Quick Pickled Avocado Recipe
Nov 01, 2025
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Looking to pickle something new? Quick Pickled Avocados (aka Pickle-cados) are your next kitchen obsession. This bright, tangy twist turns firm avocados into flavorful refrigerator pickles that hold their texture beautifully. Zesty, slightly spicy, and perfectly punchy, they’re a fresh way to join the pickled produce craze—and add a pop of flavor to any meal.
This simple, vibrant recipe transforms firm avocados into a tangy and incredibly addictive refrigerator pickle. They maintain a wonderful texture and offer a bright, acidic contrast that your favorite meals have been missing.
This recipe is sponsored by Westfalia Fruit.
This quick-pickling method requires no special canning equipment and is ready to enjoy in just a few hours. If you enjoy pickled recipes, check out our Pickled Mushrooms, Pickled Cherries, Quick & Easy Pickled Radishes, Quick Pickled Cucumbers, Pickled Bell Peppers and Pickled Red Onion recipes!
New to pickling? Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions to ensure your pickled avocados turn out perfect!
Can I use ripe avocados?
No, use firm and slightly under-ripe avocados. Ripe avocados are too soft and will become mushy in the pickling liquid. The best texture comes from avocados that are still quite firm to the touch. The brining process will soften them slightly while the vinegar preserves their structure.
Is this a “canning” recipe? How long will they last?
This is a “quick pickle” or “refrigerator pickle” recipe, not a shelf-stable canning recipe. Because it is not processed in a water bath canner, it must be stored in the refrigerator and typically lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. Always discard if you see signs of mold, unusual smell, or excessive sliminess.
Do I need to use salt?
While the original recipe didn’t list it, adding a small amount of Kosher or pickling salt (1 tsp is recommended) is standard in pickling. Salt is vital for flavor balance and, more importantly, helps to firm the texture of the vegetable being pickled. Avoid using regular table salt, as the anti-caking agents can make your brine cloudy.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
Use a vinegar with at least 5% acidity (which most distilled white vinegar and apple cider vinegar have). You can switch between the two based on flavor preference:
- White Vinegar: Provides the cleanest, sharpest “pickle” flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a slightly milder, fruitier undertone.
Never alter the ratio of vinegar to water in a pickling recipe, as the acidity level is crucial for safety and preservation.
Why did my avocados turn brown/dark?
While the brine helps to prevent browning better than simply cutting and leaving the avocado out, a slight color change is still possible. It is most often due to oxidation or the natural pigments reacting with ingredients like garlic or spices. As long as you are using firm, good-quality avocados and keeping them submerged in the acidic brine, a slight color change is normal and are still safe and delicious.
How to Enjoy Your Pickled Avocados
These tangy, spicy avocado pickles add a delightful pop of flavor to so many dishes! Forget plain avocado slices—upgrade your meal with this zesty kick.
- Tacos, Burritos, and Nachos: The vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of meats and cheeses, making them a perfect topping for any Tex-Mex dish.
- Sandwiches and Burgers: Use them in place of or alongside traditional pickles for a creamy, tangy crunch. They are phenomenal on a grilled cheese or a pulled pork sandwich.
- Salads and Grain Bowls: Chop and sprinkle them over your favorite greens or warm grain bowls for a briny boost.
- Avocado Toast Reinvented: Pile them high on sourdough or whole-grain toast for a simple, sensational breakfast or snack.
- By the Forkful: Seriously, they are so good you’ll find yourself eating them straight from the jar as a snack!
Pickled Avocado Variations
Get creative with your brine and spices to find your favorite flavor profile!
- Garlic & Herb: Add 2-3 cloves of sliced fresh garlic and swap the red pepper flakes for 1-2 teaspoons of whole peppercorns (black, white, or rainbow).
- Asian-Inspired: Use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of chili-garlic paste to the brine.
- Sweet & Smoky: Swap the red pepper flakes for 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and use a blend of white and brown sugar for the sweetener.
- Extra Crisp: Adding a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of mustard seeds to the jar can help maintain firmness.
Ingredients Needed For Pickled Avocados
- 4 Westalia Fruit Avocados
- 2 tbsp peppercorns
- 1 ½-2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed or roughly chopped
- 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water hot from the tap
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
How To Make Homemade Pickled Avocados
Prep the Avocados: Peel the firm avocados, remove the pits, and slice them into 1/2-inch thick spears or cubes. Place the sliced avocado into a clean glass jar (a wide-mouth pint jar works well) or a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Add Flavorings: Sprinkle the peppercorns, garlic and the red pepper flakes directly over the avocados in the jar. If using salt (recommended), add it here.
Make the Brine: To the mason jar, combine the vinegar, hot water, and sugar. Stir gently until sugar has dissolved into the water mixture.
Cool and Chill: Let the jar cool uncovered on the counter until it reaches room temperature (about 30-60 minutes). Once cooled, seal the jar tightly and transfer it to the refrigerator.
Enjoy: For the best flavor, allow the avocados to pickle for at least 3 hours, but 24 hours is ideal. They will last refrigerated for up to 1-2 weeks.
Why We Love Westfalia Fruit
For more than 75 years, Westfalia Fruit has been a trusted global supplier of fresh fruit and plant-based products — widely recognized as the “Avo Expert.”
The people behind Westfalia Fruit bring this purpose to life every day. Their talent, commitment, and passion to do good make Westfalia Fruit a leading force and innovator in the avocado industry.
With sustainability at the heart of everything they do, Westfalia Fruit is dedicated to improving water and energy efficiency, using waste materials for new products, and developing sustainable packaging. Their dedication to quality and responsible practices is reflected in a wide range of global certifications and accreditations.
More Great Avocado Recipes
- Bacon Guacamole Keto Fat Bombs
- Halloween Spiderweb Guacamole
- Avocado Tortilla Soup
- Dill Pickle Guacamole
- Avocado Mint Smoothie
- Guacamole Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Avocado Blueberry Muffins
Quick Pickled Avocados
Ingredients
- 4 Westalia Avocados
- 2 tbsp peppercorns
- 3 whole garlic cloves smashed or roughly chopped
- 1 ½-2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water hot from the tap
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prep the Avocados: Peel the firm avocados, remove the pits, and slice them into 1/2-inch thick spears or cubes. Place the sliced avocado into a clean glass jar (a wide-mouth pint jar works well) or a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Add Flavorings: Sprinkle the peppercorns, garlic and the red pepper flakes directly over the avocados in the jar. If using salt (recommended), add it here.
- Make the Brine: To the mason jar, combine the vinegar, hot water, and sugar. Stir gently until sugar has dissolved into the water mixture.
- Cool and Chill: Let the jar cool uncovered on the counter until it reaches room temperature (about 30-60 minutes). Once cooled, seal the jar tightly and transfer it to the refrigerator.
- Enjoy: For the best flavor, allow the avocados to pickle for at least 3 hours, but 24 hours is ideal. They will last refrigerated for up to 1-2 weeks.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
