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Quick-Pickled Carrots

These quick-pickled carrots are a vibrant addition to any kitchen larder, offering a bright, acidic crunch that cuts beautifully through rich dishes. This vegan-friendly condiment uses a simple brine of apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds and peppercorns to transform humble root vegetables into a tangy relish. The natural sweetness of the carrots is balanced by the sharp pickling liquid, creating a versatile garnish that adds both colour and texture to your plate.

Perfect for topping tacos, stuffing into pittas or serving alongside a summer salad, this recipe is incredibly straightforward to prepare. Because there is no complex canning involved, you can whip up a batch in minutes and store it in the fridge for a healthy, homemade flavour boost whenever you need it.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Quick-Pickled Carrots

  • 450g carrots, peeled and sliced on the diagonal into 1/8-inch-thick coins

  • 240ml apple cider vinegar

  • 60ml sugar

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds

How to make Quick-Pickled Carrots

Place carrots in a heatproof resealable container or jar. Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and 120ml water in a small pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Immediately pour over carrots. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

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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