Here is a recipe to use up all those cucumbers in your garden. Some people refer to Sweet Cucumbers and Onions as refrigerator pickles because they are easy and quick to make, and you store them in the refrigerator rather than canning them.

(Post modified on 7/24/23.)

This recipe is an old family favorite. My grandma used to make it every summer, as did my mom. Only my mom didn’t add sugar to hers. Now, every summer, you can count on seeing these pickles at my mom’s family gathering.

They’re easy to make. And so delicious. I love them still.

In fact, I ate these cucumbers and onions nearly every summer day when I was pregnant with my youngest. It’s a wonder she didn’t turn into a pickle!

More Summer Garden Salads

Ingredients for Sweet Cucumbers and Onions

(See the full recipe at the bottom of this post.)

apple cider vinegar
granulated sugar
kosher salt
cucumbers (pickle cucumbers work well)
white onion
green bell pepper

Instructions for Making This Recipe

Gather all your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Vegetables

Slicing the Cucumbers

Using a knife or food processor, slice the pickling cucumbers, white onions, and green bell peppers.

If you prefer, you may use a food processor to slice the cucumbers and onions. It might be quicker. And cause fewer tears. I will chop the bell pepper with a knife, though, as I don’t want them minced and slicing them just doesn’t quite work.

Make the Vinegar Brine

In a large glass measuring cup, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Mix until dissolved.

Pouring the Sugar Brine over the Vegetables

Place the sliced vegetables in a large pickle jar and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.

After I’ve made a batch of these, I’m always eager to eat them before their full eight hours of refrigeration. Who wants to wait that long? If you’re the same, it will be okay. They just won’t taste quite as sweet. Or be quite as shriveled. But life is short. And you gotta enjoy it while you can. So, you have my permission to eat them after 2-3 hours.

Serving Sweet Cucumbers and Pickles in Vintage Bowl

Before serving, mix the pickle mixture with a long-handled spoon. You may store these quick pickles in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Makes around 8 cups.

See more Salad Recipes Here.

Sweet Cucumbers and Onions

Here is a recipe to use up all those cucumbers in your summer garden. I ate these at nearly every meal when I was pregnant with my youngest. It's a wonder she didn't turn into a pickle!

Prep Time 15

Refrigerate: 8

Total Time 8 15

Serving Size 12

Equipment

Knife Set

Cutting Board

Glass Measuring Cups

Cuisinart Food Processor

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider vinegar
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
6 cups sliced cucumbers pickling cucumbers work well
1 large white onion sliced
1 large green bell pepper chopped

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
Using a knife or food processor, slice the cucumbers, white onions, and green bell peppers.
In a large glass measuring cup, combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Mix until dissolved.
Place the vegetables in a large pickle jar and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Mix with a long-handled spoon before serving. May store in refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Makes around 8 cups.