Zesty Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Onions, & Cucumbers: Easy Summer Recipe 🍅🧅🥒🧂
1. Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate guide on making pickled cherry tomatoes and vegetables that bring a burst of flavor to your summer table. This easy summer recipe features a zesty blend of pickled cherry tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, perfect for adding a tangy crunch to salads, sandwiches, or just enjoying on their own. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or trying your hand at pickled cucumbers and pickled onions for the first time, this recipe guarantees delicious results with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the refreshing world of homemade pickles!
2. Ingredients for Zesty Pickled Cherry Tomatoes and Vegetables
- 2 cups pickled cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup pickled onions
- 1 cup pickled cucumbers
- 4 cups apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt (preferably pickling or kosher salt)
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra zing)
- Fresh dill or other herbs (optional for added flavor)
3. Preparing Your Jars and Vegetables
Clean and Sterilize Jars
To ensure your pickled cherry tomatoes and vegetables stay fresh, start by sterilizing your jars. Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water, then sterilize by boiling in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle. Let them dry completely before filling. For extra convenience, consider using a jar sterilization kit.
Prepare Your Vegetables
Wash all vegetables carefully. For pickled cherry tomatoes, select ripe, firm cherry tomatoes. For pickled onions, peel and thinly slice red onions. For pickled cucumbers, slice into rounds or spears based on preference. These steps are essential for a crisp, flavorful pickle experience.
4. Making the Pickling Brine
Combine Vinegar, Water, and Spices
In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. This zesty pickled brine is the key to achieving tangy, flavorful pickles.
Add Aromatics and Spices
Add garlic slices, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and herbs (like dill) to the boiling brine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavors. This infused brine will give your pickled cherry tomatoes and vegetables their distinctive zest. For faster prep, consider using the quick pickled onion recipe as a shortcut.
5. Filling Jars with Vegetables and Pouring the Brine
Layer Your Vegetables in Jars
Place your prepared pickled cherry tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers evenly into the sterilized jars. Pack them tightly but leave about 1/2 inch headspace to allow for the brine.
Pour the Hot Brine
Carefully pour the hot zesty pickling brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars or using a non-metallic object. Seal the jars with sterilized lids. For more tips on jar sealing, visit refrigerator pickles.
6. Cooling, Storing, and Fermentation Time
Allow to Cool and Pickle
Let the jars cool to room temperature before refrigerating. For the best flavor, allow the pickled cherry tomatoes and vegetables to sit for at least 24 hours. For deeper flavor, wait 3-5 days; the longer they sit, the more zestful they become. Keep in mind that marinating them longer enhances taste.
Storage Tips for Your Homemade Pickles
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry if the jars are processed in a boiling water bath. Otherwise, keep them refrigerated. Properly stored, these pickled cherry tomatoes and vegetables can last up to 2 months. To keep your fresh pickled vegetables crisp longer, consider using a high-quality rapid chill drink maker.
7. Serving Suggestions and Usage Ideas
Enjoy your pickled cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, and pickled cucumbers as a vibrant addition to salads, sandwiches, tacos, or charcuterie boards. Their zesty flavor adds a delightful crunch and tang that enhances any meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle with fresh herbs or serve alongside grilled meats. These easy recipes can be a perfect accompaniment.
8. FAQs About Zesty Pickled Cherry Tomatoes and Vegetables
Can I make this recipe with different vegetables?
Absolutely! You can customize this easy summer recipe by adding vegetables like carrots, radishes, or bell peppers for variety. Just keep the proportions consistent for optimal flavor and texture. For inspiration, check out zucchini bread ideas.
How long do homemade pickled vegetables last?
If stored properly in a sterilized jar and refrigerated, your pickled cherry tomatoes and vegetables can last up to 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, modify the amount of red pepper flakes or add other spices to suit your taste. Experimenting with herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add unique notes to your homemade pickles. Looking for new flavors? Check out this cinnamon bread for new ideas.
9. Conclusion
This zesty pickled cherry tomatoes, onions, & cucumbers recipe is an ideal addition to your summer culinary repertoire. Its vibrant flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility make it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply enhancing your everyday meals. Homemade pickled cucumbers and pickled cherry tomatoes provide a fresh, tangy twist that will impress your family and friends. Get your jars ready and enjoy the satisfying process of creating your own delicious pickles! For additional equipment, consider exploring the premium nonstick cookware set.
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Zesty Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Onions, & Cucumbers: Easy Summer Recipe
Discover the zestful and crunchy delight of homemade Zesty Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Onions, & Cucumbers. This easy summer recipe brings a tangy twist to your meals, perfect for salads, sandwiches, or snacking. Crafted with fresh vegetables and a flavorful pickling brine, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to preserve summer’s bounty.
- Total Time: 25 minutes + cooling and marinating
- Yield: 4-6 pints
Ingredients
- 2 cups pickled cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup pickled onions
- 1 cup pickled cucumbers
- 4 cups apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt (preferably pickling or kosher salt)
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh dill or herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and sterilize your jars thoroughly to ensure freshness and safety.
- Prepare the vegetables by rinsing cherry tomatoes, peeling and slicing onions, and slicing cucumbers into rounds or spears.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil until fully dissolved, creating the flavorful pickling brine.
- Add garlic slices, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and herbs to the boiling brine. Let simmer for a few minutes to infuse flavors.
- Layer the prepared vegetables into sterilized jars, packing tightly but leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
- Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Remove air bubbles by gently tapping jars or using a non-metallic utensil.
- Seal jars with sterilized lids and allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate and let sit for at least 24 hours; for deeper flavor, wait 3-5 days.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for best results.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce red pepper flakes or omit entirely.
- For a more aromatic flavor, add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prolong shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American, Summer
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 20 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg