If you’re looking for a way to add excitement to your meals, pickling vegetables is the answer! It’s a versatile and creative way to enhance flavors and extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
With so many options available, you’ll never run out of new and exciting combinations to try.
Imagine biting into a crisp pickled asparagus spear, adding a burst of tangy flavor to your salad, or serving it as a standalone snack. Or how about enjoying the earthy sweetness of pickled beets, packed with fiber and nutrients?
If you’re in the mood for something spicy, pickled jalapenos will give your dishes that extra kick. And if you’re hosting a barbecue or appetizer party, pickled radishes will elevate the quality of your spread. The possibilities are endless!
Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey with these 13 vegetables to pickle.
Turnips
Turnips are nutritious root vegetables that have been enjoyed for centuries. They’re low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamin C.
Pickled turnips add a crunchy, slightly peppery flavor to dishes. They are a popular accompaniment to Middle Eastern cuisine. When turnips are in season, it’s the ideal time to pickle them and enjoy the many benefits they offer.
Pickling intensifies the flavor of turnips. The pickles add a vibrant and visually appealing touch to dishes when combined with beets. Pickled turnips are often served alongside falafel and shawarma, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of these traditional dishes. The crunchy texture of pickled turnips is also a great complement to the softness of pita bread or wraps.
On top of that, pickled turnips provide a number of health benefits. They contain high levels of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and maintains regularity. Plus, turnips are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production for healthy skin.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a delicious vegetable with a vibrant green color and crunchy texture. Pickled asparagus is an excellent way to add variety to your meals and snacks. It is full of nutrients and vitamins and makes a great healthy snack.
When making pickled asparagus, choose fresh and firm spears. Trim off the tough ends and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to retain their color and texture. Then, transfer them into jars with your choice of spices and herbs.
You can make a simple pickling liquid with vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices like mustard seeds or dill. Boil the mixture and pour over the asparagus in the jars. Allow the jars to cool and then refrigerate for 24 hours.
Beets
Beets can add a nutritious boost to your meals. Choose young, early-maturing beets for pickling to ensure they’re tender and not woody. You’ll be rewarded with a vibrant red or golden color that adds visual appeal to any dish.
Not only do beets look great, but they’re also packed with critical nutrients, such as folate, iron, potassium, and fiber. They have a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for snacking.
Pickled beets make a great addition to salads, adding a burst of flavor and vivid color. They pair particularly well with other pickled vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and onions. This combination of earthy sweetness and crunchy crispness creates a delightful contrast of texture and flavor.
Pickled beets aren’t just for salads, though. They’re also an excellent accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes. Try using them in appetizers or incorporating them into Middle Eastern recipes alongside turnips for a unique flavor.
Carrots
Carrots are a crunchy and tangy snack. In addition to being low in calories and fat, they contain beta-carotene, fiber, and lutein. Eating pickled carrots can strengthen your immune system, improve eye health, and support digestion.
To better understand the nutritional value of pickled carrots, here’s a quick overview: per 100g, they contain 41 calories, 0.2g total fat, 653mg sodium, 10g carbohydrates, and 1.8g fiber.
Pickled carrots are also incredibly versatile. Use them to top off deli sandwiches, add flavor to ramen bowls, or enjoy as a snack between meals. You can even make your own pickled carrots at home. That way, you can customize the flavors and reduce food waste.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is an incredibly nutritious and low-calorie snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Pickling is one of the best options, giving this vegetable a zesty and crunchy flavor.
Pickled cauliflower can be eaten as a snack on its own, used as a garnish for salads and sandwiches, or added to charcuterie boards.
Preparing pickled cauliflower is easy.
- Start by cutting the cauliflower into florets of your preferred size, and don’t forget to include any tender stems.
- Then, create a pickling liquid by combining vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and any desired spices or herbs.
- Bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar and salt completely dissolve.
- Once the pickling liquid is ready, pour it over the cauliflower florets in clean jars or containers. Make sure the cauliflower is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing them with lids.
- Allow the cauliflower to marinate in the brine for 24 hours or longer for maximum flavor.
The pickled vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take them out of the brine and serve as desired.
Garlic
Pickled garlic is quickly becoming a popular ingredient that can take any dish up a notch. It has a unique flavor profile that combines zestiness with a mild sweetness that can enhance the flavor of many recipes. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways.
Cheese trays, sautéed vegetables, and even as a condiment — the possibilities are endless when it comes to pickled garlic. Its zesty and sweet flavor can bring out the best in any dish.
Besides, pickling garlic is easy and rewarding — so why not give it a try?
Green Beans
Transform your snack game with green beans, pickled to perfection! Pickling is an easy and delicious way to add a flavorful twist to this versatile vegetable. The process of pickling green beans gives them an extra crunch and a tangy taste.
Green beans are an ideal vegetable to pickle because they retain their crunchiness even after being soaked in brine. Enjoy them as a snack on their own, or use them to add a zesty twist to salads and other dishes.
Here’s a step-by-step process to make pickled green beans.
- Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender.
- Transfer them to a sterilized jar and add garlic cloves, dill sprigs, and spices like mustard seeds or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Pour a vinegar-based brine over the beans and seal the jars tightly.
- Let the beans sit at room temperature for about 24 hours before transferring them to the refrigerator.
When you’re done, you’ll be left with tangy and crunchy pickled green beans that bring an eye-catching addition to any plate.
Jalapenos
Pickled jalapenos can add heat and flavor to any dish. They’re easy to make and require minimal preparation.
Soaking fresh jalapeno peppers in a brine solution made from vinegar, water, salt, and sugar is a good start.
You can customize the spiciness and flavor according to your preferences. The pickling process can take 15-20 minutes, depending on your desired intensity.
Pickled jalapenos are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Sprinkle them over sandwiches or burgers for extra heat and complexity. Chop them up and mix them into salsas or guacamole. Or get creative and use them as garnishes in cocktails like Bloody Marys or margaritas.
Okra
Pickled okra is a Southern delicacy that packs a flavor punch.
Also known as lady’s finger, okra is transformed into a tangy and crunchy delight when pickled. This process involves soaking fresh okra pods in a brine solution that includes vinegar and various spices. It creates a unique flavor that perfectly balances the earthy okra taste and is incredibly versatile.
You can enjoy this delicacy straight from the jar or use it as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. Pickled okra can also be used as a substitute for traditional cucumber pickles in recipes such as potato salad or deviled eggs. The vibrant green color and distinctive taste make it an ideal way to add flair to any dish.
Onions
Pickled onions can be a versatile and flavorful addition to your dining table. They have an intense aroma and crisp texture that can take your meal to the next level.
Pickling onion is easy to do and can be done in a few simple steps. Here’s what you need to do:
- Thinly slice your onions into rings or half-moons. You can use red onions for a vibrant color or yellow onions for a milder taste.
- Next, prepare a brine mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
- Boil the mixture and let it cool before pouring it over the onions in a jar. The acidity helps to preserve the onions and impart a tangy flavor.
You can use pickled onions to add brightness to sandwiches and burgers, depth to salads and salsas, and a kick to grilled meats and fish. Thanks to their natural probiotics, they can also offer health benefits like improved digestion.
Peppers
Pickled peppers can bring a burst of flavor and color to sandwiches, salads, and more. Jalapenos, bell peppers, and more — pickled peppers come in a variety of types. You can customize their flavors with different spices and ingredients.
Peppers also offer health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. They pair well with cucumbers, radishes, and green beans to create a tasty medley of textures and tastes.
Making pickled peppers at home is easy and fun. You just need a few simple ingredients like vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and your favorite spices like honey or cumin seeds. With these, you can easily make jars of spicy goodness.
Let your creativity shine as you explore the range of flavors and colors these peppers can bring to any dish!
Radishes
Radishes are a versatile vegetable that can give your meals an extra kick of flavor. Their vibrant color and tangy taste can bring any dish to life. Pickled radishes add an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch to your meals.
To get your creative juices flowing, here are some flavor combinations you can try with pickled radishes:
- Pickled Radish and Beet: The earthiness of the beets complements the tanginess of the radishes, creating a unique and visually appealing flavor.
- Pickled Radish and Carrot: The sweetness of the carrots balances out the sharpness of the radish, creating a delightful flavor profile.
- Pickled Radish and Onion: This combination offers a delicious mix of crispness and tanginess that can enhance numerous dishes.
Tomatoes
Pickled tomatoes are a tasty way to enjoy this versatile fruit.
Pickling tomatoes is a simple process. It involves immersing them in a brining solution made with vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices. This solution helps to preserve the tomatoes while enhancing their flavor with the spices.
Once pickled, tomatoes can be stored in jars or containers in your pantry for months, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness all year round. They bring brightness and acidity to your meals whenever you need it.
Pickled tomatoes are a delightful combination of the tanginess of pickles and the juiciness of tomatoes. It makes them a great snack or an exciting addition to salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish tacos, and pasta dishes.
Final Thoughts
Pickling vegetables offers a world of possibilities for flavor and nutrition. You can create a diverse range of tasty treats by pickling turnips, asparagus, beets, carrots, cauliflower, onions, peppers, radishes, and tomatoes.
Whether you’re looking to add some crunch to your salads or spice up your sandwiches and pizzas, pickled vegetables are the way to go. So why not embark on this simple yet rewarding process?
Personalize your pickles with different spices and flavors while reducing food waste and enjoying the fruits (or should we say veggies) of your labor!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to pickle turnips?
It typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks to pickle turnips. The process involves:
- Slicing the turnips.
- Brining them in a vinegar solution with spices.
- Letting them sit in the refrigerator until they reach your desired level of pickling.
Can pickled asparagus be used in any other dishes besides salads?
Yes, it can. It pairs well with ham and cream cheese, making it a delicious appetizer. The tangy and crunchy texture also complements sandwiches and can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
What are some creative ways to use pickled beets?
You can use pickled beets in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or as a colorful topping for burgers. They also make a unique addition to grain bowls or roasted vegetable medleys.
Are there any health benefits associated with pickled carrots?
Pickled carrots are packed with beta-carotene, perfect for eye health and immunity. Enjoy them in sandwiches, ramen bowls, or as a crunchy snack for a nutritious boost.
Can pickled tomatoes be used in any warm dishes, or are they mainly for cold dishes?
Pickled tomatoes can be used in both warm and cold dishes. They add a tangy flavor to sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and fish tacos. Their unique taste complements various recipes and enhances the overall dining experience.
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Enamored with the world of golf Jack pursued a degree in Golf Course Management at THE Ohio State University. This career path allowed him to work on some of the highest profile golf courses in the country! Due to the pandemic, Jack began Inside The Yard as a side hustle that quickly became his main hustle. Since starting the company, Jack has relocated to a homestead in Central Arkansas where he and his wife raise cattle and two little girls.