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Pickled onions are the ultimate condiment…pink pickled onions are not only the ultimate but also the prettiest. You will likely find a jar in my fridge 24/7/365. Why? They require very few ingredients, are quick and easy to make, and dress up any dish also giving them that extra oomph in flavor. Pickled onions are the savory version of a cherry on top in my book.
Another great reason to add pickled onions to your condiment lineup is for their nutritional benefits. Onions contain inulin and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), two prebiotics in the diet. As onions enter the digestive tract, the inulin and FOS feed the healthy gut bacteria helping them to grow and thus improving gut health. It is important to note that onions are high FODMAP foods and may not be tolerated well by some individuals.
Additionally onions contain polyphenols, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and are linked to disease prevention including high cholesterol, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Red onion- Also known as a purple onion, this ingredient is the star of the show turning a beautiful pink as it pickles.
Vinegar – I have used regular distilled vinegar, rice vinegar and apple cider vinegar in this recipe. All of them work well. Rice vinegar tends to be my first choice because of its milder, slightly sweeter flavor profile.
Water
Salt
Sugar
Herbs- This recipe is completely versatile and customizable. I like to either add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a bay leaf depending on what I have on hand. You can’t go wrong with either.
This recipe utilizes a quick pickling method that does not require boiling the pickling juice. This process is quick and results in the perfect pickled onions every time without the fuss. Simply slice the red onion into thin half moons, or alternatively use a mandolin. Set the onions aside and make the pickling liquid by adding the vinegar, water, salt and sugar to a measuring cup. Next add the onions and herb of choice to a glass mason jar and finish by pouring the pickling liquid over top. Seal the jar with a lid and give it a good shake. That’s it! At this point I place the jars in the refrigerator and they are typically ready to use in about an hour.
To make spicy pickled onions add a jalapeño that has been sliced into rings. Spicy pickled onions make a great topping for tacos, sandwiches, nachos and chili.
Pickled onions keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Pink pickled onions add a little extra to any dish. A few of my favorite ways to use them is to add them to tacos, as a salad topper or in my favorite wraps or sandwiches such as my vegan chickpea sandwich.
Meet Jaime
I’m a registered dietitian who’s obsessed with all things food! From growing to recipe development, my life is centred around food and how it can nourish us from the inside out.
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