Looking for a delicious and tangy dish to add to your summer menu? Try these Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers! Perfect as a side dish or topping for burgers and salads, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tbsp salt
– 1 tsp black peppercorns
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Fresh dill
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook until sugar and salt are dissolved.
2. Place cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and dill in a large glass jar. Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables.
3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
4. Enjoy your delicious pickled cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers!
**Nutrition Information:**
– Calories: 45
– Total Fat: 0g
– Saturated Fat: 0g
– Cholesterol: 0mg
– Sodium: 586mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 10g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 7g
– Protein: 1g
**Popular Questions:**
1. Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
– Yes, you can use grape or plum tomatoes as a substitute for cherry tomatoes.
2. How long will the pickled vegetables last in the refrigerator?
– The pickled vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
3. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?
– Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes to adjust the spiciness to your taste.
4. Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
– Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute for white vinegar in this recipe.
5. Do I have to use fresh dill, or can I use dried dill?
– Fresh dill is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried dill if fresh is not available.
6. Can I add other vegetables to this pickling mixture?
– You can experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the pickling mixture.
7. What can I serve these pickled vegetables with?
– These pickled vegetables are great as a side dish, topping for sandwiches or salads, or served alongside grilled meats.
8. Can I reuse the pickling liquid for another batch of vegetables?
– You can reuse the pickling liquid once for another batch of pickled vegetables, but it may not be as flavorful.
9. Can I store the pickled vegetables at room temperature?
– It is best to store the pickled vegetables in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
10. Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
– Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of pickled vegetables.
**Helpful Tips:**
1. For extra crunch, try adding some celery or bell peppers to the pickling mixture.
2. Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
3. Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for unique variations.
4. To enhance the color, add a few slices of beetroot to the pickling mixture.
5. Try adding a teaspoon of honey for a slightly sweeter flavor.
6. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives or capers to the pickled vegetables.
7. Serve the pickled vegetables on a charcuterie board for a tasty appetizer.
8. Use the pickled vegetables as a topping for tacos or nachos for a zesty kick.
9. Add a splash of pickle juice to your salad dressings for extra flavor.
10. Use the pickled vegetables to make a refreshing gazpacho soup.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. For the best flavor, allow the pickled vegetables to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
2. Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin slices of cucumber and red onion.
3. Make sure to sterilize your glass jar before adding the vegetables to prevent spoilage.
4. Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to suit your taste preferences.
5. Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense flavor.
6. Experiment with different spices like coriander seeds or fennel seeds for added complexity.
7. Use the pickled vegetables in sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor.
8. Add a splash of the pickling liquid to cocktails for a unique twist.
9. Garnish the pickled vegetables with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
10. Get creative with presentation by layering the pickled vegetables in a mason jar for a colorful and appetizing display.
