Description
A tangy and colorful Pickled Cucumber, Onion, and Bell Pepper Salad that combines crisp vegetables with a flavorful vinegar-based brine seasoned with celery and red pepper flakes. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or topping, this quick-pickled salad is easy to prepare and enhances meals with a zesty crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 large sliced red onion
- 1 large sliced bell pepper
Pickling Brine
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery flakes
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture and enhance flavor.
- Make Pickling Brine: In a separate pot, combine 2 cups white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon celery flakes, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar and blend spices.
- Cool the Brine: Once boiling, remove the pot from heat. Add two handfuls of ice to the hot brine and stir until the ice fully melts and the mixture cools slightly, ensuring that the vegetables won’t cook when added.
- Pack the Jars: Pack the sliced vegetables tightly into large-mouth canning jars (approximately 2-quart or 1/2 gallon size), layering evenly for optimal pickling.
- Add the Brine: Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the packed vegetables, making sure all the slices are fully submerged in the liquid to ensure even pickling and preservation.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to properly pickle.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy your pickled cucumber, onion, and bell pepper salad chilled. For best quality, consume within 2 months of refrigeration.
Notes
- Use firm, fresh cucumbers and bell peppers for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the sugar amount to your taste preference if you prefer a more or less sweet pickle.
- You can add other spices such as mustard seeds or garlic for added depth of flavor.
- Always keep the vegetables submerged in the brine to prevent spoilage.
- Pickling also helps the vegetables retain a crisp texture while enhancing their shelf life.
