Crunchy pickle salad recipe for a refreshing side dish
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Oct 2025
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This vibrant crunchy pickle salad is a delightful vegetarian dish that showcases the bold flavours of pickles and fresh herbs. With the satisfying crunch of walnuts, the aniseed notes of fennel, and the tang of red wine vinegar, each bite offers a refreshing contrast that awakens the palate. The clever use of pickle brine adds a unique twist, making this salad both zesty and comforting, perfect for those seeking a light yet flavourful meal.
Ideal for a quick lunch or as a side at dinner gatherings, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Serve it alongside toasted country-style bread for a wholesome experience that pairs beautifully with the rich, umami notes of shaved Parmesan. This dish is sure to become a favourite for those who appreciate a balance of textures and tastes.
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Ingredients for Crunchy pickle salad
60 g walnuts
4 whole pickles (half- or full-sour), halved lengthwise, sliced crosswise into 2.5 cm pieces, plus 45 ml pickle brine
45 ml red wine vinegar
10 ml Dijon mustard
5 ml honey
1 g crushed red pepper flakes
½ small white onion, thinly sliced, rinsed
kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 medium fennel bulb, tough outer layers removed, thinly sliced crosswise
15 g chopped dill
60 g Parmesan, shaved
extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
toasted country-style bread, for serving (optional)
How to make Crunchy pickle salad
Preheat the oven to 175°C (fan) or 190°C (conventional).
Toast the walnuts on a rimmed baking tray, tossing once, until golden brown, about 8–10 minutes. Let them cool, then coarsely chop.
Meanwhile, whisk together the pickle brine, vinegar, mustard, honey, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.
Add the sliced onion and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 5 minutes, or up to 15 minutes, to soften the onion slightly.
Incorporate the chopped walnuts, pickles, fennel, dill, and Parmesan into the dressing, tossing to coat evenly.
Transfer the salad to a large shallow bowl or platter and drizzle with oil.
Serve with toast for soaking up the dressing, if desired.
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.
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Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Oct 2025 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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