Description

Crunchy, tangy Pickled Cauliflower is an easy recipe that turns fresh cauliflower into a bold refrigerator pickle with garlic, turmeric, mustard seeds, and a touch of heat. It is perfect for quick snacks, appetizer boards, healthy snack ideas, meal prep, easy side dishes, dinner ideas, and food ideas that need bright flavor without extra cooking.

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup water

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 bay leaf

2 sprigs fresh dill, optional

Instructions

1. Wash two pint jars or one large quart jar with hot, soapy water, then rinse well.

2. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized bite-size florets, rinse, and drain completely.

3. Add garlic, mustard seeds, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and dill to the jars.

4. Pack the cauliflower florets tightly into the jars while leaving a little space at the top.

5. Combine vinegar, water, kosher salt, sugar, and turmeric in a saucepan.

6. Bring the brine to a simmer, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.

7. Carefully pour the hot brine over the cauliflower until the florets are fully covered.

8. Tap the jars gently to release air bubbles, then add more brine if needed.

9. Let the jars cool for about 30 minutes, then seal and refrigerate.

10. Chill for at least 24 hours before serving, with the best flavor after 2 to 3 days.

Notes

Use fresh, firm cauliflower for the best crunch. Avoid frozen cauliflower because it can become soft in the brine.

Keep the cauliflower fully submerged in brine while storing so every piece stays flavorful and evenly pickled.

This is a refrigerator pickle recipe, not a shelf-stable canning recipe. Store the jars in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack, Side Dish, Appetizer
Method: Refrigerator Pickling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 28
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 445 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Pickled Cauliflower, refrigerator pickles, quick pickles, easy recipe, healthy snack, appetizer ideas, side dish ideas