25 Pickled Recipes To Excite Your Tastebuds

If you like food with a zippy kick, you’ll want to bookmark these fantastic pickle recipes!

They’re bright, fresh, and sure to wake up your tastebuds.

Even if you’re not a fan of plain ol’ dill pickles, I think you’ll find something on here to love.

I mean, have you ever tried pickled onions?

This list of pickled recipes is ideal for anyone who loves acidity in their food. But don’t worry, it’s not all pickles and beets.

In fact, I think the first pickling recipe might just surprise you!

Delicious Pickling Recipes You Don’t Want To Miss

1. Quick Pickled Grapes

I bet you didn’t see this one coming!

If you’ve never tried pickled grapes, then this is your sign to take this recipe for a spin.

It creates a gluten-free, vegan delicacy that you can use in various dishes.

Add them to mini-toasts for a delectable charcuteries board, or toss them into a salad for an unforgettable sweet twist. The options are endless. 

2. Bread and Butter Pickles

If I could only have one type of pickle my whole life (what a sad thought!), it would have to be these bread and butter pickles.

If you like the sweet and savory combo, these will be a homerun in your book.

These pickles are tangy, acidic, and have just the right amount of sugar.

Oh, and that touch of sweetness makes them excellent in a peanut butter sandwich. 

3. Pickled Watermelon Rind 

This recipe is a godsend if you’re looking to reduce kitchen waste.

After all, why throw away watermelon rinds when you can pickle them instead?

This Southern-inspired snack is sweet, crunchy, and tastes similar to pickled cucumbers (i.e., the original pickle!).

4. Refrigerator Pickled Beets

These pickled beets are the perfect healthy side for any occasion.

They remind me of the pickled beets my grandma used to make, and I just love their color.

Pickled beets accompany meatloaf and mashed potatoes perfectly, or you can use them as a salad topping to add a sweet crunch.

5. Pickled Red Onions

Pickled red onions are my favorite kitchen hack. 

All you need is five minutes to prep these bad boys.

Then, once you have them on hand, you can add them to virtually any recipe to elevate it to a whole new level.

I love to use them as a chili topping, but they taste terrific on everything from tacos to hot dogs and burgers.

6. Garlic Jalapeño Dill Refrigerator Pickles

Speaking of burger toppings…if you’re looking to spice up your life, you need to make these garlic and jalapeño dill pickles.

They make a great snack on their own, but they’ll take your burgers to the next level.

These pickles accomplish two directives at once: they bring fresh acidity along with a nice kick of heat. What more could you ask?

7. Courgette Pickle 

If you have one too many zucchinis after harvest season (anyone who grows zucchini knows what I’m talking about!), give this recipe.

The sliced zucchinis take on a salty, vinegary flavor from the brine and make the perfect addition to any dish.

This recipe recommends adding them to Indian dishes or meat-heavy recipes to allow the pickles to shine. 

8. Japanese Pickled Cabbage

This Japanese pickled cabbage is the perfect palate-cleansing dish to serve midway through a flavorful dinner.

That said, you don’t need to serve this with a five-course meal; it makes a great light lunch in its own right. 

Most pickled recipes take days to ferment, but this one only takes two hours! So, you can prep and enjoy it the same day, which is a win in my book. 

9. Pickled Garlic (Maneul Jangajji)

Pickled garlic is a staple side dish in Korea, and after one bite, I think you’ll want it on your dinner table too.

The garlic loses its sharp edge through pickling and becomes slightly sweet and tangy. 

Plus, the brine soaks up all the garlic flavor, making it an excellent substitute for vinegar. So this recipe is really a two-for-one deal!

10. Zucchini Pickles 

Here’s another zucchini pickle recipe that will rock your world. 

Instead of slicing it into slivers, you’ll cut the zucchini into chunks that then bathe in pickle brine.

They make a great addition to stews or a tasty topping for a sandwich.

11. Piccalilli

Piccalilli is a super popular topping in the UK, and they use it on everything from sandwiches to salads.

It adds incredible mustard flavors and spice to anything it touches, which is why it’s often served as part of a traditional ploughman’s lunch.

You’ll find this platter in most pubs, and it’s kind of like an individual charcuterie board, full of crusty bread, meat, cheese, fruit, and pickles.

12. Pickled Mushrooms 

Next time you want to impress your dinner guests, consider making a batch of these pickled mushrooms.

Served with steak, pork chops, chicken, or as a standalone side dish, they’ll elevate your meal to a whole new level.

Infused with a garlicky, peppery flavor, you’ll have a hard time keeping your hands out of the jar!

13. Sweet And Sour Spiced Pickled Pears

Prepare your palate for these delicious pickled pears.

Not only do these little bites of heaven make a fabulous addition to your cheeseboards, but they pair perfectly with pork chops or turkey too!

These exquisite-looking pears will fit right in with a fall feast, too, providing a sugary spice to your dish.

14. Amazuzuke (Sweet Vinegar Pickling)

Amazuzuke is a Japanese technique of pickling fresh veggies in sweet vinegar.

This recipe uses daikon (radish) and carrots to make the crunchy bites of savory joy.

Serve in between meals as a palate-cleanser, or use as a side to ginger-infused meat. You really can’t go wrong with this pickling recipe.

15. Fire and Ice Pickles 

If you thought cucumbers were just cool, think again.

These fire and ice pickles add a sweet heat that might blow your tastebuds away.

Add these with caution! Their crunchy spice will leave your mouth ablaze (in a good way). 

16. Quick Pickled Sweet Peppers

This recipe is an easy way to preserve excess peppers from your garden.

Not only does it reduce waste, but it creates a tasty side to serve with burritos, salads, steaks, and more.

Each slice of pepper is infused with so much flavor, and keep in mind this is a spice-heavy recipe. 

So, get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure of a lifetime with these tasty peppers.

17. Pickled Squash

This recipe creates the prettiest pickles that are sure to enchant any plate you serve them on.

Each slice of squash is packed full of immense flavor, giving you a blast of savoriness in every bite.

This farm-to-table recipe also makes a great gift for the pickle-lovers in your life. Who could turn down a jar of these colorful concoctions? 

18. Mexican Pickled Carrots 

These restaurant-style pickles will be a mainstay in your kitchen, especially if you like colorful and spicy taco toppings!

This recipe is so easy to make, too, taking only 10 minutes of prep time to craft tender, flavorful carrots. 

Feel free to lessen the jalapeño content if you’re not a fan of spice. Or increase it if you love the heat!

19. Pickled Green Beans

Pickled green beans allow you to enjoy this spring veggie all year around. 

These beans soak up so much apple cider vinegar that they’re bursting with a tangy sweetness.

The addition of thyme adds a lovely citrus flavor that plays well against the tang.

You’ll want to prep a large batch of these pickled green beans to store in your pantry for seasons to come. 

20. Dill Pickles 

One attempt at this dill pickle recipe, and you’ll never go back to buying storebought again!

It tastes like your favorite brand of pickles – but so much better. Using fresh dill really takes this timeless classic to a whole new level.

If you’re like me and consider dill pickles the perfect standalone snack, you’ll want to keep a jar of these stocked in your fridge.

21. Southern Pickled Peaches

If you’re craving a little taste of Southern hospitality, give this recipe a try. 

These Southern pickled peaches are spicy and tangy, and they add an unparalleled sweetness to any savory dish.

These would pair perfectly with pork chops or chicken for a sweet, tangy flavor. I especially love them with BBQ.

22. Pickled Brussels Sprouts

If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, you might warm up to the pickled version.

It removes all the bitterness from the root vegetable and infuses a pleasant dill flavor.

These pickled Brussels sprouts are a great way to sneak some greens into picky eaters. 

23. Spicy Pickled Swiss Chard Stems

How pretty do these spicy pickled swiss chard stems look? 

If you want to add some flavor and color to your salad, this recipe will come in handy.

But why stop at salads?

How pretty would these colorful sticks look in hot dogs, charcuterie boards, subs, or even just on their own with some dip?

24. Umeboshi (Japanese Pickled Plum)

This Japanese recipe creates a century-old superfood known for its sour and salty taste.

It might be a little labor intensive, but the payoff is worth it. These unique pickled plums taste unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. 

25. Brinjal pickle (Indian eggplant relish/aubergine chutney) 

This classic Indian condiment is the perfect addition to any curry. 

It’s slightly sweet, spicy, and effortless to make. 

You create the base from garlicky, sauteed eggplant that you’ll then infuse with vinegar, salt, and spices. 

One taste of this traditional sauce, and you’ll make a note to double the recipe next time!