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Pickled Onions

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This quick pickled red onions recipe is an essential staple for any kitchen. With their vibrant pink hue and sharp, tangy flavour, these onions provide the perfect acidic contrast to rich or salty dishes. Using just a few store-cupboard ingredients, you can transform a humble red onion into a versatile condiment that adds both crunch and a pop of colour to your plate.

A brilliant addition to a vegan diet, these pickles are fantastic scattered over loaded sweet potatoes, tucked into tacos, or served alongside grilled vegetables. They are incredibly easy to prepare and can be made up to two days in advance, making them a practical choice for weekend meal prep or summer barbecues. Simply store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

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Ingredients for Pickled Onions

  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about 240ml )

  • 60ml red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoons sugar

  • Kosher salt

How to make Pickled Onions

Place onion slices in a medium bowl. Pour vinegar and 120ml warm water over onion. Stir in sugar and season with salt; let stand until slightly pickled, about 30 minutes. Drain. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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