Turkey Free Classic Pickled Red Onions
Tangy, jewel-bright, and impossibly easy to make, these pickled red onions are the kind of condiment that quietly upgrades everything they touch — tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, cheese boards, you name it. A simple hot brine of apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar, and kosher salt transforms raw onion slices into something almost magical: soft, punchy, and that stunning shade of fuchsia pink. Black peppercorns add a gentle warmth, and a pinch of red pepper flakes gives you just enough heat to keep things interesting. The whole process happens in a single mason jar with barely any hands-on time, which makes it one of those recipes you'll find yourself coming back to week after week. Since every ingredient here is straightforward and plant-based, there's zero guesswork about what's actually in the jar — no mystery additives, no processed proteins, just clean pantry staples doing their thing. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll be amazed how often you reach for it.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 large red onion, very thinly sliced into rings or half-moons
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pack the sliced red onion into a clean 16 oz mason jar, pressing gently so the slices fit snugly without crushing them.
- 2
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
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