Pickled Cherry Tomatoes and Vegetables Recipe

Zesty Pickled Cherry Tomatoes and Vegetables Recipe for Summer

Preserving summer’s bounty takes on a vibrant twist with homemade pickled cherry tomatoes that burst with tangy flavor.

These little jewels of preserved garden goodness capture the essence of fresh produce in every crisp bite.

Salt, vinegar, and aromatic spices work magic on ripe cherry tomatoes, creating a condiment that dances between zesty and bright.

Crisp vegetables join the pickling party, adding depth and complexity to this simple preservation technique.

Jars of these pickled treasures make stunning additions to charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and salads.

Each crunchy morsel tells a story of seasonal abundance and culinary creativity.

Prepare to elevate your pantry with this delightful preservation method that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary delights.

Your Pickling Ingredient Rundown

Core Vegetables:
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet base vegetables that provide a burst of fresh flavor in the pickled mix.
  • Red Onion: Sharp and tangy vegetable that adds a vibrant color and zesty taste to the pickle.
  • Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that contributes a refreshing crunch to the pickling blend.
Pickling Liquid Components:
  • Vinegar, Water: Essential liquid base that creates the tangy preservation solution for the vegetables.
  • Sugar, Salt: Key seasoning ingredients that balance the pickling liquid's flavor profile.
Herbs and Spices:
  • Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Dill: Aromatic herbs and spices that enhance the pickle's complexity with warm, spicy, and herbal notes.

Pickling Supplies You’ll Want to Use

  • Mason jar or glass container: Perfect for storing and pickling your vegetables, ensuring they stay fresh and crisp.
  • Small saucepan: Essential for creating the hot pickling liquid, helping dissolve sugar and salt evenly.
  • Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing onions and cucumbers into thin, uniform pieces.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir the pickling liquid and mix ingredients smoothly.

How to Make Pickled Cherry Tomatoes Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Produce

Gather cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.

Thoroughly wash and pat dry each vegetable.

Slice onion and cucumber into delicate, thin rounds that will absorb the pickling liquid beautifully.

Step 2: Brew Zesty Pickling Mixture

In a saucepan, combine:
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Granulated sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • Dried oregano
  • Red pepper flakes

Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously until sugar and salt completely dissolve.

Allow the liquid to reach a rolling boil, creating an aromatic pickling base.

Step 3: Arrange Vegetables in Container

Select a clean glass jar or container.

Carefully transfer the sliced vegetables into the vessel, ensuring they are packed loosely but evenly.

This allows the pickling liquid to circulate effectively.

Step 4: Pour Hot Pickling Liquid

Slowly pour the hot liquid over the vegetables, making certain every piece is completely submerged.

The hot brine will start the initial flavor infusion process.

Step 5: Enhance with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped fresh dill throughout the jar, distributing the herbs evenly.

These will add a bright, fresh dimension to your pickled creation.

Step 6: Chill and Develop Flavors

Seal the container tightly with a lid.

Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.

For maximum flavor complexity, allow the vegetables to pickle overnight.

The longer they sit, the more intense the tangy, herbal notes become.

Pickling Tips for Bright Flavors

  • Pat vegetables completely dry to prevent diluting the pickling liquid and ensure crisp texture.
  • Create uniform, thin vegetable cuts for even pickling and better absorption of flavor.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar ratio to match your taste preferences, keeping the basic proportions consistent.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or thyme to create unique flavor profiles beyond traditional dill.
  • Store pickled vegetables in airtight glass containers and consume within 1-2 weeks for optimal taste and crunchiness.

Pickle Variations to Try for Fun

  • Spicy Jalapeño Pickle: Replace red pepper flakes with fresh, sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and vibrant green color.
  • Herb Garden Mix: Swap oregano with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil to create a more complex herbal profile.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Use a salt substitute or reduce salt quantity, adding apple cider vinegar for enhanced flavor without sodium.
  • Mediterranean Style: Incorporate chopped garlic, whole black peppercorns, and a splash of white wine vinegar for a Mediterranean-inspired pickle variation.

Serving Up Pickled Cherry Tomatoes in Style

  • Vibrant Salad Topper: Sprinkle these tangy pickled vegetables over fresh green salads for an extra burst of zesty flavor and crisp texture.
  • Charcuterie Companion: Arrange the pickled tomatoes and veggies alongside cured meats, cheeses, and crackers to create a stunning appetizer board with bright, tangy notes.
  • Sandwich Enhancer: Layer these pickled delights into sandwiches or wraps to add a punchy, acidic kick that elevates the entire meal's taste profile.
  • Grilled Meat Sidekick: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish as a refreshing and colorful condiment that cuts through rich, heavy flavors.

Pickle Storage Smarts for Crispness

  • Keep pickled vegetables in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure vegetables remain completely covered by pickling liquid to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Not recommended for this recipe, as pickling liquid and fresh vegetables will lose texture and crispness when frozen. Freezing will significantly alter the delicate flavors and crunchy consistency.
  • These pickled vegetables are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Gently bring to room temperature before serving by removing from refrigerator 15-20 minutes prior to eating.
  • Allow pickled vegetables to sit in refrigerator for 24-48 hours before consuming to develop deeper, more complex flavor profile. Taste will continue improving over several days.

FAQs

  • What type of vinegar works best for pickling?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are ideal for this recipe. They provide a clean, sharp flavor that complements the vegetables without overpowering them.

  • Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can easily control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more if you prefer a spicier pickle.

  • How long will these pickled vegetables stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these pickled vegetables will remain crisp and flavorful for up to 1-2 weeks. Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness.

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes and Veggies Flavor Adventure

  • Capture the essence of summer with a tangy, colorful pickle that bursts with fresh garden taste and zesty spices.
  • Whip up this quick recipe with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious side dishes.
  • Elevate salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and appetizer platters with these crisp, punchy pickled vegetables that add instant excitement to any meal.
  • Adjust spice levels and herbs to match your personal taste preferences, creating a unique condiment that reflects your culinary creativity.
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Pickled Cherry Tomatoes and Vegetables Recipe

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes and Vegetables Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade pickled cherry tomatoes bring garden freshness to classic preservation techniques. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients combine for a zesty condiment that enhances salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards you’ll enjoy all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) fresh dill, chopped

Pickling Brine:

  • 1 cup (236 milliliters) white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) water
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Meticulously cleanse cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber, ensuring each vegetable is patted completely dry. Slice onion and cucumber into delicate, uniform thin pieces.
  2. In a small saucepan, blend vinegar, water, sugar, salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Apply medium heat, continuously stirring until sugar and salt dissolve entirely and the mixture reaches a rolling boil, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Transfer prepared vegetables into a clean glass jar, positioning them strategically. Carefully cascade the piping hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, guaranteeing complete submersion within the aromatic brine.
  4. Gently integrate finely chopped fresh dill throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution of the herb’s vibrant flavor profile.
  5. Secure the jar’s lid tightly, creating an airtight seal. Refrigerate the pickled vegetables, allowing them to marinate and develop complex flavors. For optimal taste, permit a minimum of 2 hours of pickling time, with flavor intensity increasing the longer they rest.

Notes

  • Choose firm, ripe cherry tomatoes without blemishes for the best pickling results.
  • Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or rice vinegar to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Consider adding garlic cloves or peppercorns for extra depth and complexity in your pickling brine.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance for a personalized heat level.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Pickling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 50
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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