Sweet Sour Pickled Cucumber Recipe for Easy Homemade Snacks

Pickled cucumbers have long been a beloved staple in cuisines worldwide, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that complements countless dishes. The sweet and sour pickled cucumber recipe takes this classic favorite up a notch by balancing tangy vinegar with a touch of sweetness, creating a refreshing and addictive treat.

Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a tangy side, or a vibrant addition to sandwiches and salads, these pickles bring a wonderful complexity to your palate. Plus, making your own pickles at home allows you to customize the sweetness and sourness exactly to your liking, using fresh cucumbers and simple pantry ingredients.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow sweet and sour pickled cucumber recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. From selecting the best cucumbers to mastering the perfect brine, you’ll discover tips and variations to make your pickling experience a success.

Let’s dive into the world of homemade pickles that will brighten your meals and impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sweet and sour pickled cucumber recipe is a wonderful blend of flavors that perfectly balances tartness with a hint of sugar. The cucumbers retain their crispness thanks to a quick pickling method, making them ideal for immediate enjoyment or as a fridge pickle to develop deeper flavors over time.

Not only is this recipe incredibly easy, but it’s also versatile. You can customize the spices and sweetness level to suit your taste.

Plus, it uses common ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re a pickling pro or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guarantees delicious results every time.

Additionally, homemade pickles are a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, free from preservatives and artificial flavors. They’re also perfect for adding a zing to sandwiches, salads, and even as a snack on their own.

If you’re interested in more fresh and healthy recipes, check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or try the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food for a warming meal.

Ingredients

• 4 medium cucumbers (kirby or pickling cucumbers, sliced into rounds or spears)
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon dill seeds or 2-3 sprigs fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Equipment

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 quart-sized glass jar or 2 smaller jars with lids
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or tongs for packing cucumbers

Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into rounds or spears depending on your preference. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Add spices: Into the glass jar(s), layer the sliced garlic, mustard seeds, dill seeds or fresh dill, red pepper flakes (if using), and sliced onion if desired. These spices will infuse the cucumbers with their signature flavors.
4. Pack cucumbers into jar: Using a spoon or tongs, tightly pack the cucumber slices into the jar, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
5. Pour brine over cucumbers: Carefully pour the warm brine into the jar, covering the cucumbers completely. Use a spoon to press them down gently if needed to submerge fully.
6. Seal and cool: Place the lid on the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pickles for at least 24 hours before eating. For best flavor, wait 2-3 days.
7. Enjoy: Your sweet and sour pickled cucumbers are ready to enjoy! Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips & Variations

“For crisper pickles, soak sliced cucumbers in ice water for 1 hour before pickling.”

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding a few slices of fresh ginger or a cinnamon stick can introduce unique layers of flavor.

If you prefer a spicier pickle, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.

If you want to try a fermented version, leave the cucumbers in the brine at room temperature for 3-5 days to develop natural probiotics, then refrigerate.

For a lower sugar option, reduce the granulated sugar to 1/4 cup or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Just remember to adjust the taste accordingly.

Looking for more flavorful vegetarian recipes? Check out the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Sweet and sour pickled cucumbers are incredibly versatile. Serve them chilled as a tangy snack or alongside your favorite sandwiches and burgers for a refreshing crunch.

They pair exceptionally well with creamy dishes like potato salad or as a zesty topping on grilled vegetables.

You can also chop them up and add to salads for an extra burst of flavor or use as a garnish for tacos and wraps. Their bright flavor contrasts beautifully with rich, savory foods.

For more easy and healthy meal ideas that complement pickles, explore the 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals and the Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious.

Conclusion

Making your own sweet and sour pickled cucumbers is a rewarding way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your kitchen. This recipe combines the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, preserving the crisp texture of fresh cucumbers with a simple, homemade brine.

Whether you’re a seasoned pickle lover or new to DIY pickling, this straightforward recipe will become a go-to for quick, delicious pickles that brighten any meal.

Not only do these pickled cucumbers add a burst of flavor, but they also offer a fun and easy way to experiment with spices and customization. Plus, they make fantastic gifts or party snacks that are sure to impress.

Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes on our site to complement your pickling adventures and enjoy a variety of wholesome, flavorful dishes.

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