This Pickled Cucumber, Onion, and Bell Pepper Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables with a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy brine. It’s one of those recipes that looks beautiful, tastes incredible, and takes very little effort to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a low-calorie snack, or a meal prep–friendly salad, this quick pickled vegetable recipe checks all the boxes.
Unlike traditional canned pickles, this is a refrigerator pickle recipe, meaning no boiling jars or complicated canning steps. The vegetables stay crisp, colorful, and full of flavor, making it ideal for busy home cooks, health-conscious eaters, and anyone who loves bold, fresh flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Pickled Vegetable Salad
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Quick and easy – Ready in as little as 1 hour
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Healthy & low calorie – Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and keto-friendly
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Versatile – Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls
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Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients
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High flavor payoff – Crunchy, tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy
This recipe is inspired by classic quick pickled vegetables, commonly found in Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Southern cuisines.
Ingredients for Pickled Cucumber Salad
Vegetables
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3 medium cucumbers (English or Persian recommended)
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1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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2 bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, and orange), thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, sliced
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1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
Pickling Brine
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1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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½ cup water
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2 tablespoons sugar (or honey for a natural option)
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1 tablespoon salt (kosher or sea salt)
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½ teaspoon black peppercorns
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½ teaspoon mustard seeds
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
How to Make Pickled Cucumber, Onion, and Bell Pepper Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, the onion into half-moons, and the bell peppers into thin strips. Uniform slicing ensures even pickling and better texture.
Step 2: Pack the Jar
Layer the cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and garlic into a clean glass jar or bowl. Sprinkle in the herbs and spices evenly as you go.
Step 3: Make the Pickling Brine
In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat gently over medium heat until the sugar and salt fully dissolve. Do not boil—just warm enough to dissolve.
Step 4: Pour and Rest
Carefully pour the warm brine over the vegetables until fully submerged. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, though overnight is ideal. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
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Spicy pickled cucumber salad: Add sliced jalapeños or chili oil
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Sugar-free pickles: Replace sugar with monk fruit or erythritol
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Asian-style pickles: Add rice vinegar and a splash of sesame oil
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Mediterranean twist: Add oregano and lemon peel
Serving Suggestions
This pickled cucumber onion salad pairs beautifully with:
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Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
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Burgers and hot dogs
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Shawarma or gyros
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Rice bowls and quinoa salads
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Sandwiches and wraps
It also works great as a healthy snack straight from the jar.
Storage & Shelf Life
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
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Best consumed within 7–10 days
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Vegetables remain crunchy for up to one week
Health Benefits of Pickled Vegetables
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Low in calories
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Supports digestion
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Naturally vegan and gluten-free
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Rich in antioxidants from bell peppers
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Hydrating due to high cucumber water content
Related Questions (High-CPM SEO Keywords)
How long do pickled cucumbers last in the refrigerator?
Quick pickled cucumbers typically last 7–10 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Are pickled cucumbers healthy for weight loss?
Yes, pickled cucumbers are low in calories and carbs, making them ideal for weight loss and keto diets.
What vinegar is best for quick pickling vegetables?
White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are the most popular choices for refrigerator pickles.
Can you make pickled cucumber salad without sugar?
Absolutely. Sugar can be replaced with natural sweeteners or omitted entirely for a savory version.
Do refrigerator pickles need to be canned?
No, refrigerator pickles do not require canning and are much easier to prepare at home.
What are the best vegetables for quick pickling?
Cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, carrots, radishes, and cabbage pickle exceptionally well.
