Easy Balsamic Pickled Red Onions & How To Use Them!

by Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN | Apr 4, 2024 | Salads & Grain Bowls, Sauces, Salad Dressings, & Vinaigrettes, Snack & Side Dishes | 0 comments

These easy Balsamic Pickled Onions feature thinly sliced red onions quickly pickled in a balsamic vinegar brine. 
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!

Easy Balsamic Pickled Onions

If you are a pickle fan, you will love this recipe! These easy Balsamic Pickled Onions feature thinly sliced red onions quickly pickled in a balsamic vinegar brine. 

Infused with a tangy-sweet essence, the onions absorb the flavorful liquid, transforming into a versatile condiment. Quick to prepare, they effortlessly elevate your culinary creations, adding depth and complexity to your dishes.

 

Red tinted Balsamic Pickled Onions with a spoon in a white bowl

Why You Will Love These Balsamic Pickled Onions 

Add this Balsamic Picked Onions recipe to your refrigerator condiment repertoire! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy these delicious picked onions with a variety of dishes. 

 

While this recipe offers quick pickling, allowing the flavors to meld for about an hour, the true magic happens overnight. For optimal taste, exercise patience and indulge in these delectable onions the following day.

 

Ingredients in Quick Pickle Balsamic Onions

Below are the ingredients for this easy quick-pickled onion. 

  • Red onions (or white onions)
  • Balsamic Vinegar & White Vinegar 
  • Honey or Maple Syrup/brown sugar
  • Pickling Salt
  • Mustard Seeds
  • Optional: while garlic cloves red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, cinnamon stick

 

Step – By – Step Instructions for Making Easy Pickled Red Onions

 

Slice Onions: With a sharp knife, peel and thinly slice the red onions. Then, place the sliced onions in a clean jar.

Prepare Pickling Liquid: In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, honey, salt, mustard seeds, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat until sugar and salt dissolve.

Pickle Onions: Pour the balsamic vinegar brine over the onions in the jar. Let cool to room temperature.

Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Serving Suggestions: Bring dishes to the next level by using these homemade pickled red onions as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.

These tangy onions add a burst of flavor and a lot of savory notes to your favorite dishes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

 

Balsamic Pickled Onions in a bowl with a spoon

How To Use Balsamic Pickled Onions

 

These balsamic onions are the perfect topping in many applications. Some of my favorite ways to use them include:

  • Charcuterie Board (one of my favorite appetizers)
  • Spooned over Avocado Toast
  • Tossed in a salad
  • As a side dish for baked fish or chicken
  • Incorporated into your favorite grain bowls
  • A topping for fish tacos

However, my ultimate favorite way to savor Balsamic Pickled Onions is nestled within a hearty, veggie-packed sandwich!

 

Red Balsamic Pickled Onions in a mason jar with a spoon on an off white background

FAQ about Easy Pickled Red Onions (Ask A Dietitian!)

Can I use balsamic vinegar for pickling?

 

Yes, balsamic vinegar is a great option for pickling. To balance cost and flavor, I often blend it with more affordable distilled white vinegar. This combination offers a rich depth of taste without overwhelming the vegetables being pickled. 

Are picked onions good or bad for you?

 

Pickled onions are a flavorful addition to your diet and offer some health benefits! Low in calories yet bursting with flavor, they serve as a versatile addition to your meals. Rich in antioxidants, they support overall health, and if fermented, they provide probiotics, promoting gut health and digestion!

Do you have to cook onions before pickling?

 

No, you do not need to cook onions before pickling. I prefer to slice them raw and add them directly to the jar. Then, I pour the hot pickling brine overtop before sealing. 

While some recipes may call for blanching the onions in boiling water before picking, I prefer crunchy pickled onions. So, it’s entirely up to your taste and crunch preference.

Top down view of balsamic picked onions in a mason jar with a spoon sticking out from the top

More Recipes!

Quick and Easy Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad

Easy Italian Grinder Salad (Viral Tik Tok Recipe)

Jacob’s Black Bean Burger Salad

Red tinted Balsamic Pickled Onions with a spoon in a white bowl

Balsamic Pickled Onions

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
If you are a pickle fan, you will love this recipe! These easy Balsamic Pickled Onions feature thinly sliced red onions quickly pickled in a balsamic vinegar brine. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 56 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sauce Pan
  • 16oz jar with lid

Ingredients
  

  • 1 red onion
  • ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp pickling salt
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 4 garlic cloves

Instructions
 

Prepare Pickling Liquid

  • In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, honey, salt, mustard seeds, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat until sugar and salt dissolve.

Pickle Onions

  • Pour the balsamic vinegar brine over the onions in the jar. Let cool to room temperature.

Seal and Refrigerate

  • Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Serving

  • Bring dishes to the next level by using these homemade pickled red onions as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 878mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword pickled
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Sarah Harper in her kitchen with a cutting board, broccoli, carrots, and a fruit bowl.
Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!

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