Caffeine Free Whole30 Dill Pickles
Crunchy, garlicky, and packed with fresh dill, these refrigerator pickles are the kind of snack you'll find yourself reaching for straight out of the jar. The brine is built from apple cider vinegar, water, and sea salt — no added sugars, no mystery preservatives, and absolutely nothing that would sneak caffeine into your day. Whole spices like black peppercorns and mustard seeds do the heavy lifting on flavor, while a handful of fresh dill sprigs give every spear that classic pickle-shop aroma. The optional grape leaves are a clever touch — their natural tannins help keep the cucumbers firm and snappy without any additives. Packing the jars tightly and trimming the blossom end are small steps that make a real difference in texture, so don't skip them. After just 48 hours in the fridge, you've got deeply flavored, satisfyingly crisp pickles that are ready to pile onto burgers, chop into salads, or eat straight as a tangy, refreshing snack.
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
8 servings
- 2 lbs pickling cucumbers (about 8 small)
- 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tbsp fine sea salt
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 sprigs fresh dill
- 4 large grape leaves or ½ tsp food-grade tannin powder (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim 1/8 inch off the blossom end (the end opposite the stem) of each cucumber — this removes enzymes that can soften the pickles. Cut the cucumbers into spears by halving lengthwise, then halving again, or slice into 1/4-inch rounds if you prefer chips.
- 2
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, and sea salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the salt is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the brine cool for 5 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!