Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Side Dishes

Quick Pickled Red Onions

May 23, 2023 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 14 Comments

82 shares
  • 2
Diet: Gluten Free / Low Fat / Vegan
Jump to Recipe
Quick pickled red onions with a text title overlay.

These Quick Pickled Red Onions are so quick and easy to make and they are so versatile. Add them to sandwiches, burgers, salads or tacos for an easy way to add lots of colour and flavour. They are a tangy addition to any dish!

A jar of sliced pickled onions next to an onion and a small dish of salt.

Pickled red onions are a delicious and versatile condiment that can add a pop of flavour and colour to any dish. I first had them on tacos and was instantly hooked by their tangy and slightly sweet taste. We now love these red pickled onions in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches to grilled meats.

These pickled onions are so easy to make at home. All you need is some red onions, water, vinegar, sugar, and salt, and you can have a jar of pickled onions that only take 15 minutes to marinate in the fridge.

They keep well in the fridge, so you can always have them on hand to add to your favourite dishes.

Looking for more condiment recipes? Why not try our quick Pickled Cucumbers, spicy Harissa Paste, tangy Mango Chutney, easy Pickled Radishes or our healthy BBQ Sauce?

Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • How to Make Pickled Red Onions - Step by Step
  • What are Pickled Red Onions?
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Onion Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Red onion - You can pickle any onions using this recipe, but red gives the best flavour. We like using shallots too.
  • Vinegar - We used white vinegar, which will ensure the brightest clearest colour, as well as the longest shelf life in the fridge. White vinegar is more concentrated than apple cider or red wine vinegar, but they will work.
  • Water - This is mixed with the the vinegar.
  • Sugar - We used white cane sugar, which gives the clearest colour. You could use honey or maple syrup, but this would change the colour.
  • Salt - Generously season.

How to Make Pickled Red Onions - Step by Step

A saucepan with water, vinegar and sugar in it.
  1. Step 1: Place the vinegar, water, salt and sugar in a small saucepan on the hob and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30-60 seconds, stirring. Turn off the heat and let this cool completely.
A glass jar containing sliced red onions and pickling liquid.
  1. Step 2: Put the onions in a jar and pour over the liquid. Put in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

What are Pickled Red Onions?

Pickled red onions are a popular condiment that can add a tangy, sweet, and slightly sour flavour to any dish, like sandwiches and tacos. They are made by soaking thinly sliced red onions in vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.

You can add other spices and flavourings like garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. You then leave them in the fridge for just 15 minutes to soften, although you can leave them for longer.

Pickling is a process of preserving food by immersing it in a solution of vinegar or another acidic liquid. The acid in the vinegar helps to break down the cell walls of the onions, which allows them to absorb the flavours of the other ingredients in the pickling solution. This process also helps to preserve the onions, so they can be stored for longer periods of time.

A jar of sliced red onions as viewed from above.

Serving Suggestions

Pickled red onions are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a popular topping for tacos, sandwiches, and burgers, and can also be added to salads, soups, and stews. Their bright colour and tangy taste can add a pop of colour and flavour to any dish. Here are some of our favourite recipes to add them to:

  • Air Fryer Burgers
  • Fish Tacos
  • Loaded Tuna Sandwich
  • Baked Chicken Burgers
  • Indian Burger
  • Crispy Prawn Tacos
  • The BEST Fish Finger Sandwiches
  • Steak Salad

We love them on our Vegetarian Charcuterie Board too and, of course our Picky Plates.

Storage

Store: The best thing about these is that they store well. If they are kept in an air tight jar, then they will keep for up to 3 weeks, but we usually use them up before that.

Extra Tips

  • We haven't added anything extra into ours in terms of flavour, but you could add peppercorns, pickles jalapeños, cumin seeds, fennel seeds garlic cloves or a bay leaf.
  • You can either use a really sharp knife, or a mandolin to slice the red onions. Try to get them as thin as possible.
  • These can be ready in as little as 15 minutes, but for the best pickled red onions, let them marinate for 24 hours.
A fork lifting some slices of red onion out of a glass jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pickled red onions gluten free?

Yes, as long as you have used white vinegar and make sure there is no cross contamination, these are gluten free.

More Onion Recipes

  • Cheese and onion rolls on a serving board.
    Cheese and Onion Rolls
  • A pan of onion gravy with a wooden spoon in it.
    Easy Onion Gravy
  • Sage and onion stuffing balls on a pink plate.
    Sage and Onion Stuffing
  • Savoury pancakes filled with caramelised onions on a blue plate.
    Savoury Pancakes with Caramelised Onion

If you’ve tried this pink pickled onion recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

A jar of pickled red onions with a fork in it.

Quick Pickled Red Onions

By: Dannii Martin
These Quick Pickled Red Onions are so quick and easy to make and they are so versatile. They are a tangy addition to any dish!
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
the words low fat in a white circle.
Low Fat
An illustration of a v-shaped plant in a pot.
Vegan
5 from 14 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: British
Prep: 2 minutes mins
Cook: 4 minutes mins
Refrigerating time: 15 minutes mins
Total: 21 minutes mins
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 21kcal
Allergens:
No Common Allergens

Ingredients

  • 3 Red onion - finely sliced
  • 500 ml Water
  • 250 ml Vinegar - white
  • 3 tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Sea salt

Instructions

  • Place the vinegar, water, salt and sugar in a small saucepan on the hob and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30-60 seconds, stirring. Turn off the heat and let this cool completely.
  • Put the onions in a jar and pour over the liquid. Put in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

Recipe Tips

  • We haven't added anything extra into ours in terms of flavour, but you could add peppercorns, pickles jalapeños, cumin seeds, fennel seeds garlic cloves or a bay leaf.
  • You can either use a really sharp knife, or a mandolin to slice the red onions. Try to get them as thin as possible.
  • These can be ready in as little as 15 minutes, but for the best pickled red onions, let them marinate for 24 hours.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.03g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 0.4IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • A red bowl full of cottage cheese tzatziki.
    Cottage Cheese Tzatziki
  • A bowl of high protein potato salad with a serving spoon in it.
    High Protein Potato Salad
  • A red bowl full of Greek yogurt coleslaw.
    Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
  • A large serving dish full of Summer pasta salad.
    Easy Summer Pasta Salad

Comments

  1. Liz Curmi says

    November 20, 2024 at 3:04 pm

    Would be trying these for sure! Can I ask how long they last in the fridge for please?

    Reply
    • Dannii Martin says

      November 26, 2024 at 8:12 am

      There is a whole section on storage in the post. They will last 3 weeks in the fridge.

      Reply
  2. Stu R says

    June 02, 2023 at 8:48 am

    Made this with some pieces of Scotch Bonnet added. Brilliantly spicy.

    Reply
  3. Ieva says

    May 24, 2023 at 3:59 pm

    5 stars
    Yummy! We've just had a quick weekday bbq in the garden as the weather is so beautiful. Had these pickled onions with lamb and chicken skewers and they were amazing! It's amazing how they gain so much beautiful tangy flavour in such a short amount of time!

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth says

    May 24, 2023 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    I think this might be my new favorite sandwich and salad topper! I love red onions, but I've never tried pickling them before. Tangy and delicious. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Andrea says

    May 24, 2023 at 3:34 pm

    5 stars
    These easy pickled red onions are a perfect summertime condiment.

    Reply
  6. Hayley Dhanecha says

    May 24, 2023 at 3:17 pm

    5 stars
    I love this onions, great with indian food and burgers and tacos!

    Reply
  7. gunjan says

    May 24, 2023 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    pickled onions are my favorite and I made a big batch of these. Totally perfect and so delicious.

    Reply
  8. dina and bruce miller says

    May 24, 2023 at 2:30 pm

    5 stars
    Lovely. Served on burgers last night!

    Reply
  9. Jen Vinuya says

    May 24, 2023 at 12:52 pm

    5 stars
    I love this!! Thanks so much for the recipe!

    Reply
  10. Katherine says

    May 24, 2023 at 12:48 pm

    5 stars
    I love quick pickled onions. Such a tasty way to jazz up a meal!

    Reply
  11. Ali says

    May 24, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    5 stars
    These pickled red onions are great to always have on hand to add to burgers, salads and sandwiches. And they are so easy to make!

    Reply
  12. Seema Sriram says

    May 24, 2023 at 9:44 am

    5 stars
    The colour of this pickled Onions is so beautiful. I would love this spooned on my burgers, so yum.

    Reply
  13. Kate says

    May 23, 2023 at 8:20 pm

    5 stars
    I'm so glad I came across this recipe! They were so quick and easy to make. We added them to our sandwiches for lunch. And now I have plenty on hand to add to all sorts of dishes!

    Reply
5 from 14 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 2

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.