Beef Free Paleo Quick-Pickled Vegetables
Bright, tangy, and loaded with crunch, these quick-pickled vegetables are the kind of fridge staple that makes every meal feel a little more exciting. A simple brine of apple cider vinegar, honey, and sea salt comes together in minutes on the stovetop, then gets poured over crisp cucumber rounds, carrot coins, radish slices, and fresh dill for a result that's genuinely addictive. The honey adds just enough sweetness to balance the vinegar without tipping into sugary territory, and the optional red pepper flakes give it a subtle kick that keeps you coming back for more. Everything here is completely plant-based and grain-free, so it fits naturally into a whole-foods approach without any workarounds or substitutions. These are fantastic alongside grilled chicken, tucked into lettuce wraps, or piled on top of a grain bowl — basically anywhere you want a pop of acidity and color. The hardest part is waiting the 30 minutes for the brine to work its magic, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 medium english cucumber, cut into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch coins
- 6 radishes, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, fine sea salt, honey, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the salt and honey dissolve completely, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the brine cool for 5 minutes.
- 2
Layer the garlic slices, cucumber rounds, carrot coins, radish slices, and fresh dill sprigs into a wide-mouth quart jar or medium bowl, packing them in snugly.
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