Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar

Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor, this Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe is a must-have condiment for adding a pop of acidity and crunch to your favorite dishes. The natural sweetness of red onions is enhanced with apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar, and sea salt, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Ready in just an hour, these quick pickled red onions recipe is easy to make and elevates everything from tacos to salads.

After just a short time in the fridge, these onions take on a vibrant pink hue and a slightly crisp yet tender texture. Whether you're looking to brighten up a rich dish or add a zesty contrast, this simple recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe
• Ingredients
• Substitutions and Variations
• How to Make our Pickled Red Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe
• More Recipes You Will Love
• How to Store this Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe
• What to Serve with our Pickled Red Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe
• Top Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions About Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe
• More Recipes You Will Love
• Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

This was inspired by my Instant Pot Pork Carnitas! We love topping them with these pickled red onions. If you're a lover of Mexican-inspired recipes like we are, here are some other must-try recipes: Guac and Chips, Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Boats, Southwest Chicken Casserole, Margarita Mix or Mexican Candy Shot.

Why You Will Love This Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just an hour with minimal prep.
• Versatile: Pairs perfectly with tacos, nachos, sandwiches, salads, and more.
• No Special Equipment: Just a saucepan, a jar, and a few pantry staples.
• Minimal Ingredients: Just a few simple ingredients needed,
• Naturally Preserved: The apple cider vinegar and salt act as natural preservatives.
• Flavor Boosting: The perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

You may already have most of the basic ingredients needed for these quick pickled onions recipe.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Red Onions: The staple for this recipe, but you can use a white or yellow for a different taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Used as a preservative but also adds both a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Water: Lightly dilutes the vinegars punch; the amount can be changed based on personal preference.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps to cut some of the acidity of the vinegar and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Sea Salt: While used to enhance the flavor, it also removes some moist from the onions which allows them to retain some texture and not get too tender.

For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand an airtight jar with lid, small saucepan, mandolin or a sharp knife and measuring cups and spoons.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some helpful ideas for you to change this pickled red onion recipe.

• Raw Red Onions: Use white or yellow onions for a different flavor profile.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Swap with different types of vinegar; you can try white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar. For a sweeter profile you can use a balsamic vinegar, but you might want to try it with a 2:1 ratio the first time and adjust to your preferences.
• Granulated Sugar: Replace with honey, maple syrup, cane sugar or coconut sugar for a natural alternative.
• Sea Salt: Kosher salt or pink Himalayan salt work well too.
• Water Substitute: Use lemon juice or lime juice for an extra zing. For an extra pretty pink color, try beet juice.
• Spice it Up: Use some whole peppercorns or red pepper flakes.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs.

How to Make our Pickled Red Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe

In just 3 simple steps, you are waiting for these onions to take on some new and delicious flavor!

Place thinly sliced raw onions to a mason jar full (note: do not pack too tight but fill the jar). Set aside.

In a small saucepan add apple cider vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat to fully dissolve sugar.

Carefully pour the vinegar mixture on top of the onion slices to fully submerge.

Tighten the lid and store upside-down for at least 1 hour to infuse flavors evenly (note: you can store on the counter for that hour, or in the fridge).

Serve on tacos, nachos, sliders, salads or as part of any recipe desired.

Hint: I like to use a mandolin when slicing my onions to ensure similar sized cuts, but you can use a sharp knife if you prefer.

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How to Store this Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe

Here are some ways to store your pickled red onions to enjoy for future meals.

• Refrigerator: If you have opened your jar, these pickled onions will last a couple of weeks in the fridge. Be sure to use a clean fork every time you reach into the jar to not contaminate the juices.
• Shelf: If unopened and properly sealed to canning guidelines, pickled onions can last a couple years when stored in proper conditions. Note: I have not provided any proper canning techniques within this recipe for shelf-stable pickled onions.
• Make Ahead: While this is a pretty simple recipe to pull together all at once, you can cut up your onions a few days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge prior to completing the recipe.

What to Serve with our Pickled Red Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe

There is so much you can do with these pickled onions. We use it most often with Mexican feed, but here are some of our other favorite ways to enjoy this perfect condiment.

• Tacos & Burritos: Perfect topping for beef, pork, chicken, or cauliflower tacos. We love using them on our pork carnitas.
• Nachos & Quesadillas: Adds a bright contrast to cheesy dishes.
• Salads & Grain Bowls: Top rice bowls or salads for a tangy bite.
• Burgers & Sliders: Elevates the flavor of any sandwich.
• BBQ Dishes: Cuts through the richness of smoked meats and grilled proteins. Try them with our BBQ root beer pulled pork or pulled pork sliders on Hawaiian rolls!
• Avocado Toast: Adds a sharp contrast to creamy avocado.
• Charcuterie Boards: A flavorful addition to meats, cheeses, and crackers.

Top Tips

Here are some helpful hints when making these pickled red onions in apple cider vinegar.

• Don't Pack Too Tightly: Allow the onions space to soak up the brine evenly.
• Flip the Jar: Storing upside-down for an hour helps distribute flavors. It also creates a nice airtight seal.
• Let Them Sit: While ready in an hour, they taste even better after 24 hours.
• Experiment with Spices: Add garlic, black peppercorns, or chili flakes for extra depth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickled Onions Apple Cider Vinegar recipe

Do you have questions about pickled red onions apple cider vinegar recipe?

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