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    Home » Recipes » Auntie's Favorites

    Jul 19, 2020 · Modified: Nov 30, 2021 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    Refrigerator Pickles

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Refrigerator Pickles are cool, crisp and refreshing. This recipe brings out the refreshing flavor in your cucumbers and offers a tangy and crunchy side dish for your favorite summertime meal, or any meal.

    Sliced cucumbers and onions in a jar on a table.
    No canning required, but this recipe stores well in a glass canning jar in the fridge.

    Choosing Cucumbers

    I've made this recipe using fresh cucumbers from the Farmer's Market, from the grocery store and from the garden. While any variety of cucumber will taste delicious, I've had the best results using the English Cucumber. I think it has a slightly more crunchy texture and a thinner peel.

    Sliced cucumbers and onion
    Be sure to slice the cucumbers and onions really thin.

    Peel, or no Peel

    Peeling the cucumbers is an option for Refrigerator Pickles. This recipe is delicious either way. Sometimes the cucumber peels can be slightly bitter, especially if they are not garden-fresh.

    When it comes to making a choice on whether the include that bright green edge on the cucumber slices, a lot depends on how recently the cucumbers were harvested and the variety of cucumber you choose.

    The peels on English cucumbers are usually very light tasting and delicious. When I use the that variety of cucumber I always leave the peel on.

    Refrigerator pickle ingredients in a bowl.
    When I see this picture, I think of how rewarding it is to buy freshly harvested ingredients and to serve them right away.

    Quick Slicing

    One of the easiest ways to get cucumbers sliced quickly and evenly is with this handy cabbage shredder. Honestly, it's good for so much more than just cabbage. I love how it works with cucumbers and onions in this recipe. Just be sure to use a protective glove so you don't take any risks as your hand gets closer to the blades.

    Refrigerator pickles in a bowl with a spoon and leafy garnish.
    While the brine you create for the cucumbers and onions is delicious enough to drink - practically. Be sure to serve your pickles with a slotted spoon.

    Auntie's Favorite

    This recipe for Refrigerator Pickles was inspired from one shared by my Aunt Susie. She gave it to me in 2001 during a summertime visit to Boise. She lived in eastern Washington and loved how fast this side dish could come together with fresh cucumbers from the garden. It's the perfect way to use a big supply of cucumbers any time. Thank you Aunt Susie!

    Looking for another way to use fresh produce? Try my No Peel Apple Cake. It's a wonderful way to use fresh apples and another all time favorite among aunties.

    Sliced cucumbers and onions in a jar on a table.
    No canning required, but this recipe stores well in a glass canning jar in the fridge.

    Be sure to give a star rating to the recipes you make from the Crinkled Cookbook. I always love hearing from you. Sharing is great too! Use the buttons after the recipe to text it with just one click or send it to family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook. Enjoy.

    Recipe

    Sliced cucumbers and onion

    Refrigerator Pickles

    Crisp and refreshing, this recipe brings out the fresh flavor in cucumbers and creates a tangy and crunchy side dish. Delicious!
    5 from 77 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 225kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    • 5 cups thinly sliced cucumbers - about 3 English cucumbers or 4-5 regular cucumbers peeled or not - your choice
    • 1 large onion thinly sliced - I like to use sweet onions
    • 1 ½ cups sugar
    • 1 cup white vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 1 ½ teaspoons canning salt - not table salt
    • 1 ½ teaspoons celery seed

    Instructions

    • Thinly slice cucumbers and onion into a large bowl. Toss and set aside.
      Whisk together remaining five ingredients and add to cucumbers/onions.
      Toss lightly so all the cucumbers are mixed with the brine. Cover bowl and refrigerate. You can serve this right away, that's when the "pickles" taste - best but this will keep in the fridge for several weeks.
    Tried this recipe? Or pin for later.Mention @crinkledcookbook or tag #crinkledcookbook

    Nutrition

    Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 586mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 1gSugar: 52gVitamin A: 91IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

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    1. Liz says

      July 15, 2022 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      Oh, my gosh, I never knew making pickles could be so easy! We all loved these!!

      Reply
    2. Nancy Kane says

      February 28, 2022 at 5:18 am

      5 stars
      Love all your recipes. Easy to follow
      easy to make + of course, tasty to eat.
      Keep up the great work.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        February 28, 2022 at 9:04 pm

        Thank you Nancy! I appreciate your kinds words and am thrilled that you enjoy the recipes you find here in my little corner of the food world.

        Reply
    3. Andrea White says

      September 05, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      I need to make this ASAP! Pickles have been growing on me lately!

      Reply
    4. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      September 04, 2021 at 9:54 pm

      5 stars
      We are growing a ton of cucumbers this year and this is a great recipe to use them in!

      Reply
    5. Luca says

      September 04, 2021 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      They are definitely refreshing!

      Reply
    6. Akshita says

      September 04, 2021 at 8:52 am

      5 stars
      I love pickles! Thank you for this easy recipe 🙂

      Reply

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    Hello there, my friends! It's so great to have you here. My name is Melinda and I absolutely love home cooking. I've been creating delicious recipes for my family for over 30 years. Fun fact about me, I used to work as a TV journalist. Stick around, explore the Crinkled Cookbook, and make great meals at home!

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