Description
Pickled cauliflower is crisp, tangy, and full of bright flavor, making it an easy way to add something lively to salads, sandwiches, snack boards, and simple side plates. This quick refrigerator version comes together with a handful of pantry staples, stays pleasantly crunchy, and gets even better after a day in the fridge.
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 small carrot, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 sprigs fresh dill
Instructions
1. Wash the cauliflower well and cut it into small florets. Slice the carrot, red onion, and garlic.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower for 1 minute. Drain and rinse under cold water or place in an ice bath.
3. Pack the cauliflower, carrot, red onion, garlic, and dill into a clean large jar or two smaller jars. Add the peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and celery seed.
4. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
5. Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables until fully covered. Let cool for 30 minutes.
6. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Use fresh, firm cauliflower so the florets stay crisp in the brine.
Let the jar chill at least 24 hours, but 2 to 3 days gives the best flavor.
Keep the cauliflower fully submerged in brine for the freshest taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Refrigerator Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pickled cauliflower, refrigerator pickles, cauliflower side dish, easy pickled vegetables