• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Kitchen Girl logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Dinner
    • About
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    by Traci · 05/20/2022

    Refrigerator Dill Pickles

    4.94 from 32 votes
    Total 15 minutes minutes
    Jump To Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Here's how to pickle cucumbers. Just slice cucumbers, make a simple brine, and fridge-soak. These refrigerator dill pickles get better by the day!

    refrigerator pickles in glass jar with fresh dill and pickling spice
    Table of Contents hide
    1) Why we love refrigerator dill pickles
    2) Are all pickles cucumbers?
    3) Key ingredients
    4) How to make refrigerator pickles
    5) Recipe tips
    6) Recipe variations
    7) Serving ideas
    8) 📖 Recipe
    9) Easy Refrigerator Pickles Recipe

    Why we love refrigerator dill pickles

    Refrigerator pickles are juicy, tangy, and delicious on everything. They can be made all year, but this recipe is super handy during cucumber season.

    This no-cook refrigerator pickles recipe is the fastest way to pickle cucumbers because there’s no canning, just a quick brine and refrigeration. In fact, the hardest part of making quick pickles is deciding how you want to slice the cucumbers.

    After that, the sliced cucumbers go into jars with dill sprigs, garlic cloves, spices, and brine – to soak. It’s the same no-cook process as these delicious refrigerator pickled beets and Asian pickled carrots.

    Are all pickles cucumbers?

    Yes! Pickles are cucumbers before they’re soaked in brine and become pickles. Any cucumber can be used to make pickles, so they’re often called pickled cucumbers.

    Key ingredients

    Ingredient amounts are included in the printable recipe below.

    • white vinegar and water - These make a basic brine for refrigerator dill pickles.
    • sugar - While this recipe is not for sweet pickles, some sweetness is needed to balance the sourness of vinegar. I recommend white sugar to prevent any discoloration.
    • cucumbers - Any variety of cucumber can make pickles. Kirby cucumbers are very popular, as are English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, and Patio Snackers.
    • dill sprigs - Fresh dill is a key ingredient when making homemade dill pickles. However, you can substitute dried dill by using ½ teaspoon per 1 quart jar.
    • onions - Making refrigerator dill pickles with onions is a matter of preference, but they add texture, flavor, and volume.
    • garlic cloves - These are optional, but garlic dill refrigerator pickles are a winning combination.
    • whole peppercorn - Use red, white, or black peppercorn for this recipe.
    • mustard seed - Brown or yellow mustard seed is a classic pickling spice.
    ingredients for refrigerator pickles labeled in bowls

    How to make refrigerator pickles

    Full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe below.

    Step 1. To make the brine, combine water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a sauce pot and bring just to a boil. Cool to room temperature.

    Step 2. Slice cucumbers and onions. Pack into 1-quart mason jars with dill sprigs, garlic, peppercorns, and mustard seeds.

    sliced cucumbers in jars and on cutting board next to saucepan and fresh dill
    refrigerator dill pickle ingredients in glass jar consisting of sliced cucumbers, garlic, dill sprigs, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns

    Step 3. Pour in the brine. Leave ½-inch space from the top. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours up to 90 days, or longer at your discretion.

    pickling brine is poured into glass jar of ingredients for refrigerator dill pickles
    refrigerator dill pickles in glass jars consisting of sliced cucumbers, garlic, dill sprigs, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and brine

    Use dill pickles for sandwiches, snacks, or salads made with pickles.

    refrigerator pickles in glass jar with fresh dill and pickling spice

    Recipe tips

    • cucumbers - Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for tender-crisp pickles.
    • dill - I recommend fresh dill over dried dill for authentic dill pickle flavor.
    • storage - Since we're not actually canning refrigerator pickles, canning jars aren't required. However, airtight glass jars are recommended to preserve flavor and freshness.
    • timing - Pickled cucumbers can be enjoyed as early as 24 hours, but their dill flavor gets better by the day.

    Recipe variations

    • Make spicy dill pickles by adding fresh Jalapeño peppers, Serrano peppers, or crushed red pepper to the jar before adding the brine.
    • Substitute some of the cucumbers with other vegetables like cauliflower or bell peppers.
    • Use other dried spices like bay leaf, whole clove, coriander, or cinnamon stick to enhance the flavor.
    • Use pre-made pickling spice in place of the peppercorn and mustard seed in this recipe.

    Serving ideas

    • condiment for pulled pork sliders, burgers, or a savory grilled Reuben
    • delicious low calorie snacks
    • topping for veggie sandwich or chickpea salad sandwich
    • use as pickles for red potato salad with dill

    📖 Recipe

    refrigerator dill pickle ingredients in glass jars consisting of sliced cucumbers, garlic, dill sprigs, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and brine

    Easy Refrigerator Pickles Recipe

    Here's how to pickle cucumbers. Just slice cucumbers, make a simple brine, and fridge-soak. These refrigerator dill pickles get better by the day!
    Prep TimePrep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook TimeCook Time: 5 minutes mins
    Total timeTotal Time: 15 minutes mins
    Yield 4 cups
    Author Traci Antonovich
    4.94 from 32 votes
    Print Pin it for later 📌

    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading

    By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Kitchen Girl.

    When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.

    Ingredients 

    For the brine

    • 1 cup White Vinegar
    • 1 cup Water
    • 2 teaspoons White Sugar, optional
    • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt

    For the dill pickles

    • 1 pound Pickling Cucumbers, 3 (5-inch long) cucumbers
    • 1 small Onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill
    • 3 cloves Garlic, smashed
    • 1 teaspoon Whole Black Peppercorns
    • ⅛ teaspoon Whole Mustard Seed, yellow or brown

    Instructions

    • Wash and sterilize jar(s) and lid(s) using your preferred method (dishwasher, oven, etc).
    • Rinse cucumbers to remove dirt or residue.
    • Slice cucumbers into chips or spears to your desired thickness.
    • Combine VINEGAR, WATER, SALT, and SUGAR in sauce pan. Bring just to a boil over high heat to dissolve sugar and salt, stirring as needed. Set aside to cool completely.
    • Pack sliced CUCUMBERS, DILL, ONION, GARLIC, PEPPERCORNS, and MUSTARD SEED into jar(s).
    • Fill jar(s) with brine, leaving ½-inch space from the top.
    • Cover and refrigerate 24 hours up to 90 days, or longer at your discretion.
    Did you make this? We'd love your feedback!!Please rate and review it here or below ⤵️

    Recipe Notes

    • cucumbers - Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for tender-crisp pickles.
    • dill - I recommend fresh dill over dried dill for authentic dill pickle flavor.
    • storage - Since we're not actually canning refrigerator pickles, canning jars aren't required. However, airtight glass jars are recommended to preserve flavor and freshness.
    • timing - Pickled cucumbers can be enjoyed as early as 24 hours, but their dill flavor gets better by the day.

    Equipment

    • chef's knife or mandoline slicer
    • cutting board
    • 2 quart saucepan
    • wire whisk or stirring utensil
    • 1 quart size canning jar with lid (or any airtight storage container)

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Condiment, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Easy FREE recipes to your inbox weeklyJoin The Kitchen Girl community!
    3.2K shares
    • Facebook
    • Email recipe

    Reader Interactions

    4.94 from 32 votes (19 ratings without comment)

    We love recipe feedback... Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Tap stars to rate recipe




    Comments

    1. Mary Therese says

      April 04, 2024 at 6:07 pm

      Made these last year and loved them. Want to try them with smaller cucumbers this year (we were gifted with very large cukes last year). Have you ever "reused" the brine, or do you think that would not be advisable? Almost hated to throw out all those extra flavors, but they don't work well on sandwiches. 😉

      Reply
      • Traci says

        April 05, 2024 at 5:08 pm

        Hi Mary, I personally would not reuse the brine to make fresh pickles, but I've been known to add it to other things for flavor. You can google how to use pickle juice and get all the ideas 🙂 Let me know if you have further questions. Enjoy!

      • Mary Therese says

        April 05, 2024 at 7:33 pm

        Thank you!

      • Traci says

        April 05, 2024 at 10:01 pm

        You're so welcome! Thank you for the great question. Enjoy!

    2. L. Taylor says

      October 12, 2023 at 1:05 pm

      3 stars
      recipe is easy to follow and preparation is simple but found the finished product to be somewhat bland...tasted after 24 hours so perhaps over a few days it will imporve.

      Reply
      • Traci says

        October 12, 2023 at 5:11 pm

        Hi there. Yes, one day of pickling is going to yield a very mild flavor because the party is only getting started. I'm confident you'll have a different experience in about a week ... and well beyond that, as indicated in the recipe. Thanks and enjoy!

    3. Janna says

      July 17, 2023 at 6:36 pm

      What do you recommend for sea salt? Himalayan pink sea salt ok? Is coarse or fine better? Or can kosher salt be used? Thank you! Excited to try this!

      Reply
      • Traci says

        July 18, 2023 at 6:12 am

        Hiya. Plain sea salt is what I use, but you can you any variety. Also, since we're dissolving it in the brine, the texture doesn't really matter. Let me know if I can help you with any other questions. Thanks and enjoy!

    4. Judith Rudhe says

      August 11, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      Is it okay to use cider vinegar instead of white?

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 11, 2022 at 1:55 pm

        Yes! Absolutely, but just realize that your brine will not be clear - it will be a very light brownish color. I would use the same amount as the recipe calls for though 🙂 let me know if you have any more questions. Enjoy!!

    5. Peggy Kuhn says

      August 01, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      I am wondering how thick the cucumbers should be sliced 🙂

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 01, 2022 at 5:02 pm

        Hiya! You can slice the cucumbers to any thickness, thin or thick. Mine are about 1/4 inch thickness. Also you can slice to any shape such as spears, chunks, rounds, or even crinkle cut. Let me know if you have other questions 🙂

    6. Jeff says

      May 20, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      After falling in love with your homemade dill pickles last year, I can't wait until pickle season, I mean, cucumber season LOL. Best recipe ever!!! Not too sweet either. Thanks for that!

      Reply
    7. Anna says

      August 15, 2021 at 8:00 pm

      Do you think using Apple Cider Vinegar would be good also? I love swapping for it in recipes when possible. I was happy to find a recipe with little sugar! Can’t wait to try 😊

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 16, 2021 at 9:09 am

        Yes! You can absolutely make refrigerator dill pickles with apple cider vinegar. Just swap the vinegar 1:1. Hope you love them like we do 🙂

    8. PAucoin says

      August 05, 2021 at 8:20 am

      Does the sugar have to be added? I can’t use any kind of sweeteners.

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 05, 2021 at 10:09 pm

        You can certainly leave it out, but fair warning, it will be very tart since the sugar balances out the vinegar. Let me know how it goes for you 🙂

    9. Rahul @samosastreet says

      August 19, 2020 at 11:27 pm

      5 stars
      I love pickles, my mom would hide it from me. Our Indian pickles are very tasty, but takes lot of time to make. Loved how simple this dish is Traci . Thanks for sharing the recipe

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 20, 2020 at 7:31 am

        Thanks, Rahul...glad you can enjoy this version of refrigerator pickles

    10. Brenda says

      August 19, 2020 at 11:08 am

      Love the garlic in pickle idea!! Gotta add that to my next batch of refrigerator pickles!!

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        May 20, 2022 at 5:49 pm

        Yess! Garlic dill refrigerator pickles are where it's at! Enjoy 🙂

    11. Neli Howard says

      August 19, 2020 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      Pickles are my go-to snack! Looking forward to having these on hand to enjoy whenever I’d like!

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        May 20, 2022 at 5:49 pm

        I'm so glad to hear it, Neil! Thanks and enjoy!

    12. ali randall says

      August 19, 2020 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      Pickles are a favorite of mine and I have made them from scratch at home before and am always looking for ways to improve. The garden variety of cucumbers I agree make for the best pickles.

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        May 20, 2022 at 5:50 pm

        Yes! So much yes for garden cucumbers 🙂 Enjoy!

    13. Jessie says

      August 19, 2020 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      Your pictures are so pretty! We tried this recipe and it was so easy! The pickles were perfect for our Lunch sandwiches and burgers later that week!

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 19, 2020 at 10:44 am

        Awesome, Jessie! So glad to hear it! We love these refrigerator pickles on everything lately Thanks for the compliment too...they were fun to shoot!

    14. Lisa Huff says

      August 19, 2020 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      Perfect summer recipe with all these fresh cucumbers everywhere. Love how easy it is!

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 19, 2020 at 10:42 am

        Thanks, Lisa! You're right...it's SO easy 🙂 Glad you can enjoy these!

    15. Shanna says

      August 18, 2020 at 8:05 am

      5 stars
      I just made these with my cucumbers from the garden. They turned out so good and I am glad I found your recipe.

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:20 am

        Wonderful, Shanna! I made these with our garden cucumbers also. Nothing beats that for dill pickle recipe. Thanks!!!

    16. Beth Sachs says

      August 18, 2020 at 7:54 am

      5 stars
      These look and taste so good. Great in my chicken salad sandwich!

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:19 am

        Thanks, Beth! So glad you're enjoying these! Chicken salad is perfect for refrigerator pickles

    17. Toni Dash says

      August 18, 2020 at 7:14 am

      5 stars
      I really loved it! Such a perfect recipe for dill pickles!

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:19 am

        Awesome, Toni! So glad you enjoyed these...thanks!!!

    18. Pavani says

      August 18, 2020 at 6:53 am

      5 stars
      I love homemade pickles - they are fresh and taste amazing. Your pickles recipe sounds just perfect to try for my family.

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:18 am

        Yay Pavani! Glad you can enjoy these…let me know if you have any questions

    19. Pam says

      August 18, 2020 at 6:35 am

      5 stars
      I have just learned the joys of refrigerator pickles and can't wait to try your version. It sounds yummy!

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:18 am

        Awesome, Pam! Glad you can enjoy these...let me know if you have any questions

    20. JB says

      August 17, 2020 at 11:34 pm

      5 stars
      These are crazy easy to make and mouth-watering good. Why did we do store bought all these years? It's refrigerator pickles from now on!

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        August 18, 2020 at 6:24 am

        I feel the exact same way, JB No more store bought dill pickles unless it's an emergency

    Primary Sidebar

    The Kitchen Girl standing in a white kitchen with brown accents

    Hi! I'm Traci and I'm sharing my easy recipes with everyday ingredients, simple instructions, and ALL the flavor. Read more about me.

    Spring Recipes

    • asparagus with Parmesan and chopped parsley garnish on white serving plate
      The BEST Air Fryer Asparagus
    • asian slaw in white bowl with two serving spoons
      Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing
    • garlic roasted mushrooms in white bowl on green surface
      Garlicky Roasted Mushrooms
    • kale salad with toppings in glass bowl with salad tongs
      Lemon Kale Salad Recipe
    • strawberry salad in wood bowl
      Strawberry Salad
    • whole artichokes on trivet in Instant Pot
      Instant Pot Artichokes

    Trending Recipes

    • Ham and beans in white bowl with spoon
      Ham and Bean Soup
    • turkey chili in white soup pot with serving ladle next to fresh toppings
      The BEST Turkey Chili Recipe
    • lasagna soup in white bowl with spoon
      Lasagna Soup
    • penne alla vodka with chicken in white skillet
      Chicken Penne alla Vodka
    • black refried beans garnished with fresh cilantro in white serving bowl next to lime wedges
      Refried Black Beans Recipe
    • tortilla chip is dunked into blender salsa in a black bowl
      5 Minute Blender Salsa (Restaurant Style Salsa)

    Weeknight Favorites

    • white crockpot with chicken vegetable soup and a soup ladle
      Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup
    • cream of mushroom soup in white bowl with soup spoon
      Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • turkey sloppy joes on hamburger bun
      Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe
    • A skillet filled with creamy pasta shells, ground meat, and garnished with chopped herbs. A wooden spoon is resting in the skillet.
      Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
    • asian slaw in white bowl with two serving spoons
      Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing
    • lentil chili in black bowl with fresh herb garnish and spoon
      Lentil Chili

    Easy Chicken Recipes

    • Crispy chicken thighs on blue plate garnished with fresh parsley.
      Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
    • Golden brown whole chicken in black slow cooker
      Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
    • crispy and juicy chicken legs on blue serving platter with lemon wedges
      Easy Baked Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
    • whole chicken on serving board with parsley and lemon garnish
      Instant Pot Whole Chicken
    • Partially sliced air fryer chicken breast on wooden cutting board
      Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
    • crispy air fryer chicken legs in air fryer basket
      Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs in 25 Minutes

    Footer

    About TKG

    • Meet Traci
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Back to home page

    Classic Recipes

    • Baked Chicken Legs
    • Broiled Salmon
    • Turkey Chili
    • Charcuterie Board
    • Ham and Bean Soup
    • Homemade Cornbread
    • Baked Chicken Thighs
    • Reuben Sandwich
    • Lasagna Soup
    • French Bread
    • Best Banana Bread
    • Minestrone Soup
    • Beef Stroganoff
    • Pico De Gallo

    Cooking Methods

    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • One Pot Meals
    • Slow Cooker

    Categories

    • Appetizers
    • Beef Recipes
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Dips and Spreads
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Pasta and Noodles
    • Salads
    • Sides
    • Soup, Stew, and Chili
    • Sauces
    • Sandwiches
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • TikTok
    The Kitchen Girl as seen on image banner

    ©2025 The Kitchen Girl LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    • 288Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Flipboard
    3239 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.