These easy pickled red onions are one of the simplest ways to add bright flavor and a vibrant pink color to almost any meal. Made with basic ingredients and just minutes of prep, this quick pickled red onion recipe creates tangy, crisp onions that instantly elevate tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, and more. Keep a fresh batch in the fridge for an easy topping that brings both flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy recipe – made with basic ingredients and just minutes of prep.
- Small batch friendly – perfect when you only have one medium red onion.
- Quick pickling method – enjoy quick pickled red onions the same day or let them develop deeper flavor overnight.
- Bright flavor and tangy crunch – the simple vinegar mixture softens raw onions while adding delicious acidity.
- Adds a pop of color – the onions turn a vibrant pink color that makes meals look instantly more appealing.
- Versatile topping – one of our favorite ways to elevate avocado toast, chicken tacos, taco bowls, sandwiches, grain bowls, and cheese boards.
- Works with different vinegars – customize the flavor depending on the type of vinegar you use.
Looking for other tasty toppings? Try some of our other favorite recipes!
Ingredient Notes
You only need a few pantry staples to make this quick pickled red onion recipe, but a few ingredient choices can slightly change the flavor.
- Red onion - A medium red onion works perfectly for this small batch recipe. Slice the onion into thin slices using a sharp knife so the onions soften quickly in the pickling liquid.
- Vinegar - This recipe uses white vinegar for a clean, classic pickle flavor. You can also substitute other types of vinegar such as: Apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor, Rice vinegar for a milder tang, White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar for a more delicate acidity, Red wine vinegar for deeper flavor.
- Sugar - A small amount of white sugar or cane sugar balances the acidity. Maple syrup can also be used for a slightly richer sweetness.
- Salt - Kosher salt or sea salt works best. If using table salt, reduce slightly since it is finer.
- Water - Simple tap water or warm water helps dissolve the sugar and salt and creates the vinegar solution.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Slice the onions thinly - Thin slices allow the onions to soften quickly and absorb the pickling liquid, giving the best texture.
- Let the salt dissolve fully - Whisk the vinegar mixture until the sugar and salt dissolve before pouring over the onions.
- Use a glass container or airtight container - A mason jar or glass jar with a tight fitting lid or an airtight container works best for refrigerator pickles.
- Add extra flavor - For more depth of flavor, try adding whole spices or aromatics. These simple additions can turn the onions into even more flavorful pickled vegetables.
- Black peppercorns
- Red pepper flakes
- Bay leaf or bay leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Cinnamon stick
- Fresh herbs
- Adjust the sweetness - If you prefer a sharper pickle, reduce the sugar slightly. For a sweeter pickle, add an extra teaspoon.
Favorite Ways to Use Pickled Red Onions
These quick-pickled onions add bright flavor and color to so many meals:
- Chicken tacos and other Mexican dishes
- Taco bowls or grain bowls
- Avocado toast
- Burgers or hot dogs
- Salads and sandwiches
- Cheese boards with queso fresco and other cheeses
They add a tangy crunch that instantly takes simple meals to the next level.
How to Make Easy Pickled Red Onions
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a clean jar or airtight container.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the water, white vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
Pour the vinegar mixture over the sliced onions, making sure the onions are fully submerged. Press them down gently if needed.
Step 2: Cover and let the onions sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if you need a quick pickle. They will soften and begin to take on flavor, though there may still be a slight bite to the onion.
For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the onions for at least 4 hours before serving.
Store the pickled onions in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Easy Pickled Red Onions FAQs
Store the onions in a sealed glass jar or container with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator and use within 1 week for best flavor and texture. As the onions sit in the brining liquid, they continue to soften and develop a beautiful bright pink color.
Yes, these pickled red onions are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and vegetarian.
Other Recipes With Pickled Onions
If you make this easy pickled red onions recipe, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished product—it makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
How to Make Easy Pickled Red Onions
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a clean jar or airtight container.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the water, white vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the sliced onions, making sure the onions are fully submerged. Press them down gently if needed.
- Cover and let the onions sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if you need a quick pickle. They will soften and begin to take on flavor, though there may still be a slight bite to the onion.
- For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the onions for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Store the pickled onions in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Save time/prep ahead:
- Make a fresh batch at the start of the week. Since these are refrigerator pickled onions, they’re perfect for weekly meal prep.
- Prep during meal prep. Slice the onions while prepping other ingredients for tacos, bowls, or salads.
- Keep them ready to use - Having a jar of easy pickled onions in the fridge is one of the simplest ways to add flavor to everyday meals with almost no extra effort.
- These pickled red onions are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and vegetarian.
- The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Easy Pickled Red Onions." The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
Leave a Reply