Caffeine Free Ginger-Lime Quick-Pickled Vegetable Medley
Bright, tangy, and loaded with crunch, this quick-pickled vegetable medley is the kind of condiment that makes everything on the plate taste more alive. Daikon, carrot, cucumber, and red cabbage come together in a brine built on apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger, lime zest, and a touch of honey — no tea, coffee, or anything remotely stimulating in sight. The turmeric gives the whole jar a gorgeous golden hue, and the lime juice keeps things zippy and fresh. Salting the vegetables first draws out excess moisture so the brine really penetrates, meaning you get deeply flavored pickles in under an hour rather than waiting days. It's the kind of recipe that rewards a little patience in the fridge — the longer it sits, the more vivid and complex the flavors become. Pile it onto tacos, grain bowls, banh mi-style sandwiches, or serve it straight as a palate-cleansing side. A batch keeps for five days, so you can make it once and reach for it all week long.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the vegetables
- 1 cup daikon radish, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
- 1 cup carrot, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
- 1 cup english cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, very thinly sliced
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
For the brine
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 1 tsp lime zest (from about 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the daikon, carrot, cucumber, and red cabbage in a large heatproof bowl. Sprinkle with the fine sea salt, toss well, and let stand for 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to release a little liquid.
- 2
While the vegetables rest, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, honey, grated ginger, lime zest, lime juice, and turmeric in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!