Ingredients
For the Pickling Brine:
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (red, yellow, or mixed)
- ½ small cucumber, sliced into rounds
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes. Pierce them with a toothpick or fork to help absorb the brine.
- Slice the cucumber and red onion into thin rounds.
- Place all the vegetables into a clean 16 oz jar, layering with sprigs of fresh dill.
2. Make the Pickling Brine
- In a small pot, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
3. Assemble and Store
- Carefully pour the warm brine over the vegetables in the jar, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal with a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours (for best flavor, let sit for 24 hours).
Notes
How to Store
- Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- The flavors deepen over time, making them even tastier after a few days!