When it comes to adding a tangy, slightly sweet crunch to your meals, nothing beats homemade pickled onions. I’ve perfected this Cava-style pickled onion recipe, and trust me, it’s ridiculously easy to make!
Cava pickled onions are thinly sliced red onions soaked in a flavorful brine of vinegar, sugar, and salt. They have a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, making them a versatile topping for various dishes.
These onions take just minutes to prepare and instantly elevate tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Ready in 30 minutes but even better overnight—this recipe is a must-try!
What Does Cava Pickled Onion Taste Like?
Cava pickled onions have a tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavor with a crisp texture. The vinegar gives them a sharp, zesty kick, balanced by the sweetness of sugar. A touch of salt enhances the overall taste, while optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat.
As they marinate, the onions soften slightly, but they still retain a satisfying crunch. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become—absorbing the brine and developing a deeper, well-rounded taste.
They’re perfect for adding a bright, refreshing contrast to rich, savory dishes like tacos, burgers, and grain bowls. Whether fresh or aged overnight, Cava pickled onions bring an irresistible punch of flavor to any meal like Cava Spicy Chicken!
Ingredients Required for Cava Pickled Onion Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Cava Pickled Onion Recipe
- 2 medium red onions (or 3 small ones)
- 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) water
- 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) white vinegar
- 3 tbsp sugar of choice
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Large mason jar (750 ml) or 2-3 smaller jars
- Spoon for pressing the onions
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes (best overnight)
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
How to Make Cava Pickled Onion
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Cava Pickled Onions at home
1. Heat the Water: In a saucepan, warm the water on the stove. Turn off the heat before it starts simmering, then set it aside.
2. Slice the Onions: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the onions thinly into rings or half-moons. Transfer them to a large mason jar.
3. Prepare the Brine: Add sea salt, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and white vinegar to the warm water. Stir well until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
4. Combine: Pour the mixture over the sliced onions in the jar. Press them down gently with a spoon to ensure they are fully submerged.
5. Marinate & Store: Close the lid and refrigerate. The onions are ready in 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let them marinate overnight.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Pair This Cava Pickled Onions
1. Avocado Toast – Add a pop of color and tangy crunch to your creamy avocado toast.
2. Falafel Wraps – Stuff them into pita wraps with falafel, hummus, and fresh veggies for Mediterranean goodness.
3. Tacos & Burritos – A must-have topping for fish tacos, beef burritos, or even vegetarian tacos.
4. Burgers & Sliders – Elevate your burgers with a zesty kick—perfect with beef, chicken, or veggie patties.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Layer them inside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for a flavorful twist.
6. Salads & Grain Bowls – Toss them into Cava Black Lentils bowls, power salads, or even Cava Cabbage Slaw for added zest.
7. BBQ Meats & Grilled Dishes – Pairs wonderfully with smoky barbecue dishes like pulled pork, brisket, or grilled chicken.
8. Egg Dishes – Enjoy them with scrambled eggs, omelets, or on top of a breakfast sandwich.
9. Pizza & Flatbreads – Sprinkle them over homemade pizza or flatbreads for a gourmet touch.
10. Charcuterie Boards – Serve alongside cheeses, cured meats, and olives for an elegant appetizer spread.
Some Tips on This Cava Pickled Onion Recipe
1. Slice Thinly & Evenly – Use a mandoline for perfectly thin, uniform slices to ensure even pickling.
2. Use Red Onions – They provide the best flavor and vibrant color compared to white or yellow onions.
3. Warm, Not Boiling Water – Heating the water helps dissolve sugar and salt but don’t let it boil, or it may soften the onions too much.
4. Let Them Sit Overnight – While they’re tasty after 30 minutes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor.
5. Experiment with Vinegar – White vinegar gives a classic tang, but try apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, fruitier taste.
6. Sweetener Swaps – Replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave for a different depth of sweetness.
7. Customize the Spice – Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance, or add black peppercorns for a milder heat.
8. Press the Onions Down – Fully submerging them ensures even pickling and prevents oxidation.
9. Shake the Jar Occasionally – Give the jar a gentle shake after a few hours to evenly distribute flavors.
10. Store Properly – Keep them in an airtight jar in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks!
How to Store Cava Pickled Onion Properly?
Store Cava pickled onions in an airtight mason jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Always keep them fully submerged in the brine to maintain freshness.
Avoid exposure to air, and use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination. For the best flavor, let them marinate overnight before enjoying!
Cava Pickled Onion Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium red onions or 3 small ones
- 1 ¼ cup 300 ml water
- 1 ¼ cup 300 ml white vinegar
- 3 tbsp sugar of choice
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Heat the Water: In a saucepan, warm the water on the stove. Turn off the heat before it starts simmering, then set it aside.
- Slice the Onions: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the onions thinly into rings or half-moons. Transfer them to a large mason jar.
- Prepare the Brine: Add sea salt, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and white vinegar to the warm water. Stir well until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
- Combine: Pour the mixture over the sliced onions in the jar. Press them down gently with a spoon to ensure they are fully submerged.
- Marinate & Store: Close the lid and refrigerate. The onions are ready in 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let them marinate overnight.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Cava Pickled Onion Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Pickled Onion Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is pickling onion?
Pickling onion is the process of soaking onions in a brine made of vinegar, salt, and sugar to preserve them and enhance their flavor. The acidity softens the onions while adding a tangy, slightly sweet taste.
2. How to use pickled red onions?
Pickled red onions are super versatile! Use them as a topping for tacos, burgers, salads, sandwiches, avocado toast, or even grain bowls. They add a zesty crunch to any dish!
3. Why do pickled onions turn red?
Red onions contain natural pigments called anthocyanins, which react with the acidic vinegar, giving them a vibrant pink or reddish color after pickling.
4. How to keep onions crunchy when pickling?
To keep onions crunchy, slice them thin but not too thin, avoid boiling the brine, and let them soak in the vinegar mixture without cooking. Using cold onions and refrigerating them immediately also helps maintain crispness.
5. Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes! Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruity and milder tang compared to white vinegar. It’s a great alternative if you want a different depth of flavor.
6. How long do pickled onions last?
Stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, pickled onions can last up to two weeks. They may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will continue to develop.
7. Can I make pickled onions without sugar?
Yes! While sugar balances the acidity, you can skip it or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version.
8. Do I need to sterilize the jar before pickling?
While not required for quick pickling, sterilizing the jar helps prevent bacteria growth and extends the shelf life of your pickled onions. Simply rinse with hot water or boil the jar for a few minutes.
9. Can I add other spices to the pickled onions?
Absolutely! You can experiment with whole peppercorns, garlic cloves, bay leaves, or even cinnamon sticks to create unique flavors.
10. Can I reuse the pickling brine?
Yes, you can reuse the brine for a second batch of onions, but the flavor may be milder. If reusing, make sure to heat it slightly and add fresh onions for best results.
This easy Cava pickled onion recipe adds the perfect burst of tangy flavor to your favorite dishes. Whether on tacos, sandwiches, or salads, these onions will take your meals to the next level!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some red onions and start pickling today! Let me know how you use them in the comments! 😊
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So good, so simple
Thanks