If you’re searching for a punchy, colorful side that instantly perks up any meal, look no further than Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers! This vibrant medley brings together juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and zesty red onions in a tangy brine, waking up taste buds with every crunchy, refreshing bite. Whether you want to dress up a sandwich, elevate a salad, or just keep a snappy snack in the fridge, this pickled trio is truly a game changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers is in how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients transform into something so lively and crave-worthy. Each element brings its own pop of texture and flavor, from the sweetness of tomatoes to the bite of vinegar—don’t skip any, as together they create something greater than the sum of their parts!
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): These bring a juicy burst of flavor and juicy color to every bite; halving them helps them soak up the tangy brine.
- Red onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Slices of this zippy onion mellow out in the brine, offering the perfect balance of bite and sweetness.
- Cucumber (1 medium, sliced into thin rounds): The crunch and mild flavor of cucumber rounds out the other punchy flavors.
- White vinegar (1 cup): Classic pickling vinegar that packs all the tartness you need; apple cider vinegar works for a fruitier twist.
- Water (1 cup): Dilutes the vinegar just enough so the flavors don’t overpower your veggies.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps mellow the brine and enhances the natural sweetness of your tomatoes and onions.
- Kosher salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for the pickling process and for bright seasoning.
- Garlic (2 cloves, smashed): Brings an underlying savory warmth to the whole mix.
- Black peppercorns (1 teaspoon): For subtle heat and earthy flavor that infuses the brine.
- Mustard seeds (1 teaspoon): These provide little pops of flavor and a pleasant aromatic punch.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): If you want a gentle kick of heat, don’t skip this!
- Fresh dill (2 sprigs): The herbal freshness ties everything together and just screams “classic pickle.”
How to Make Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by washing and prepping all your fresh produce. Halve your cherry tomatoes for that juicy, flavor-packed center, thinly slice your red onion (the thinner, the better for speedy pickling!), and cut your cucumber into slim rounds. Tuck them all together in a large glass jar or heat-proof container, layering for a colorful visual treat that’s just as stunning as it is tasty.
Step 2: Make the Brine
Grab a small saucepan and toss in your white vinegar, water, sugar, kosher salt, smashed garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes if you’re going for a little heat. Bring this brine to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring now and then to help the sugar and salt dissolve completely. You’ll notice the kitchen smells deliciously tangy—an early reward!
Step 3: Pour and Pickle
Once your brine is hot and everything’s dissolved, carefully pour it over your waiting veggies in the jar. Make sure those Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers are submerged and soaking up all that goodness. Gently press down with a spoon if needed, and then tuck in your sprigs of fresh dill around the veggies for that herbal finish.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Allow the whole mixture to come down to room temperature; this step is key for keeping those veggies crisp. Once cooled, seal the jar tightly and pop it in the fridge. While you can snack after two hours, the real magic happens after a full 24 hours—your Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers will be bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers
Garnishes
These pickles look absolutely radiant scooped straight from the jar, but you can jazz them up even more! Sprinkle with extra fresh dill, a pinch of flaky salt, or a few quick grinds of fresh black pepper for an irresistible finish. The visual pop of pink, red, and green also needs no additional embellishment if you’re feeling minimalist.
Side Dishes
Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers are a star next to just about any main. Try them atop grilled burgers, tucked into tacos, or served alongside roast chicken for a tangy counterpoint. They’re also unbeatable scooped onto grain bowls, sandwiches, or leafy green salads for a jolt of flavor and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
This trio isn’t just for the side of the plate! Scatter them over avocado toast, swirl them through creamy hummus, or use as a bold topping on pizza. For a party, layer them in tiny jars or clear bowls for a bright, beautiful antipasto platter—Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers never fail to shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers are as easy to store as they are to eat. Simply keep the pickles submerged in their brine in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator; they’ll stay crisp, punchy, and delicious for up to 1 week. Give them an extra stir or shake every now and then for even flavor distribution.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these quick pickles, as the fresh vegetables tend to lose their texture after thawing. The beauty of quick-pickled veggies is their fresh crispness, so stick to the fridge for storage, and enjoy them at their best within a few days!
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s really no need to reheat. Pull out the jar, let it sit for a couple of minutes if you prefer, and dig right in—these Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers are gloriously good straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use different types of vinegar?
Absolutely! White vinegar is classic, but switching to apple cider vinegar gives a fruitier, slightly sweeter flavor. You can also experiment with rice vinegar for extra mildness—just avoid anything too strong, like balsamic, which can overpower the delicate veggies.
How long do the pickles need to rest before eating?
You can nibble after just two hours of chilling, but giving your Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers a full 24 hours in the fridge deepens all those lively flavors and creates an addictive tangy snap.
Can I add other vegetables or spices?
Definitely! This recipe is a perfect canvas for extras like sliced radishes, carrots, jalapeños, or even green beans. Try bay leaves or coriander seeds in the brine, or swap in other fresh herbs like tarragon for a different flavor profile.
How can I adjust the sweetness or heat?
If you love a sweeter pickle, simply add more sugar to the brine. For extra kick, increase the red pepper flakes, or toss in a few slices of fresh chili. Taste and make it your own!
Are Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, they are completely gluten-free and vegan, making them a bright, healthy side or snack suitable for just about anyone at your table.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if these Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers disappear faster than you expected—they’re the kind of bursty, crave-worthy bite that makes every meal more exciting. I’d love for you to give this recipe a try and see just how much zing it can add to your table!
