Quick Pickled Red Onions (Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe)

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Quick Pickled Red Onions add a burst of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavor to almost any dish! Made with just four simple ingredients and ready in minutes, this easy pickling recipe is perfect for sandwiches, salads, tacos, burgers, and more.

Before You Start, Read This!

💬 The Vibe: Crisp, vibrant pink onions with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

🔑 What You Gotta Know: Slice the onions as thinly as possible for the best pickling and flavor infusion.

🧅 Best Bite Alert: Good after 30 minutes, but even better after a few hours in the fridge!

Close up view of finished onions in glass jar by the lid on marble surface.

Whether you're a longtime pickled onion fan or just looking to elevate your meals, this no-fuss method delivers big flavor fast.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes!
Only 4 simple ingredients.
Versatile and customizable.
Adds instant flavor to everything.
Keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Ingredients You'll Need

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make recipe in separate containers.

Red Onion - One medium-sized, sliced very thin. A mandoline makes slicing super easy!
White Wine Vinegar - Bright, mild flavor. (Substitutes: white vinegar, rice vinegar, champagne vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.)
Granulated Sugar - Balances out the vinegar’s sharpness.
Salt - Coarse salt, like kosher or sea salt, works best.

Optional Flavor Boosters

Jalapeño slices
Crushed red pepper flakes
Garlic cloves
Black peppercorns
Swap in yellow or sweet onions for a milder version

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to Make Quick Pickled Red Onions

Slice the Onion: Remove the top and bottom, peel, and thinly slice the red onion into rounds.

Sliced onion on blue cutting board with knife.

Pack the Jar: Place sliced onions into a clean, wide-mouth jar.

Mix the Brine: In a small bowl or pitcher, stir together the vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.

Overhead view of three brine ingredients on marble surface.

Close up side view of brine ingredients combined in glass measuring cup with spoon.

Combine: Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions, pressing down gently to submerge.

Close up side view of onion mixture in glass jar.

Let it Sit: Leave at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Side view of onions after sitting at room temp in glass jar.

Refrigerate: Cover and store in the fridge. They’ll continue to develop flavor over time. Enjoy!

Overhead view of finished onions in glass jar by lid on marble surface.

FAQ: Quick Pickled Red Onions

How thin should I slice the onions?

As thin as possible! Thin slices absorb the brine faster for quick pickling.

Can I use another vinegar?

Absolutely. Try white vinegar, rice vinegar, champagne vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.

Do I need to boil the vinegar mixture?

Nope! This is a cold-pickling method, quick and easy.

How long do they last?

Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Can I pickle yellow or sweet onions instead?

Yes! This method works exactly the same with different types of onions.

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Recipe Tips & Variations

Slice onions thinly for best texture.
Stir the onions halfway through the resting time for even pickling.
Use a clean jar to extend shelf life.
Add jalapeño slices for heat.
Toss in garlic cloves or black peppercorns for extra flavor.
Sweeten naturally with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Keep your pickled onions stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Flavor improves: The longer they sit, the more flavorful they get!

Overhead view of finished red onion in glass jar by lid.

Delicious Recipes to Pair with Easy Pickled Onions

Have any comments, questions, or delicious ways you enjoy Quick Pickled Red Onions? Share them in the comments below, I’d love to hear!

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