Caffeine Free Quick Pickled Cauliflower
Tangy, golden, and packed with bold flavor, this quick pickled cauliflower is the kind of condiment that makes everything on your plate more exciting. The brine comes together fast on the stovetop — apple cider vinegar, warm spices, garlic, and a hit of turmeric that gives the florets that gorgeous yellow glow. Because every ingredient here is naturally free of stimulants, you never have to second-guess what's in the jar the way you might with store-bought pickles or spice blends. Mustard seeds and black peppercorns add a subtle pop of heat and complexity, while optional red pepper flakes and fresh dill let you dial the flavor up or down to your liking. The florets stay satisfyingly crisp even after pickling, so you get that addictive crunch in every bite. Pile them onto grain bowls, tuck them into sandwiches, or serve them alongside grilled proteins as a bright, acidic counterpoint. Best of all, the whole process is done in under an hour — most of that time is just waiting in the fridge.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 small head cauliflower (about 1 lb), cut into small florets
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pack the cauliflower florets and sliced garlic tightly into a clean 1-quart jar or airtight container.
- 2
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt dissolves. Bring to a full boil.
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