• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
In Fine Taste
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Appetizers & Side Dishes » Sweet and Spicy Refrigerator Pickles

    Sweet and Spicy Refrigerator Pickles

    Published: May 15, 2019 · Modified: Oct 14, 2021 by In Fine Taste · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    pickle slice on fork over open jar

    Sweet. Spicy. No canning necessary! These Sweet and Spicy refrigerator pickles are so easy to make! Pickles have always been a favorite snack and food accompaniment of mine and I love the sweet heat that these have from the combination of red onions, garlic, crushed red pepper, and honey.

    These have a good balance of sweet and spicy while maintaining their inherent “pickliness.” That crunch and vinegary tang are the perfect companion to sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and even salads…but I’m not judging you if you just sit down and eat a whole bowl full of these sweet and spicy pickles.

    What is pickling

    Pickling simply means a food that has been preserved in a brine, the bring being our salt and vinegar.

    overhead view of open jar with pickles and red onions inside
    The Pickling Process

    Keep the Pickles from Getting Soggy: First, you’ll start by salting your cucumbers and red onions and letting them sit for 1 hour. This is going to help remove the excess water from the cucumbers and onions so they won’t get too soggy.

    Prepare your pickling liquid: While your cucumbers and onions are sitting you’ll prepare the pickling mixture by boiling together your spices, vinegar, and honey.

    Let them marinate: Place your salt-free cucumbers and onions in your jars (or jar) and pour your cooled mixture over top. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours and VOILA! Done!

    jar with lid on with pickles and red onions inside
    How long will these Sweet & Spicy Pickles last?

    These pickles will last about 3 months! Pretty impressive, right? They will usually last even longer than that but will start to lose their crispness after that. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t like soggy pickles.

    Try these out and then tell us what you think below! My husband eats these by the bowlful and I can’t say I blame him!

    Enjoy!

    Alyssa

    We think you'll like these other recipes too!

    • Jalapeno Potato Salad
    • Kettle Corn
    • Corn Fritters w/ Smoked Chili Peach Sauce
    • The Best Broccoli Salad

    Don't forget to pin this recipe for later! You can also follow us on Pinterest here!

    Tried this recipe and loved it? Comment and Rate it! Also send us a picture, WE WANT TO SEE!

    Sweet and Spicy Refrigerator Pickles

    Super fast and easy refrigerator pickles! Sweet, spicy, and crunchy!
    4.40 from 128 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Appetizers & Side Dishes
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 15
    Calories: 39kcal
    Author: Alyssa--In Fine Taste

    Ingredients

    • 3 medium cucumbers thinly sliced (about 6 cups when sliced)
    • 1 cup red onion thinly sliced
    • 3 teaspoons salt
    • 1 ¼ cup apple cider vinegar see notes
    • 1 cup water
    • 5 tablespoons honey see notes
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Sprinkle 3 teaspoons of salt over your thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion. Place cucumbers and onions in a colander and let sit for 1 hour—this helps remove the extra moisture from the vegetables. Set aside and start on your pickling mixture.
    • In a small saucepan over low heat, add your vinegar, water, honey, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper. Bring mixture to a boil and let boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
    • After your cucumbers and onions have sat for 1 hour, rinse salt and pat dry. Add your cucumbers and onions to 1 large jar or divide between 2 medium size jars (see notes). It’s okay to really squish the cucumbers and onions in there. Pour the pickling liquid into the jar(s) covering the cucumbers and onions. Place lid on tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before eating.

    Notes

    - You can use any kind of vinegar you want, I prefer apple cider vinegar because it has a sweet taste and pairs well with the other flavors.
    - 5 tablespoons on honey will give you a mildly sweet pickle, if you like your pickles really sweet try adding 8 tablespoons of honey.
    - This recipe fits perfectly into a 46 (1.88 liter) ounce jar or you’ll need 2-32 (1 quart) ounce jars. Or you’ll need some combinations of medium and small jar like 1-32 (1 quart) ounce jar and 1-16 (½ quart) ounce jar.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 426mg | Sugar: 7g
    Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
    Tried this recipe? Leave a review below, then take a picture and tag us @InFineTaste on Instagram so we can see!

    Share it on Instagram and tag us and tag #infinetasterecipes so we can see it!

    Are you part of our Facebook Page? Follow along with what's new on In Fine Taste, share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, post pictures of what your making, and more! Like our page HERE

     

     

    originally posted September 16, 2018

    « Coconut Corn Chowder
    Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. John

      October 21, 2021 at 10:44 am

      Can I add radishes and carrots to this recipe?

      Reply
      • In Fine Taste

        October 25, 2021 at 1:33 pm

        I've never tried, but I don't see why not! The carrots may take more time to soften in the fridge.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Meet Dianna & Alyssa

    two women, Dianna and Alyssa, standing with their arms around each other.

    We are Dianna & Alyssa, a mother-daughter duo, and food lovers! We are the stomachs behind all the recipes we share here on In Fine Taste.

    Read more about us

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    Get Ready for Valentine's Day!

    • Hidden Heart Bundt Cake (made with a cake mix!)
    • Better-than-Swig Sugar Cookie Bars
    • Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake
    • Lemon Blackberry Cake

    Popular Posts

    • Cookie Monster Cookies
    • Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup
    • Tzatziki (Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)
    • The Best Pizza Dough
    as featured on, displaying where in fine taste has been featured.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Have a question? Or want to work with us? Send us a message!
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.