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old fashioned refrigerator pickles

Tasty Old Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles

Delicious Tasty Old Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles recipe with step-by-step instructions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 cups of pickles
Calories: 70
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the vegetables
  • 2 large cucumbers (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
  • 1/2 large red onion (thinly sliced into half-moons)
  • 3 tbsp fresh dill fronds, chopped
For the brine and seasoning
  • 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1 1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp whole mustard seeds

Method
 

  1. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch rounds and the red onion into thin half-moons. Layer the cucumbers, onion, and fresh dill into a clean jar, distributing them evenly. This helps ensure even flavor distribution throughout the pickles as the brine infuses.
  2. Sprinkle the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the layered vegetables in the jar. I like to season in two additions—once after the first half of vegetables and once after layering everything—so the salt can start drawing out the cucumber's moisture for better texture and flavor absorption.
  3. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the filtered water, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and whole mustard seeds until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this brine over the vegetables in the jar until they are fully submerged—submerging is crucial to prevent spoilage and ensure even pickling. I find that pressing down gently on the vegetables helps keep them under the liquid.
  4. Close the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before eating, though the pickles will continue to develop deeper flavor over the next 24-48 hours. These refrigerator pickles keep for up to 2 weeks and are best enjoyed within the first week when the cucumbers maintain their crispness.