Quick pickling is a great way to reduce food waste while creating something new and exciting. While traditional refrigerator pickles are delicious, pickled grapes are next-level delicious. Packed into a sweet and tangy marinade, these homemade pickled grapes feature punchy flavors like mustard and coriander seeds. Add a hint of cinnamon, and you will want to put these grapes on literally everything.
Here’s what ingredients you’ll need
Hot Water and Sugar: Ensuring the water is hot will help the sugar to dissolve quicker (they’re called “quick pickled grapes” for a reason!). We’ll use some regular granulated sugar to add a dash of sweetness. Apple Cider Vinegar: I find apple cider vinegar to be the most complimentary kind of vinegar to pair with grapes. Ginger: To add zingy flavor, we’ll use a bit of peeled and thinly sliced ginger. Spices: A blend of spices gives these grapes major pizazz. We’ll use coriander seeds, whole black peppercorns, mustard seeds, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Seedless Red Grapes: Red seedless grapes are best, but you can use green grapes for more tart results.
how to make them
This easy pickling recipe should only take about 5 minutes of prep work!
Variation ideas
There are a few ways that you can customize this recipe and make it your own. Are you more of a green grape eater? That will work! Do you prefer foods on the spicer side? Give this recipe a kick!
Pickled green grapes: If you want to mix things up, you can use green grapes in place of red. They’ll taste slightly different in flavor—a bit more sour. You can also use black grapes if preferred. Spicy pickled grapes: Looking for a spicer kick? Include jalapeños! Add two small jalapeño peppers to the water and vinegar mixture for an extra kick. Remove or keep some of the seeds to make the mix as hot as desired. Pickled rhubarb: For a slight twist on this recipe, follow the directions above, but use rhubarb pieces in place of grapes! The result? Equally fruity, equally delicious pickled rhubarb bites.
How to serve
Brined grapes can be served in a number of ways, but they’re especially delicious when served with these recipes:
Healthy Avocado Toast: Take your avo toast game up a notch with pickled grapes. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: This salad already uses apples, so why not add grapes?? Cheese Platter: Serve briney grapes with creamy cheese, crackers, and a little jam for the perfect grazing board.
