The Best Quick Pickled Onions Recipe
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
This quick pickled onions recipe is the easiest way to take almost any dish to the next level. If you’ve ever had tacos, sandwiches, or pretty much anything topped with pickled red onions, you already know how magical they are. This quick pickled onions recipe takes just a few minutes to make, requires no cooking, and instantly upgrades almost anything you put them on.
All you need is red onion, apple cider vinegar (or really any kind of vinegar), and a pinch of salt. That’s it! In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have a jar of the best pickled onions that lasts in the fridge for a week or more. They’re crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet — basically the easiest flavor booster to keep on hand.
Why This is The Best Pickled Onions Recipe
- No cook – just slice, pour, and let them sit.
- 3 ingredients – red onion, apple cider vinegar, salt.
- Ready in minutes – no waiting hours or days for flavor.
- Versatile – amazing on sandwiches, tacos, salads, bowls, eggs… you name it.
- No Sugar – If you don’t want sugar in these, you don’t need it!
- Customizable – add honey, hot honey, or spices for your own twist.
How to Make Pickled Onions
- Slice the onion – Thinly slice a medium red onion. The thinner, the faster they pickle.
- Add to a jar – Place onion slices in a mason jar or any airtight container.
- Pour vinegar – Cover onions with apple cider vinegar. Make sure they’re submerged.
- Season – Add a pinch of salt, stir or shake, and let them sit for at least 10 minutes before using.
That’s it! They’ll get even better as they sit in the fridge, turning a gorgeous bright pink.
Variations to Try
- Sweet pickled onions – Add 1 teaspoon of honey for a mellow sweetness.
- Spicy pickled onions – Use hot honey for a sweet heat kick.
- Extra flavor – Toss in garlic, black peppercorns, or chili flakes for even more zing.
What to Put Pickled Onions On
Quick pickled onions are one of those things that go with almost everything. A few of my favorite ways to use them:
- On tacos (fish, chicken, steak… they all work).
- Tucked into a sandwich or wrap.
- On top of grain bowls or rice bowls. I love them on these Chimichurri Steak Rice Bowls.
- Scattered over salads for extra crunch.
- With eggs – scrambled, fried, or even in a breakfast burrito.
The Best Quick Pickled Onions
Equipment
- 1 Jar or Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (enough to cover onions) *or any kind of vinegar you have on hand.
- 1/8 tsp salt (just a pinch)
Instructions
Notes
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Flavor gets stronger the longer they sit.
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or hot honey
Nutrition
FAQs About Quick Pickled Onions
They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about a week in a sealed jar.
Apple Cider Vinegar, White vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar all work. Apple cider vinegar just adds a nice tang and slight sweetness.
Yes! Red onions themselves are full of antioxidants, and since this is a no-cook recipe, you’re still getting their nutrients. Plus, apple cider vinegar has gut-friendly benefits and is proven to help regulate blood sugar spikes.
There you have it! The best pickled red onions recipe that are crunchy and oh so good.
Make sure to pin the image below, tag me @foundre.life on Instagram, and leave a review or comment if you make this recipe. ENJOY!
