19 pickling recipes

Get to grips with a fun new skill at home and try pickling your favourite fruit and veggies. We have all the information you need to get started, including classic recipes and delicious modern twists.

Despite what you might think, you don't need lots of specialist equipment and expert know-how to get started with pickling. You probably have what you need at home in your storecupboard. Most pickles are made by soaking (mostly) raw, fresh ingredients in a vinegar-based brine with sugar and salt, flavoured with spices and herbs.

You can pickle ingredients for days or months, and transform everyday ingredients into something special. Add some crunch to your favourite sandwiches, a stunning charcuterie platter or an epic bbq burger with our favourite recipes.

Best pickling recipes

Top pickling tips

• Always use the freshest veggies possible to retain that all important crunch.
• Experiment and have fun to find your new favourite spice combinations. A sprinkling of chilli, a spoonful of mustard or a couple of kaffir lime leaves go a long way.
• Use kosher, sea or pickling salt rather than normal table salt, which contains caking agents such as iodine, which can cloud the brines and inhibit the growth of beneficial bacteria during fermentation.
• You can also add flavour to your vinegars or brine by adding things like elderflower, shiso, liquorice or pineapple weed.
• Garlic can turn blue during brining, don't panic! It won't harm the pickle.

Pickle recipes to try at home

Pickled beetroot

Pickling seasonal vegetables is a great way to prolong the season and heighten the flavour of fresh produce. Beetroot is at its best from July to October, so try this recipe when you get the chance.

Sauerkraut

Turn your hand to making a jar of sauerkraut, a popular European fermented product made from cabbage. Add it to a salad or sandwich or eat it on its own.

Pickled mussels and octopus with XO aïoli

Love seafood? Let it shine in this medley of pickled mussels, octopus, fresh herbs, thinly sliced turnips and a quick homemade XO aïoli.

Easy pickled veg

The best recipe for pickled vegetables and also the simplest. We've used leeks, carrots, radishes and fennel, but you can experiment with what you've got. This simple recipe can be made in just 20 minutes and left until needed – crunch guaranteed.

Pickled red cabbage

This easy recipe is a great side dish to your Christmas feast, and it's gluten-free, low in calories and vegan.

Pickled turnip, cucumber and ginger salad

For a salad that cuts through the richness of meaty dishes, try this crunchy pickled turnip, cucumber and ginger mix. Add some red chilli if you like it fiery, then finish with a scattering of sesame seeds and coriander for a vibrant, zingy finish.

Dill pickles

Kick off your pickling adventures with a classic; the dill pickle. No burger would be complete without a few of these garlicky beauties. They also work well with salt beef or as part of a charcuterie board. It takes around a week for these cucumber slices to soak up all the flavours of the brine.

Courgette pickle

Turn summer courgettes into a quick, tangy pickle. Pop them into sandwiches or burgers, or serve alongside cheese and charcuterie for an easy homemade upgrade.

Pickled greens with cloud ear mushrooms

No Thai-inspired feast is complete without these spicy pickled greens with cloud ear mushrooms. Prep takes just 15 minutes (plus soaking), then you can leave them to pickle while you get on with showstopping dishes like a hands-on pad Thai.

Marinated pickled cucumber

This is a great Scandinavian pickled cucumber accompaniment for a ham centrepiece or a side of salmon (try our gravadlax) that only takes minutes to make. An essential part of any smorgasbord.

Pickled chanterelles

Mikkel Karstad’s pickled chanterelles are infused with forest flavours thanks to spruce tips, which add a subtle piney note, plus bay and apple. Chanterelles are plentiful in Nordic countries and easy to forage, but if you can’t find any, meaty mushrooms like oyster make a great substitute.

Turmeric pickled eggs

Revamp a retro classic and add some oomph to your lunch with these pickled eggs – the turmeric, mustard, coriander and pepper make a delicate blend no one could resist.

Inject your meals with more nourishing spices with our best turmeric recipes, from comforting curries to salads bursting with seasonal flavours.

Chilli pickled radishes

We recommend making a couple of jars of these fiery pickled radishes – they're sure to disappear quickly. Serve them with a selection of cheeses and cured meats or a super smooth pâté.

Fill your plate with even more easy radish recipes and make the most of this seasonal star.

Mackerel with pickled grape salad

Pickle grapes for two hours for a juicy, punchy result, then use them for the base of this low-calorie dinner with pan-seared mackerel, ready in just 20 minutes.

Pickled cherries

Dark, juicy and literally bursting with flavour, our pickled cherries recipe is the perfect way to preserve these fabulous fruits. This quick pickle is the ideal balance of sweet cherry flavour and sharp white wine vinegar. Try them with salads, roast pork or a charcuterie selection.

Bake spectacular tarts, pies and pastries with our easy cherry recipes.

Pink pickled rhubarb with ginger

This jar of vibrant pickled rhubarb is super-quick to make and can be a great gift for your foodie friends. Serve with oily fish like mackerel or cold meats and cheeses.

Try your hand at our easy rhubarb recipes for delectable sweet and savoury ideas.

Spiced pickled shallots

A traditional pickled onion is a thing of beauty. If you like a very crunchy shallot, feel free to break these open after 10 days of pickling, but 3-4 weeks will give you a more traditional texture. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift for fellow food-enthusiasts.

Pink pickled turnips

If you're putting together a spread of dips, breads and small bites, our vibrant pink pickled turnips are a must-try. Believe us when we say they taste as good as they look. Serve with warm flatbread, a slathering of hummus and maybe a chilli or two.

From simple starters to hearty mains, our easy turnip recipes truly make the most of this delicious root veg.

Pickled peaches

Pickling is an easy way to preserve fruit, like peaches. This simple recipe, served with Italian whipped cheese, is quick and makes the best lunch or posh snack for sharing with friends and family.

Make the most of British summertime fruit and dive into our best peach recipes. They work well in sweet and savoury dishes alike.