Garden-Style Mixed Pickled Vegetables (Herb & Garlic Brine)
Yield: 1 large quart jar (or 2 smaller jars)
Time: 35 minutes active + chilling
Flavor profile: Bright, savory, aromatic, lightly spicy
Vegetables (Use What’s Shown / Flexible)
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6–8 asparagus spears, trimmed
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1 cup button or cremini mushrooms (whole or halved)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes (red & yellow)
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½ cup fresh peas or snap peas
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½ cup corn rounds (cut into small coins)
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Optional adds:
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Baby carrots
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Green beans
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Pearl onions
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Radishes
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👉 Keep vegetables similar size so they pickle evenly.
Fresh Herbs & Aromatics (Key Flavor)
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3–4 sprigs fresh dill
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2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
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1 small shallot or onion slice
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1 bay leaf
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Optional: thyme or rosemary sprig
Pickling Brine
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1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
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1 cup water
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1½ tbsp kosher salt
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1 tbsp sugar (balances acidity)
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1 tsp black peppercorns
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1 tsp mustard seeds
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½ tsp coriander seeds
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Blanch the Firm Vegetables (Important!)
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Blanch separately:
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Asparagus: 1 minute
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Corn: 2 minutes
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Mushrooms: 30 seconds
Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
Drain well.
👉 This keeps them bright, crisp, and tender, not raw or rubbery.
2. Pack the Jar
In a clean sterilized jar:
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Add garlic, herbs, bay leaf, spices
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Pack vegetables tightly but gently:
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Stand asparagus upright
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Nestle tomatoes and mushrooms
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Scatter peas and corn throughout
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Tight packing = better flavor distribution.
3. Make the Brine
In a saucepan:
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Combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar
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Bring to a gentle boil
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Stir until salt and sugar dissolve
4. Pour & Seal
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Carefully pour hot brine over vegetables
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Ensure everything is fully submerged
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Tap jar gently to release air bubbles
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Seal tightly with lid
5. Cool & Pickle
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Let cool at room temperature
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Refrigerate at least 24 hours
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Best flavor after 3–5 days
Storage
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Refrigerator only (no canning needed)
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Keeps up to 3 weeks
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Flavor intensifies over time
Flavor Variations (Highly Recommended)
🔥 Spicy: add sliced jalapeño or more chili flakes
🍋 Bright: add lemon peel strip
🧄 Bold: double garlic
🌿 Mediterranean: add oregano + fennel seed
How to Use These
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Charcuterie boards
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Cheese & wine nights
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Chopped into salads
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Served with grilled meats
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Straight from the jar with a fork 😄
