Home » Recipes » Side Dish

How to Make Refrigerator Pickles

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.

Refrigerator pickles allow you to quickly make tasty fresh pickles without canning. You don’t need any special equipment or skills! Learn how to make refrigerator dill pickles and find recipes for lots of other pickles too.

Fresh pickles are one of my favorite summer foods. They are crisp and tasty and not soggy like store bought pickles.

Save This Recipe Form

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes each week!

And making quick refrigerator pickles is very quick and easy. It just takes some chopping of vegetables and a five minutes of effort you will have a couple jars of pickles ready to put in your refrigerator.

In this post I go through the basic steps in making refrigerator pickles as I make classic dill pickles. But there are so many other possibilities beyond dill when it comes to pickles, like pickled beets or pickled chard stems.

So the second half of the post I include a round up of 20+ refrigerator pickles recipes – everything from beets to onions to asparagus. Jump right to that section if you are already a quick pickle expert looking for inspiration!

jars of refrigerator pickles - beets, cucumbers and zucchini

Refrigerator Pickles vs Canning

Refrigerator pickles must be kept cold in the refrigerator, and only keep for about 1 month. These are not pickles you can keep on your pantry shelf for six months.

The benefit of refrigerator pickles is that they are so much easier to make than canned pickles. Canning takes huge pots of boiling water, proper sterilization and careful attention to ratios of vinegar to water to salt to sugar.

In addition the hot water processing necessary to preserve pickles in canning makes the pickles softer and less crisp. So there is trade off between preserving for a long time and taste.

When it comes to canning I just can’t be bothered. I like low effort yet great tasting food and that is what refrigerator pickles offer.

pickles on a dish next to a jar of dill pickles

Small Batch Pickles

Refrigerator pickles are made for casual, small batch pickle making. You probably aren’t going to want to make quick pickles from five pounds of cucumbers!

While it is possible to make that many jars of quick pickles, but I don’t have that much room in my refrigerator and there is a limit to how many pickles I can eat in one month!

I usually make one or two jars of pickles at a time. Then when I finish those off I make another couple jars, with different vegetables or different spices.

Equipment Needed

The only special equipment needed for these quick dill pickles is a glass jar with a lid. It does not have to be canning jar. Mason jars used for canning are easy to buy and convenient sizes, but you can use other glass jars.

And if you do use a mason jar you don’t need to use a 2 part sealing lid, because you aren’t going to seal it. So a plastic lid on the jar will work fine as long as it fits tightly.

Ingredients

For these classic refrigerator dill pickles you will need:

  • Cucumber
  • Vinegar – I like to use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for pickling.
  • Water
  • Salt – Pickling salt or Kosher salt will work best.
  • Fresh Dill – You want to use fresh dill for best results. If you don’t have fresh dill then make another kind of pickle, like bread and butter pickles.
  • Garlic
  • Peppercorns
  • Crushed red pepper – Include this to add a little bit of heat to your pickles.

Do I Have to Use Pickling Cucumbers?

You can pickle any kind of fresh cucumber you like, whether it is labeled as a pickling cucumber or not. However pickling cucumbers have been bred to be pickled, so they have advantages.

Pickling cucumbers have thicker skins than ones you’d slice up for a salad. The thicker skin holds up better in the vinegar and the pickles will be crunchier. But use whatever you have!

Step by Step Instructions

While these instructions and pictures are for making one jar of dill pickles the steps are the same for any kind of refrigerator pickle. The only thing that changes is the type of vegetable and spices in the brine.

1. Prepare the Jar and Vegetables

Make sure both the cucumbers and the pickling jar are clean. Wash and dry them both.

slicing cucumbers into pickles

Before you start cutting put the sprigs of dill into the mason jar. Then you can pack the cucumbers right into the jar as you cut.

Slice the cucumber into rounds for the pickles. I like to make my pickles about 1/8 of an inch thick. You don’t want them to be too thin.

filling the jar with cucumbers and dill

You can also cut the cucumbers length wise into spears if you prefer. My family likes round pickle chips instead of spears. Keep slicing the cucumber until the jar or jars are full.

2. Make the Brine

In a small sauce pan combine the water, vinegar, salt, minced garlic, peppercorns and crushed red pepper. Bring it to a boil over low heat.

cooking the brine

For refrigerator pickles a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar is perfect. You can change the type of vinegar to cider vinegar or red wine vinegar to get a different taste, but keep equal parts water and vinegar.

Stir the brine as it boils to dissolve the salt. Once it reaches a boil let it boil for a minute or two and then take it off the heat.

3. Add Brine to Pickles

Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers in the mason jar, making sure the spices go into the jar with the pickles. The brine needs to cover the top of the vegetables.

pouring the brine into a jar of pickles

If there isn’t enough brine to cover the vegetables top it off with hot water to cover the cucumbers. Then put the lid on the jar and let it cool to room temperature before putting it in the refrigerator.

How to Store

The pickles will be ready to eat after only 1 day. Store the jar of pickles in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. The pickles will absorb more vinegar and become less crisp as time goes on.

jar of dill pickles on a cutting board

How to Serve

You can serve these pickles on sandwiches or as a side with dinner. You can also just eat them right of the jar as a snack!

1
jar of pickled beets made with golden beets
Pickled Beets
This homemade pickled beet recipe is ready to eat in hours and is a delicious way to add a sweet taste of summer to your salads.
Check out this recipe
2
Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles
Make these quick and easy bread and butter pickles with no canning equipment or fuss. These homemade pickles are the best for summer sandwiches.
Check out this recipe
3
jar of dilly beans on a cutting board with dill
Quick Pickled Green Beans
These crisp and spicy quick pickled green beans are a fabulous summer treat.
Check out this recipe
4
chard stems in a jar
Pickled Chard Stems
Make bright and colorful pickled chard stems from rainbow chard! See how easy it is to make these quick homemade refrigerator pickles to brighten up your sandwiches.
Check out this recipe
5
jar of quick pickled Mexican onions
Mexican Pickled Onions
Make these quick and easy Mexican pickled onions for a simple yet delicious addition to tacos, salads and more. With a few simple ingredients and half an hour you can create these vibrant, tangy quick pickled red onions that enhance any meal.
Check out this recipe
6
zucchini pickles on a plate
Zucchini Pickles
These quick zucchini pickles are simple to make and delicious. Zucchini are sliced and pickled with dill and spices for an easy refrigerator pickle that takes only 10 minutes to make.
Check out this recipe
7
www.mysequinedlife.com
Refrigerator Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
Refrigerator pickled jalapenos couldn't be easier! These spicy and tangy pepper slices make a great topping for tacos, nachos, and more.
Check out this recipe
8
www.threeolivesbranch.com
Homemade Habanero Garlic Pickles
Spicy, spicy, spicy! Homemade pickles with a hint of garlic and a spicy kick for the spicy food lovers!
Check out this recipe
9
www.rockrecipes.com
Refrigerator Pickles – made with Montreal Steak Spice!
Refrigerator pickles made with Montreal Steak Spice! The quickest, easiest, crunchiest and maybe the most delicious refrigerator pickles you may ever try.
Check out this recipe
10
emilykylenutrition.com
Horseradish Pickles – Quick Refrigerator Style
These spicy homemade horseradish pickles are bursting with bold horseradish flavor and a crispy fresh cucumber crunch for a delicious low-calorie, low-carb, gluten-free savory treat that satisfies every salty, spicy craving.
Check out this recipe
11
www.fittoservegroup.com
Keto Pickled Carrots
Pickled carrots require only a few basic pantry staples. No canning is required when making this simple low carb condiment you can enjoy often.
Check out this recipe
12
bellyrumbles.com
Spiralized Carrot and Zucchini Pickles
Quick carrot and zucchini pickles are fantastic on burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. They are also brilliant in salads and they are quick and easy to make.
Check out this recipe
13
unsophisticook.com
Sweet & Spicy Quick Pickled Veggies
These sweet & spicy quick pickled veggies are a simple mixture of your favorite vegetables submerged in a quick pickle brine with a bit of spice — makes for a super easy, healthy, and flavorful side or condiment.
Check out this recipe
14
www.panningtheglobe.com
Quick Pickled Red Onions
These quick pickled red onions add delicious vinegary crunch to burgers, sandwiches or whatever else you’re serving. They’re super easy to make and they keep for weeks in the fridge.
Check out this recipe
15
hedgecombers.com
Portuguese Marinated Carrot Salad
This Portuguese marinated carrot salad is a flavor explosion ready to pimp every meal. It’s a fantastic side dish that you’ll make again and again.
Check out this recipe
16
hildaskitchenblog.com
Mexican Pickled Carrots Easy Recipe
Mexican pickled carrots are highly addicting and a family favorite! This recipe is very easy to follow and only requires a few simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe
17
www.threeolivesbranch.com
Spicy Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables
Simple and easy pickled vegetables perfect for your banh mi or a condiment for your favorite foods! Daikon radish and carrots are made spicy with serrano.
Check out this recipe
18
www.farmfreshfeasts.com
Spicy Asian-inspired Kohlrabi Pickle Spears
Spicy, tangy, crunchy and zippy, these quick pickled kohlrabi spears wake up your appetite.
Check out this recipe
19
www.greedygourmet.com
Courgette (Zucchini) Pickles
Stumped with the glut of zucchini every summer? This Zucchini Pickle is a great way to use them up to be enjoyed later!
Check out this recipe
20
www.krumpli.co.uk
Pickled Daikon
This pickled daikon is insanely quick, super tasty and perfect alongside a whole host of different meals!
Check out this recipe
21
itsavegworldafterall.com
Pickled Red Cabbage
Pickled Red Cabbage is easy to make and a versatile condiment for tacos, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.
Check out this recipe
22
www.theroastedroot.net
Pickled Peppers
An easy tutorial on how to make pickled peppers at home. This fun and simple recipe is perfect for those who are new to canning and enjoy a little spice.
Check out this recipe
23
hildaskitchenblog.com
Pickled Jerusalem Artichoke (Pickled Sunchokes)
In this Jerusalem Artichokes Recipe, I'll be sharing my favorite way to enjoy these surprisingly sweet and nutty tubers, pickled!
Check out this recipe
24
bellyfull.net
Pickled Eggs
Pickled Eggs are a perfect lip-smacking snack or condiment for salad, made from hard boiled eggs soaking in a sweet and tangy vinegar marinade. This old fashioned recipe is so easy and so good!
Check out this recipe
25
homespunseasonalliving.com
Pickled Purslane
Save those weeds from the garden and turn them into delicious pickles for sandwiches and side dishes with this pickled purslane recipe.
Check out this recipe
26
www.vegrecipesofindia.com
Lemon Pickles
Pickles aren't just for vegetables! Make super easy lemon pickles with just 4 ingredients.
Check out this recipe
27
www.sidewalkshoes.com
Asparagus Refrigerator Pickles
Asparagus makes delicious refrigerator pickles! These are tart and crisp and require no canning! Pickled in a wine brine, these asparagus pickles are perfect for brunch, snacks, on a charcuterie board or as a side dish.
Check out this recipe
28
Lime Pickled Radishes
This recipe uses lime juice instead of vinegar for a tasty southwestern flavored pickle. Perfect for serving with tacos!
Check out this recipe
29
jar of pickled tomatoes
Pickled Green Tomatoes
These green cherry tomatoes are pickled with vinegar, garlic, dill and red pepper for a tasty bite size refrigerator pickle.
Check out this recipe
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

1 thought on “How to Make Refrigerator Pickles”

Leave a Comment