Pickles aren’t just for topping hot dogs or burgers. There are many delicious ways to prepare and enjoy pickles. Let’s look at a few of them…
Pickling is a method of preserving food that dates back more than 4,000 years. Many people think pickles are just pickled cucumbers, but they can be made from almost any food. It is well known that pickles and pickle juice have many benefits: they can restore electrolyte balance, treat muscle cramps, control blood sugar, and provide antioxidants. You may have also heard warnings about pickles’ high sodium content. However, it is a good idea to incorporate some pickles into your diet.
Typically, when people think of pickles, they picture those crunchy greenish things that are tangy and sour or something sweet that could go with a hot dog or deli sandwich. The thing is, they can be used for a variety of dishes including cocktails, appetizers, and main dishes. There are many recipes online that use pickles as an ingredient. We’ve selected a few to satisfy the cravings of pickle lovers like you based on the number of ingredients needed and the simplicity of preparation. Hope you like them!
1. Pickle Dip
Pickle dip is easy to make and has an addictive flavor. Cream cheese and pickles are a delicious combination that can be served at parties, in picnics, and even as a simple snack. This recipe can also be made using Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
Cream cheese 12 oz, softened
Pickle juice 5-6 tablespoons
Dill pickle ⅓ cup finely chopped
Fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing dish, soften cream cheese. Gradually add pickle juice until you get the required consistency. The dip will thicken after being refrigerated.
- Combine the diced pickles and fresh dill in a mixing bowl. The recipe yields 1.5 cups.
- Before serving, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Sweet Pickled Beet Salad
When you prepare this salad, you’ll get a colorful plate. This salad starts with spring greens and is topped with pickled beets, pears, and walnuts. Toss with some homemade dressing for a delicious salad. Feel free to add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Ingredients
Spring mix 4 healthy handfuls
Toasted walnuts ½ cup
Goat cheese ½ cup, crumbled
Pear 1, sliced
Sweet pickled beets ½ cup, drained
For Dressing:
Olive Oil ¼ cup
Garlic 1 clove, minced
Raw honey 1 Tablespoon
Red wine vinegar 2 Tablespoons
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix the dressing ingredients in a glass jar with a lid until well combined. Set aside.
- Divide green between two plates. Add beets, pears, and walnuts to the greens. Distribute goat cheese evenly on the plates.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and serve.
3. Easy Borscht Soup
Borscht is a tart soup made with potatoes, beets, or cabbage. You can find it on many Eastern European menus. There is no doubt that this soup is full of fiber and vitamins, as well as having wonderful flavors and colors. Even the heartiest appetite can be satisfied by it. The following Canned Pickled Beets Recipe is suitable for all seasons.
Ingredients
Canned pickled beets 16 ounces (1 jar), sliced variety
Olive Oil 1 Tablespoon
Garlic 1 clove, minced
Russet potato 1, small, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
Coleslaw mix 4 cups
Vegetable broth 6 cups, low sodium variety
Bay leaf 1
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream to taste
Chopped fresh dill to garnish
Instruction
- Drain the beets.
- In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add and cook potato and coleslaw mix for about 5-7 minutes (until vegetables are softened). Stir occasionally. Add garlic and stir.
- Put bay leaf and vegetable broth in the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the beets and simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 6 minutes). Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Put in individual serving bowls and serve with sour cream and fresh dill. If you like, you can also add a handful of croutons. This dish goes well with crusty bread and a fresh salad.
4. Dill Pickle Roast Beef
When you think of a slow cooker recipe, think of that jar of pickles in your pantry. Add it to a cut of beef in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a fabulous dinner eight hours later. It is also possible to include carrots and potatoes, but remember to add some water or beef stock and that the veggies will pick up some colors.
Ingredients
Beef roast 1 (cut of your choice: round or chuck)
Dill pickles 1 (16 ounces) jar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the beef roast in the slow cooker. Cover the beef with the pickle jar contents.
- On a low setting, cover and cook for eight hours. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve it with some sides like roasted root vegetables, salads, and quick bread to complement your dinner menu.
5. Toasty Pickles
Toasty pickles are appetizers filled with bacon and best vegan cheese for pizza that can be devoured within minutes.
Ingredients
Cream cheese 4 ounces, softened
Cheddar cheese 1 cup, shredded
Bacon 6 slices, cooked and crumbled
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Kosher salt to taste
Back pepper as needed, freshly ground
Crescent rolls 1 tube
Pickle spears 8, halved crosswise
Egg for brushing
Instruction
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- After unrolling crescent rolls, cut each triangle in half (lengthwise). Place cheese mixture on each triangle and top with a pickle. Carefully roll each triangle up and place it on a baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Your toasty pickles are ready to serve.
Final Words
Out of the hundreds of recipes you can make using pickles, we have presented five. Even if you just like them plain in a sandwich or on top of a pizza, try these recipes. They might become your favorite way to eat pickles.
