Learn how to make the bright, crunchy, and easy Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions Recipe. Give sandwiches, salads, bowls, and more a “bright pop of flavor.” With only four ingredients, you’ll end up with a sweet and tangy topping for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Jump to RecipeRecipe for Pickled Onions
If you’ve been following me for a while or have been watching my Instagram stories or live cooking sessions, you know I love making dish-enhancing elements such as sauces and sides. This may be my Ukrainian background speaking, but I find that there’s something very special about elevating an entire meal with very simple additions, like Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions.
Pickled onions and vegetables are also a huge nostalgic item for me. Making them brings up fond memories of being in the kitchen as a child, watching my mom and grandma spend time cutting up a variety of vegetables to pickle over the winter. We would bring jar after jar down into the basement with heaps of other yummy varieties.
It doesn’t get much easier than this. Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions Recipe is ready to enjoy in only FOUR steps! Here’s how it’s done:
How To Make Pickle Red Onions
- Chop your red onion in half and slice thinly into half-circle slices.
- Add them to a bowl, rinse with warm water, and lightly squeeze the onions to drain the excess water.
- Place the onions into a mason or Weck Tulip jar. Add in the salt, warm water, and rice vinegar, and finish by mixing with a spoon or sealing the jar with a lid to shake.
- Refrigerate the pickled onions for at least 4 hours, or for the best results, leave them overnight.
Keep a full jar of Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions in your fridge so they’re on hand when you need to spruce up a meal. This recipe will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, however, they’re so delicious, they may not even last that long! My family goes through an entire batch in less than a week.
What Onions To Use For Pickling?
My favorite onions to use are red onions and shallots, because of the oink hue they give to your dishes. But here are some others you can play around with or use what you have. If you only have white or yellow onions and happen to have a raw beet, you can add a few slices to give you that beautiful pink hue too.
- Red Onions – my favorite onions to use, you will get great pink color from them.
- White Onions – will be stronger in flavor once pickled.
- Sweet Onions – will add a natural sweetness.
- Shallots – will add a stronger and more pungent flavor to your dishes with a light pink hue.
Best Vinegar For Pickling?
Pickled onions can be used with any variety of vinegar. This is the time to experiment if you want! I suggest using a combination of vinegars, one strong + one more mellow for a smoother tangy flavor.
- Rice Vinegar is my favorite vinegar to use, because of its mild flavor.
- Champagne Vinegar will add a touch of natural sweetness to the onions.
- White Wine Vinegar will also add a touch of sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar will add a little more funky flavor to the onions.
- White Vinegar will give you the strongest flavor, I would use less vinegar to water ratio.
Vegetables For Pickling
This pickling recipe is not exclusive to red onions! As I did as a child, you can pickle almost any vegetable and transform it into a tart, tangy, and sweet garnish. Swap the onions for your favorites, or try any of these suggestions:
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Radishes, thinly sliced or quartered
- Carrots, cut into matchsticks
- Cabbage (for this, I add a few cloves of garlic, fresh dill, and a bay leaf)
- Daikon radish, either sliced thinly or cut into matchsticks
Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onion Recipe Tips
- Slice the onions very thinly: The thinner the red onions are, the quicker they will absorb the vinegar and pickle faster. Use a sharp knife or a mandolin to achieve this.
- Rinse your onions: Rinsing the onions before pickling will prevent the onions from being that strong onion flavor. I just squeeze them a bit in warm water and then add to the jar.
- Choose the vinegar wisely: No sugar added rice vinegar is my top choice for this recipe. It’s a very neutral flavor that compliments the red onions, and the finished results are not too sweet. White wine or champagne vinegar are nice alternatives but will taste slightly sweeter. I would NOT recommend using apple cider or white vinegar as they both resulted in an overpowering flavor.
- Be patient: In only four hours, these easy pickled red onions are ready to munch on. However, for the absolute best results, I highly recommend leaving them in the fridge overnight. This way, the onions will soak in all of the flavors and become much more flavorful.
- Make multiple batches at a time: This recipe is extremely flexible. Easily double or triple the batch and seal them in mason or Weck jars. Consider gifting small jars of the pickled onions to friends or family!
- Reuse the liquid: After your first batch is all used up, you can reuse the pickling liquid up to 4 times. Adjust the vinegar, salt and add some hot water to the next batch.
How To Use Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onion Recipe
A jar of Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions Recipe is always on my table, ready to compliment my next meal. They go well with either breakfast, lunch, or dinner! As to not overwhelm you, my quick-pickled onions will allow any of the following recipes to shine:
- Smoked Salmon Street Tacos
- Game Day Taco Salad
- Low Carb Asian Pork Lettuce Cups
- Healthy Taco Bowls With Mexican Beef
- Fully Loaded Keto Deviled Eggs
- Low Carb Mediterranean Burger Salad
- Crispy Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
- Low-Carb Breakfast Bowl
If you make LENA’S KITCHEN PICKLED ONIONS Recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photo’s of your creations is my favorite!
Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion thinly sliced
- ¾ cup rice vinegar you can sub with white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar only
- 2 cups water hot
- 1 ½ tbsp sea salt
Instructions
- Chop red onion in half. Peel and slice very thin into half-circle slices. Use a mandolin if you have one.
- Add the onions into a bowl with warm water, and lightly squeeze the onions to release the onion flavor. Drain the water.
- Place the onions into a jar. I use a 35.9oz Weck Jar, or you can use a wide mouth 32 oz mason jar. You want to have enough space for everything to fit. In a measuring cup add the salt, hot water, and rice vinegar. Mix with a spoon. Pour on the onions.
- Let cool on the counter. Then cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or leave them overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. (Reuse the liquid up to 4 times. Adjust vinegar and salt each time if needed.)
Valentina
I love how simple and fast it was to make. Adds the perfect touch to any meal. Thank you again for ur lovely recipies!
Veronica
This recipe is the best! I made 2 cans and most of it is gone in 3 days. Love it in salads, sandwiches, or even to just eat it just like that. I will be making this over and over.
Marina
I’ve made these a couple times and they’re perfect ! Also used this recipe to pickle Different versions !!
So delicious to top on anything you’re eating and adds so much more delicious flavor ! Definitely recommend
It’s so simple yet so delicious!
Love all your recipes !
Amy
Lena! Your recipes are all so beautiful and the ones I have tried I have LOVED. These pickled onions are one of my favorites because you can but them on pretty much anything and it will make whatever you pair them with taste that. much. better! Thank you for sharing and being such a positive role model in this foodie community.
Natela
These picked onions are the perfect touch to any meal! Thanks Lena!
Gina
The onions literally are perfection! Cannot get enough of them, I have been putting it on everything, such a delicious topping & has the perfect crunch! Highly recommend trying this delicious recipe & trust me you will love it! Lena is very good at all her recipes!
Dana Yaroshuk
So easy and the best topping ever!
C. Saint
The most perfect accoutrement to anything.. you can’t go wrong here. Make these. Do it. So simple. So delicious!!
Darian S
Super delish, quick and easy to make! Adds a lot of flavor to anything I’ve added it to. I did cut my onions a little bit too thick but still tasty, going to try to use my mandolin next time for slicing. I definitely will be making it again!
Sveta
I’ve been making these onions since the first time I saw a recipe on Lenas Instagram. Very easy, quick & yummy! Definitely stays in my saved recipes from Lena
Meegan
This is quick, easy and delicious. It is a perfect addition to brighten up meals and add more depth of flavor to things both simple and complex.
Anj
Just a recipe I keep coming back to! Not sure why I haven’t thought of these onions before, but they’re a game changer! They go on anything and everything… omelettes, tacos, salads, sandwiches, pulled pork, avocado toast, and I can go in and on. An absolute staple that gives ordinary meals a BaNG! I’ve also gifted these in cute glass jars. So easy and delicious. Make themmm!
Diana
My sister shared this recipe with me over a year and a half ago and I’ve shared it with others since! It’s become a simple but effective staple in our fridge. We use the pickled onions as toppings on a variety of meals!
Alexandra Kerr
I just made these for the first time yesterday! I’ve used them in two meals since I made them. The recipe was super easy to follow and doesn’t overpower anything you put them on. So excited to make these a regular fridge staple for me!!
lena
Thank you! Love to hear it’s going in regular rotation!
Bailey Brunshtein
Best onions ever! Great on a salad, sandwich, eggs… well you get the point!! Go make them now!!!!
Marika Dominika
the ONLY pickled onions recipe you need. quick, easy and so so good. this is a staple in my fridge because it can be added to pretty much any dish! they’re also good straight out of the jar!
Nadiya M
This is such an easy and quick recipe that adds so much flavor to any dish! I would definitely recommend trying it, you will not regret it!
Oksana
This was a hit at our brunch this morning! Easy to make and delicious ?
Irina
Made the pickled onions for the first time today and I was pleasantly surprised. I’m usually the type of person to pick out fresh onions out of everything but I decided to make these for my husband to try and I decided to have a taste. I did not mind the crunch of these onions on top of my breakfast! That’s huge for me! Thanks for the beautiful and delicious recipes, Lena.
Pam Diane
This is hands down my favorite Pickled Onion recipe! First it tastes absolutely amazing and is delicious! I find myself adding it on top of every dish I’ve been making. Second it’s super easy and simple to make! If you guys haven’t tried it, you must make it. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Olya
It was love from the first taste!!! These are on repeat at our house. Love them with absolutely EVERYTHING but most favorite way to use them is on my avocado toast.
Tanya
This is so easy to make with very inexpensive ingredients. I am not an onion lover but after seeing so many posts with pickled onions on them I HAD to give it a try! And I’m so glad I did! These pickles don’t give a strong onion taste they give the best crunch to all dishes! Love love love!
Kayla
Super easy-to-follow recipe. Also a great addition to many meals so I definitely recommend always having them on hand!! Few ingredients needed with little prep time.
Veronika
This is my favorite pickled onion!!! You guys you should try this once!!! I’m sure you’ll love it!
Abby
These are so easy to make and can be added to so many different things. My favorite is on top of eggs and toast. Amazing!
lena
Thank you! Love to hear it’s going in regular rotation!
Betsy
So easy to make and totally changes a dish! You can put these on anything.
Lana
I have been making these pickled onions for the last 6 months – once a week! My husband will remind me when we are getting low ? I put them on my eggs, tacos, steak & pretty much EVERYTHING! If you haven’t made them, you’re missing out!
Linsey
These are so delicious and can be added to just about anything for a pop of color and flavor!
Angie
Pickled onions are the best on salads, sandwiches, taco bowls, omelettes, you name it! You cannot go wrong with these pickled onions because they are amazing and should be a staple for everyone:)
Natalie
I don’t love onions but after you posting several times I had to try them and omg did I get hooked !! My omelets don’t taste the same without them ! And now few of my family and friends serve them at parties . Thank you Lenochka ❤️
Katie Zdor
I need to make a whole bucket of this. Love pickled onions.
Brittany
This recipe looks delicious, I love fermenting my own vegetables! What do you mean by, reusing the liquid? Thank you for sharing!
lenaskitchen
Thanks, Brittany, so you would just make another batch of onions up to 4 times in the same pickling liquid after the first batch is gone. This way you just adjust the seasoning, water, and vinegar a bit instead of starting over.
Elisa
This recipe is amazing and a staple in my kitchen now. My kids will all leave the house with this recipe when they are grown because it’s a family favorite. So thankful I found it! Lena thank you for sharing this!!!
lenaskitchen
This seriously made my day Elisa! Thank you for making this recipe a part of your family and I couldn’t agree more, I hope your kids get to always enjoy a jar of my pickled onions.
Ashley
Obsessed with this recipe! Cones together so easily & these onions are delicious on literally anything! So great to have in the fridge at all times!
lenaskitchen
Ashley, that is so good to hear. Glad you love the recipe.
Angela Higgins
Best topping for anything ever! Love x10000
lenaskitchen
Awe, thanks Angela. So happy to hear that you think so.