Looking for a simple way to add a tangy, crunchy, and refreshing element to your meals? These quick pickled cucumbers are the answer.

Unlike traditional canning, this recipe requires no special equipment or long waits. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of delicious refrigerator cuke-pickles ready to elevate everything from sandwiches and burgers to salads and charcuterie boards.

This post is sponsored by NatureSweet®.

This recipe uses NatureSweet® Starlight baby cucumbers, which are perfectly sized for pickling and have a tender, crisp texture. The briny-sweet vinegar solution, combined with fresh dill and a kick of red pepper flakes, creates a flavor that is both vibrant and addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Fast: Go from cucumbers to pickles in under 30 minutes.
• Easy & Beginner-Friendly: No canning or complicated steps in the process.
• Versatile: Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, charcuterie boards and more!
• Made with Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, spice, and herbs to your liking.

Tips for Perfect Pickled Cucumbers

• Use Fresh Cucumbers: For the best crunch, use fresh, firm cucumbers.
• Add More Flavor: Feel free to add a sliced garlic clove, a bay leaf, or some peppercorns to the brine for extra flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can easily adjust the sugar level to make the pickles more sweet or more tangy.
• Don’t Overcook the Brine: The goal is just to dissolve the sugar and salt, not to boil the mixture for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my pickles not crunchy?

This is a common issue! The most likely culprit is the type of cucumber you used. For the best crunch, you should always use fresh, firm cucumbers or the small baby cucumbers from the recipe.

Cucumbers that have been sitting in the refrigerator for a while or regular slicing cucumbers with high water content tend to get soggy. The brining process can also make the cucumbers softer over time, which is why it’s best to enjoy these pickles within the first week.

How long do quick pickles last in the refrigerator?

Quick pickled cucumbers are best enjoyed fresh, but they will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor and crunch will be at their peak within the first few days. After a week, you may notice that they will begin to lose some of their crispness.

Can I reuse the pickling brine?

Yes, you can! The pickling brine can be reused to make a new batch. Simply bring the old brine back to a boil, and once it’s boiling, pour it over a new batch of fresh cucumbers.

However, keep in mind that the flavor will not be as potent as the first time, so you may need to add a little extra vinegar, sugar, or spices to taste. It’s best to reuse the brine within a week of its first use.

What kind of cucumbers should I use?

For quick pickling, it’s best to use firm, thin-skinned, and low-moisture cucumbers. The NatureSweet® Starlight baby cucumbers from the original recipe are also perfect because of their tender skins and ideal size. Avoid using large slicing cucumbers, as their seeds and high water content can lead to a mushy final product.

Why did my pickling brine turn cloudy?

A slightly cloudy brine is often harmless and can happen if the sugar or salt hasn’t fully dissolved, or if there were some impurities from the cucumber skins. If you notice a very milky or cloudy brine that wasn’t there initially, it could be a sign of bacterial growth or fermentation, in which case it’s best to discard the batch to be safe.

Flavor Variations for Quick Pickled Cucumbers

This base recipe is fantastic on its own, but you can easily customize the flavor to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Garlic Pickles: Add 2-3 cloves of sliced garlic and increase the red pepper flakes to 1 tablespoon for an extra kick.
• Sweet and Tangy Pickles: Increase the granulated sugar to ⅓ cup and add a pinch of mustard seeds for a classic sweet pickle flavor.
• Dilly-icious Pickles: For a powerful dill flavor, add an extra tablespoon of fresh dill and 1 teaspoon of whole dill seeds to the brine.
• Herby Pickles: Replace the fresh dill with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary and a teaspoon of whole peppercorns for an earthy, savory flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Pickles: Use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar and add a teaspoon of sesame oil and a pinch of ginger for an umami-rich twist.
• Sweet and Sour: Use half apple cider vinegar and half rice vinegar, and add a few whole cloves for a complex, balanced taste.

Quick-pickled cucumbers are incredibly versatile and can add a bright, tangy crunch to a wide variety of meals. Their zesty flavor makes them a perfect accent for both simple and complex dishes.

Here are some of the most popular ways to serve and eat them:

In Sandwiches, Wraps, and Burgers

This is one of the most classic uses. The crisp, tangy flavor cuts through the richness of meats and cheeses.

• Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers: A few slices on top add a refreshing bite.
• Sandwiches: Layer them into chicken salad, tuna salad, chickpea salad or any deli meat sandwich for extra flavor and crunch.
• Wraps and Pitas: Add them to wraps with falafel, hummus, or grilled chicken.

As a Side or Snack

You can enjoy them on their own or as a simple accompaniment to a main course.

• Snack: Eat them straight from the jar for a quick, healthy snack.
• Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, or barbecue for a tangy contrast.

In Salads and Bowls

Their texture and flavor can elevate simple salads and grain bowls.

• Green Salads: Toss them into a simple green salad for a pop of flavor.
• Grain Bowls: Add them to a rice or quinoa bowl with roasted vegetables and your protein of choice.
• Pasta and Potato Salad: Chop them up and mix them into creamy pasta or potato salads for a zesty twist.

As a Topping or Garnish

Use them to add a finishing touch to a main dish.

• Hot Dogs: They make a perfect topping for hot dogs or sausages.
• Tacos and Nachos: Their acidity is a great way to balance the richness of tacos and nachos.
• Tuna or Chicken Salad: Mix them into your salad for an extra layer of flavor.

On Platters

They are a great addition to any appetizer or snack board.

• Charcuterie Boards: Place a small bowl of them on a charcuterie board to pair with cheeses and cured meats.
• Meze Platters: Serve them with hummus, pita bread, olives, and other Mediterranean-inspired dips.

More Pickling Recipes

• Mushrooms
• Red Onions
• Bell Peppers
• Radishes
• Cherries

Ingredients Needed for Quick Pickled Cucumbers

• 1 16 oz package NatureSweet® Starlight baby cucumbers
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 ½-2 tbsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup water, hot from the tap
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

How to Make Pickled Cucumbers

Prepare the Cucumbers Wash and slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch rounds. Place the sliced cucumbers into a clean glass jar or airtight container.

Make the Brine Place all the ingredients into a wide-mouth mason jar. Be sure to use hot water so that it dissolves the sugar.

Chill Place it in the refrigerator.

Serve and Enjoy! The pickles will be ready to enjoy in as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let them chill for at least an hour. They will become more flavorful as they sit. Store the pickled cucumbers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

These quick-pickled cucumbers are a game-changer for anyone who loves a bit of tang and crunch. With their vibrant flavor and satisfying texture, they are a simple addition that can elevate almost any meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious results!

Why We Choose NatureSweet®

Innovation isn’t just about growing sweeter fruits and veggies or bringing more of it to the produce section. True to its name, NatureSweet® grounds itself in the belief that caring for the planet is one of the most important things it can do as a company. They focus on minimizing their carbon footprint and going out of their way to protect natural resources. NatureSweet® prides itself in always Doing What’s Right.

And they do it all while supporting and empowering the people who make it possible, from the farm to the supply chain and beyond. 

More Cucumber Recipes

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• Watermelon Salad Cups
• Cucumber Tomato Salad with Basil
• Watermelon Cucumber Salad
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