These quick Pickled Cucumbers are crunchy and tangy, and will add bright, refreshing flavor to any dish! Serve these on top of tacos, salads or sandwiches. They take just minutes to prepare!
Learn how to make quick pickled cucumbers with 5 key ingredients in 3 easy steps! This easy recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again. Enjoy pickled cucumbers on sandwiches, salads or on their own as a low-calorie snack.
These are loaded with the bright and fresh taste of vinegar, a hint of sweetness from the sugar and garlic and just enough spice from red pepper flakes. They will elevate any barbecue or picnic and be such a crowd-pleaser!
Try our quick pickled red onions and quick pickled jalapeños next!
Ingredients you’ll need
This quick pickled cucumbers recipe is a breeze to make, and a great way to use up cucumbers from your garden or ones that might be sitting in your fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cucumbers: I like to use Persian cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers due to their short shape and skin which makes them perfect for pickling. They make perfect spears that will usually fit right into mason jars.
- Brine: White vinegar and water will be the base of the brine for soaking the cucumbers.
- Sugar: Balances the salty flavors and adds the perfect hint of sweetness.
- Extra flavorings: Salt will enhance all of the flavors while the optional red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and the garlic can be added for extra flavor.
Variations and substitutions
- Other cucumbers will work: If you don’t have Persian or Kirby cucumbers available, you can use English, American, or another type of cucumber.
- Vinegar: Swap the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar, if preferred.
- Other flavorings to add: You can add any extra flavorings from fresh dill (sprigs and flowers), peppercorns, or any other herbs or seasonings.
- Add other vegetables: You can add some julienned carrots or slices of bell pepper to the mix, if you’d like.
How to make this recipe
Pickling cucumbers makes them perfectly sweet, salty and briny. The process could not be easier, so get your jars ready for deliciousness.
Prep the cucumbers: Slice cucumbers into ⅛’’ rounds or cut lengthwise into spears.
Stir ingredients together: Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl or large mason jar. Stir until the salt and sugar have fully dissolved; taste and adjust to your liking.
Finish by adding the cucumbers and store: Add the cucumber and garlic to the brine and cover with the liquid. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Helpful tips
- Serve with: Zesty pickled cucumbers are great paired with burgers and sandwiches like this black bean burger or an ultimate Nashville hot chicken sandwich. They also make a great snack alongside a picnic spread.
- Not for canning: This pickled cucumber recipe is not meant for canning, so you’ll want to store these in the fridge.
Recipes using Quick Pickles
- Big Mac Salad
- Creamy Egg Salad
- Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
- Smash Burger Tacos
- Creamy Pasta Salad
Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Ingredients
- 3-4 Persian or Kirby cucumbers
- 1 cup white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers into ⅛’’ rounds or cut lengthwise into spears.
- Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl or large mason jar. Stir until the salt and sugar have fully dissolved; taste and adjust to your liking.
- Add the cucumber and garlic to the brine and cover with the liquid.
- Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. These cucumbers will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe by: Layla Atik // Gimme Delicious | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to sterilize the jars for quick pickled cucumbers?
No, there is no need to sterilize the jars. Do make sure that the jar(s) that you use are very clean, though!
Can you reuse the pickle brine for new pickles?
I wouldn’t recommend reusing the juice/brine. It might affect the quality and freshness of your cucumbers. The brine is quick to make and very inexpensive.
How long does it take to pickle cucumbers?
You can eat these cucumbers an hour after you make and refrigerate them. They will have loads of pickled flavor. Leaving them in the fridge overnight will give the flavors a chance to develop and strengthen even more.
Storage recommendations
Store your cucumbers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
