture and soften the vegetables.
- 2
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, honey, Ceylon cinnamon stick, grated ginger, and ground turmeric in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey dissolves, then bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes, until fragrant.
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