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Pickled Red Onions

These vibrant pickled red onions are a staple for any kitchen, offering a sharp, tangy crunch that cuts through rich flavours beautifully. This simple vegan condiment is made by briefly blanching sliced onions before steeping them in a balanced mixture of vinegar, salt, and a touch of sweetness. The process transforms the raw onion's pungency into a mellow, bright acidity and turns the slices a stunning shade of pink, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty.

Packed with probiotic potential and natural zing, these pickles are incredibly versatile. They make an excellent topping for homemade tacos, grain bowls, or a classic savoury tart, and can even be customised with seasonal berries or steamed vegetables for added depth. Keep a jar in the fridge to elevate your weekday lunches and add a professional, gourmet finish to almost any meal.

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Ingredients for Pickled Red Onions

  • 1 large red onion (350g )

  • 45ml vinegar (cider, red or white wine, or balsamic)

  • 1-2 teaspoons agave nectar, light-coloured honey, or sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoons salt

How to make Pickled Red Onions

  1. Put on a kettle of water to boil. Cut the onion into very thin slices or a mince and place it in a colander in the sink.

  2. In a bowl large enough to comfortably fit all the onion, combine the vinegar, sweetener, and salt and whisk until blended.

  3. Pour the boiling water over the onion and shake to drain. (It's fine if a little water still clings.)

  4. Add the onion to the vinegar solution and stir to coat. Let it sit for at least an hour or up to several days, covered and refrigerated, occasionally stirring and/or shaking to allow maximum exposure to the liquid. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.

For beautiful, exotic pickled fruit, add fresh or frozen cherries, blueberries, or raspberries—or some small watermelon chunks—to the onion after the first hour of sitting time * Add any of the following to the pickle mixture: Raw broccoli stems, peeled and cut into slender matchsticks * Raw fennel, cut into thin slices * Lightly steamed carrot slices * Lightly steamed cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets

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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