Pickled red onions

Pickled red onions are a vibrant, tangy condiment made by soaking thinly sliced red onions in a brine of vinegar, water, salt, and often sugar. They are a staple in many cuisines, particularly popular in Mexican, Scandinavian, and American deli traditions, adding a bright, acidic crunch to dishes.

🍳 View the full Pickled red onions recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This is a very low-calorie, low-fat, and low-protein condiment, with most of its minimal calories coming from a small amount of carbohydrates in the vinegar and any added sugar. Its key nutritional contribution is a burst of flavor without significant calories, along with some antioxidants from the red onion.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	13 kcal
Protein	0.3 g
Carbs	3 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0.6 g
Sugar	1.8 g
Sodium	310 mg
Vitamin C	2.5 mg
Potassium	45 mg
Vitamin B6	0.02 mg
Folate	5 mcg
Manganese	0.03 mg
Iron	0.1 mg
Calcium	6 mg
Magnesium	3 mg

Per 1/4 cup (56 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, they are a transformative garnish that can cut through the richness of tacos, sandwiches, or grilled meats, while nutritionally, the pickling process may help preserve some of the onion's beneficial compounds while reducing its pungency.