Skip to Content

How to Make Easy Cava Style Pickled Red Onions at Home

Looking for an easy way to elevate your Cava-style bowls, tacos, or salads? You’re in luck. Today, we’re making quick Cava Style Pickled Red Onions that are a game changer!

Cava style pickled red onions

Why Pickled Onions?

The tangy crunch of pickled onions is one of my favorite things to add to any meal. Best part? This recipe uses simple ingredients, most of which you probably have.

What You’ll Need:

Cava Style Pickled Red Onions ingredients arranged on counter

Ingredients for Cava Style Pickled Red Onions:

Vinegar of choice. I love the combo of apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar for the best flavor.

Sugar or honey to balance the acidity of the vinegar

Salt and Peppercorns

Steps to Deliciousness

  1. Prep Onions: Thinly sliced onion is key here.
  2. Pickling Liquid: Bring apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, and tbsp sugar to medium-high heat. Stir until the salt dissolves.
  3. Combine: Fill that mason jar! Pour the hot liquid over the onions.
  4. Seal: Tight fitting lid required!
  5. Wait: 30 minutes at room temperature and you’re golden.
Sliced onions on a plate

Optional Add-Ins for Pickled Red Onions

Want to take it to the next level? Consider red pepper flakes, maple syrup, or fresh herbs.

If you’d like to experiment and add more layers of flavor to your pickled red onions, here are some fantastic add-ins you can include:

A Clove Garlic: Crushed, for a garlicky kick.

Red Pepper Flakes: For some heat.

Peppercorns: A classic pickling spice.

Cumin Seeds: Adds an earthy touch.

Fennel Seed: For a bit of anise flavor.

Coriander Seeds: For a citrusy zing.

Allspice Berries: A warm spice note.

Bay Leaves: Adds complexity and depth.

Simply add your chosen extras to the pickling liquid as you heat it, and continue with the rest of the recipe as normal. Enjoy!

Alternate Vinegar Options

If you want to mix things up or simply don’t have apple cider or red wine vinegar on hand, here are some alternate vinegar options that will still deliver great results:

White Vinegar: Provides a clear, straightforward tang.

Rice Vinegar: Milder and slightly sweeter, great for an Asian twist.

White Wine Vinegar: Offers a lighter, fruitier profile.

Champagne or Prosecco Vinegar: Delivers a light and elegant acidity.

Remember, different vinegars bring unique flavors to the pickling process, so feel free to experiment!

Perfect for Copycat Cava Bowls

The vibrant pink color and tangy crunch make these onions the perfect addition to your Cava-inspired Mediterranean bowl. Put them on a Homemade Greek Chicken Bowl or pair them with Harissa Honey Chicken for a delicious meal!

Cava Harissa Lamb meatball salad with Cava Style Pickled Red Onions

How to Use Pickled Red Onions?

Unsure how to incorporate your vibrant pink pickled red onions into meals? Here are some fantastic ways to add that tangy crunch and much flavor:

Cava-Style Bowls: Top your copycat Cava bowls with pickled red onions for an authentic experience.

Tacos: A perfect addition to any taco, especially with harissa honey chicken or ground beef.

Salads: Elevate a Mediterranean bowl or simple green salad with a sprinkle of pickled red onions.

Avocado Toast: Add a bright flavor to your morning toast for an extra kick.

Sandwiches: Swap out regular red onions for pickled ones in sandwiches for an unexpected twist.

Grilled Meats: Pair with grilled steaks, chicken, or pork to cut through the richness and get a more balanced flavor.

Burgers: Use as a tangy, crunchy topping to complement your favorite burger!

Fish Dishes: Excellent with grilled or baked fish, providing a tangy contrast to delicate fish.

Feel free to get creative; the options are endless!

How to Store Cava Style Pickled Red Onions

Storing these pickled red onions is a breeze, and the best part is they last a long time!

  1. Seal Tight: Make sure your pickled red onions are in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  2. Refrigerate: Place the sealed jar in the fridge.
Sealed jar of pickled onions

How Long Does it Take for Pickled Red Onions to be Ready?

Immediate Enjoyment: The onions are ready to enjoy 30 minutes after being added to the pickling liquid but I like to leave mine over night to chill!

What Is The Shelf Life of Pickled Red Onions?

Long-Term Storage: These quick pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

So the next time you find yourself with an extra red onion, remember this easy recipe!

Enjoy!

Next time you’re at the grocery stores, grab a very large red onion and get pickling. Trust me, this quick pickled red onions recipe is a keeper. It’s a bright flavor bomb that becomes one of your favorite condiments in no time.

Love the recipe? Come back and share your favorite way to use How to Make Easy Cava Style Pickled Red Onions at Home!

Cava style pickled red onions
Yield: 1 jar

Easy Cava Style Pickled Red Onions at Home

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Trust me, this quick pickled red onions recipe is a keeper. It's a bright flavor bomb that will become one of your favorite condiments in no time!

Ingredients

  • 1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced (1/8-inch)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt (or table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon peppercorns

Instructions

    1. Prepare the Jar: Place the thinly sliced onions into a 1-pint mason jar; set aside.
    2. Make the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
    3. Heat the Mixture: Bring the brine to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer just for 30 seconds to dissolve the sugar.
    4. Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the peppercorns. Add any additional add-ins if desired.
    5. Fill the Jar: Carefully pour the hot brine into the jar over the onions. (It's a good idea to do this over the sink and to use a funnel if you have one.)
    6. Submerge the Onions: Use a spoon to press down the onions until they are fully submerged in the brine.
    7. Cool and Store: Allow the pickled red onions to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Seal the jar tightly with a lid, then refrigerate.

Notes

Storage
- The pickled red onions are good to go after just 30 minutes, but they can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. The flavors will continue to meld and improve over time.

Enjoy your homemade pickled red onions as a tangy addition to salads, sandwiches, and more!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 23Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 319mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Cava Copycat Harissa Avocado Bowls With Chicken - Humble Oven

Monday 17th of June 2024

[…] Pickled onions: I keep homemade ones on hand but they have gotten really easy to find at the local grocery store as well! Check out our recipe for cava inspired pickled onions here. […]

Skip to Recipe