Name: Quick Pickled Red Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 medium red onion; ½ cup hot water (it does not need to be boiling hot); ½ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; Optional flavor boosters (see above)

A jar of these pickled red onions is one of the easiest ways to instantly upgrade a meal! They’re tangy, slightly sweet, and extra punchy. And this “quick-pickled” version means you can enjoy them in about an hour!

Quick pickled red onions in a jar. — *Photo: Gayle McLeod*

Why This Pickled Onion Recipe Works

The brine is balanced and not overly sharp. I’ve tested this recipe with different vinegars and sweeteners, and I’ve found that the perfect ratio is adding just enough honey to keep the onions tangy without being harsh.
Thin slicing equals better texture and flavor. The thinner the onions, the faster they soften and absorb flavor. I always use a mandoline for consistency!
They’re quick, but improve over time. You can eat them after an hour (I can hardly wait to enjoy them), but the flavor does deepen after resting in the fridge overnight.

Pickled red onions are the ultimate flavor-boosting tool. And the best part is that they’re super easy to make, especially this quick-pickled version! After making these time and again, I’ll let you in on a little secret: keep the brine simple and slightly less sweet. This lets the onion flavor really shine!

Pickling veggies is a great way to boost their antioxidant power and prebiotic compounds, making them great for gut health. And as someone who prioritizes gut health, these are an easy addition to meals. I recently topped them on my gorgeous steak salad (I highly recommend this), and the punchy tartness is perfect for topping on carnitas tacos (or simply enjoying them on the side with pulled pork).

If you love pickling, I have another recipe for pickled ginger, which is my favorite for adding to Asian dinners, but these pickled red onions are far more versatile. Sometimes, a simple pickled ingredient is just what you need to brighten your meal!

Pickled Red Onions Ingredients

Most pickled foods follow a simple formula with a core vegetable mixed with water, vinegar, a sweetener, and a pinch of salt. But if you want to spice it up a bit, I’ll share a few tweaks below.

Red Onion: I’m using red onions because I love that vibrant pink color and subtle sweet flavor. But you can also use yellow onions or even shallots!
Apple Cider Vinegar: I prefer apple cider vinegar because it’s slightly softer and less harsh than white vinegar. If you want a sharper, more traditional pickle flavor, white vinegar will give you just that.
Sweetener (honey or maple syrup): You don’t need much, just enough to balance the acidity. I’ve found that too much sweetener dulls the brightness of the onions, so I like to keep it minimal and let the tangy flavor shine.
Salt: A small amount enhances flavor and helps soften the onions a smidge as they sit.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below

How To Pickle Red Onions Perfectly

First, slice the onions. Thin, half-moon slices are key! They soften faster and absorb the brine more evenly. I like using a mandoline for consistency, but a sharp knife works just fine. Then place them into a medium-sized mason jar. I like to pickle them in a 16-ounce mason jar, but any jar will work!

Making the brine for pickled red onions in a cup.

Second, make the brine. In a measuring cup, stir together the hot water, vinegar, honey, and salt. The hot water helps the flavors come together quickly and takes a bit of the raw edge off the onions.

Lastly, let the fermenting begin! Carefully pour the brine into the jar, and let it stand at room temperature until slightly cooled. Then cover and refrigerate. They’ll be ready in about an hour, but I almost always wait until the next day. That’s when the onions turn bright pink, and the flavor settles into that perfect sweet-tangy balance.

Storage tip: Once they’re done pickling, they’ll stay good for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge. The perfect meal prep ingredient to have on hand!

How I Add More Flavor

I’ve tried several variations, and these are my favorite ways to change up the flavor depending on what I’m serving them with:

Stir in whole spices (see photo above). From black peppercorns and coriander seeds to star anise and fennel seeds, whole spices are a great way to add a subtle seasoning.
Make it garlicky. I love stirring sliced garlic pieces into the mix. The more garlic, the better!
Add some heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne gives them a subtle kick. This version is great for tacos or anything rich.
Add your favorite herbs. I love adding sprigs of dill, or fresh basil and mint leaves. But you can add whichever herbs you like, depending on how you want the finished version to taste.

Best Ways To Use Pickled Onions

Pair with hearty meat. These are especially good with richer meats, like carnitas, barbacoa, pulled pork, or even a tray of ground beef nachos. The acidity will cut through the heaviness!
Layer onto salads. I love adding them to salads with protein, like a steak salad or grilled chicken salad. They bring a lovely contrast and layer of savory flavor. I’ll even chop them up and mix them into creamy salads like egg salad or tuna salad for a little extra punch.
Upgrade sandwiches and burgers. This is a no-brainer for cookout days like the 4th of July or Memorial weekend, especially with pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. My turkey burgers are always a hit!
Add to your favorite bowls. Whether it’s a Mexican burrito bowl, a Mediterranean grain bowl, or even a simple rice and beans situation (I love cilantro lime rice with this), pickled red onions instantly make everything taste brighter.

A glass jar of quick pickled red onions.

More Onion Topping Ideas

Crispy Shallots: Love these on top of salads!
Caramelized Onions: Perfect for wraps, burgers, and dips.

If you try this pickled red onions recipe, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here.