Pickled Red Onion Recipe No Sugar For Easy Healthy Flavor

Pickled red onions are a vibrant, tangy, and crunchy addition to many dishes, from salads to sandwiches and tacos. They add a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color that can elevate simple meals to something special.

However, many traditional recipes call for sugar to balance out the acidity, which may not suit everyone’s dietary preferences or needs.

This pickled red onion recipe with no sugar is a fantastic alternative that relies on natural sweetness from the onions themselves and the perfect balance of vinegar and spices. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile.

Whether you’re looking to add a zingy topping to your favorite vegan dishes or just want a healthy condiment, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, equipment, step-by-step instructions, plus tips to make the best pickled onions without any added sugar. Ready to brighten up your meals?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sugar-free pickled red onion recipe is not only healthy but also quick to prepare. Using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can make a flavorful condiment in minutes that lasts for weeks in the fridge.

Benefits include:

• No added sugar: Perfect for those managing sugar intake or following low-sugar diets.
• Quick and easy: Ready to eat in just a few hours, but best after 24 hours.
• Versatile: Great on salads, tacos, sandwiches, roasted veggies, and more.
• Long-lasting: Keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
• Natural flavors: Bright, tangy, with a hint of spice from peppercorns and bay leaves.

Ingredients

• 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt)
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• Optional: 1 teaspoon mustard seeds or coriander seeds for extra flavor

Equipment

• Glass jar (16 oz or larger) with a lid, clean and dry
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer for slicing onions thinly
• Small saucepan to heat vinegar mixture
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the onions: Peel and thinly slice the red onions into rings or half-moons using a sharp knife or mandoline. The thinner, the better for quick pickling.
2. Mix the pickling liquid: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, and salt. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat until the salt dissolves completely.
3. Add the spices: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the black peppercorns, bay leaves, and optional mustard or coriander seeds. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
4. Pack the onions: Place the sliced onions into your clean glass jar, packing them tightly but without crushing.
5. Pour over the liquid: Carefully pour the warm vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a spoon to press the onions down if needed.
6. Seal and cool: Screw the lid on tightly and allow the jar to cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate: Place the jar in the fridge for at least 2 hours before using, ideally 24 hours for best flavor development.
8. Enjoy: Your pickled red onions are ready to brighten up any meal! They will keep fresh for up to 3 weeks refrigerated.

Tips & Variations

“For even quicker pickles, slice the onions thinner and let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour before refrigerating.”

• Try experimenting with different vinegar types, such as red wine vinegar or rice vinegar, for unique flavor profiles.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill for aromatic twists.
• If you prefer a little heat, toss in a dried chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• For a slight natural sweetness without sugar, add a few slices of fresh apple or pear to the jar.
• Use red onions for their color and mild sweetness, but white or yellow onions work well too.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Pickled red onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways to enhance your meals:

• Top off vegan tacos or burritos for a tangy crunch.
• Add to salads like a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for extra zing.
• Use as a vibrant garnish on roasted vegetables or grain bowls.
• Include in sandwiches or wraps with hummus and fresh veggies.
• Serve alongside grilled or roasted plant-based proteins from recipes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.
• Mix into vegan potato salads for a fresh, bright flavor contrast.

Conclusion

This no sugar pickled red onion recipe is a simple, natural, and delicious way to add flavor and color to your meals without compromising your dietary goals. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a healthy alternative to traditional sweet pickles while still enjoying that signature tang and crunch.

By using common pantry ingredients and a handful of spices, you can whip up a batch in no time and keep it handy in your fridge for weeks. Whether you’re a vegan, on a low-sugar diet, or simply love bold flavors, these pickled onions will quickly become your go-to condiment.

For more great plant-based meal inspiration, check out our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals or cozy up with a bowl of Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food. Happy pickling!

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