This no cook quick pickled red onion recipe is an easy, colorful, crunchy and tangy condiment to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, or salads.

Quick pickled onions take about 5 minutes to make, has no sugar, and there is no cooking involved.

Side view of a clear pint jar of marinated sliced red onion in liquid.

Quick Pickled Red Onion Recipe FAQS

This quick pickled red onion recipe is for one medium onion and makes 1 pint jar.

Pickled red onions stay good in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for ~ 10 days.

Quick brined onions are easy to make. The only trick is to let it set at room temperature for 30 minutes and stir a couple times to speed up the wilting / marinating of the onions.

Ingredients on a wood cutting board: whole red onion, measuring cup of ¾ cider vinegar, green mandolin, chef's knife, and wood bowl of salt. — *3 Ingredient quick pickled onion recipe: red onion, apple cider vinegar, and salt.*

Variations Of No Cook Quick Pickled Red Onions

The pickled red onion recipe is versatile. Try adding different spices or herbs:

all spice, cumin, turmeric
fresh or dried bay leaves
cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper for heat
mustard seeds, fennel seeds
fresh or dry dill, parsley, sage

A pile of thin sliced red onions on a wood cutting board with a measuring cup of vinegar in the background.

No Cook Quick Pickled Onions

A lot of pickled recipes pour a hot vinegar, salt, and sugar brine over the top of the main ingredient.

Somedays, I don't even want to boil water - this quick pickled red onion recipe is not cooked, tastes just as good, and takes no time.

Top view of sliced red onions in a white bowl unmarinated. — *Mix together the sliced onion, vinegar, and salt. Stir and wait 30 minutes.*

No Sugar Pickled Red Onions

This pickled red onion has no sugar. I don't see the point and don't value the addition of sugar to most things other than sweets 🙂

Having said that, add a touch of sugar is that how you do!

Top view of sliced marinated (wilted) red onions in a white bowl. — *After 30 minutes of marinating at room temperature.*

Slicing Onions For Pickling

Use good knives or a mandolin if you're comfortable with them for thinly slicing onions for pickling.

Mandolins are so useful for fast, uniform, and thin slices. They can be dangerous so make sure to use the finger guard.

Don't worry if you're onions end up being thicker slices. It will just need to marinate longer.

Top view of toast topped with a chunky egg salad and pickled red onions on a white plate with napkin and fork on the side. — *Quick pickled red onions used as a garnish / condiment on chunky egg salad toast.*

Things In My Kitchen:

Mandolin - Perfect for slicing the onions real thin. Watch your fingers!

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