Pickled Onions

Blog by Callie Birtles, RHN in The Clear Skin Solution + Recipe by Katie Stewart

When it comes to adding a burst of flavor to your meals, pickled red onions are an absolute level up. Pickled onions mingle on the plate like finely paired tango dancers. These tangy onions bring the perfect balance of sweet and sour, adding both flavor and visual appeal to your dishes. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to make, and they come with some fantastic skin-loving benefits.

Acne Busting Benefits

Packed with skin-loving nutrients, here are some of the key benefits of pickled onions:

Balanced Blood Sugar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) in this recipe helps balance blood sugar levels, which is crucial for clearing acne. In The Clear Skin Solution, we focus on stabilizing blood sugar as a key component in our approach to achieving clear skin.

Reduces Inflammation

Red onions are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, both of which can contribute to acne breakouts.

Avoids Harmful Additives

Making your own pickled onions at home allows you to avoid preservatives, added sugars, artificial colors, and excess sodium often found in store-bought versions, providing a cleaner, more skin-friendly option.

Balanced and Versatile

Pickled red onions are all about balance. The apple cider vinegar and a touch of raw honey or maple syrup create a delicate sweet-and-sour harmony that can elevate any dish. You can also customize the recipe by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, giving your pickled onions a unique twist that suits your palate.

One of the best things about these onions is their versatility. They pair well with just about anything—layer them on top of a salad, add them to a sandwich or a burger, or use them as a garnish for your favorite tacos. No matter how you enjoy them, they’re sure to add a delightful zing that enhances the overall flavor of your meal.

Gut-Loving Goodness

Not just a trendy ingredient; raw ACV is a powerhouse for gut health. Made from fermented apple cider, it’s packed with beneficial enzymes and probiotics. ACV further supports digestion by assisting stomach acid production, which is essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients effectively. The naturally occurring acetic acid in ACV helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your stomach, promoting a favorable environment for good bacteria to thrive. This, in turn, can lead to improved digestion and a reduction in bloating or discomfort after eating.

By adding these tangy pickled onions, you’re boosting flavor and supporting digestive health. The raw ACV in the brine helps your body process meals better. This keeps your gut happy and supports clear skin.

Glow from the Inside Out: The Gut-Skin Connection

Gut health is crucial for clear skin because it’s connected to the skin through the gut-skin axis. An imbalanced gut from poor digestion or inflammation can lead to acne, eczema, or redness. A healthy gut regulates hormones, detoxification, and inflammation, all important for clear skin. Supporting your gut with nutrient-rich foods and probiotics improves digestion and promotes radiant, healthy skin.

Not only are pickled onions a delicious burger topping, but they also support gut health—key for clear skin and preventing breakouts!

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Ingredients

1 large red onion (thinly sliced)
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup water
1-2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp fine pink or sea salt
1 tbsp raw honey (can substitute with maple syrup)

Optional Ingredients:

1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme
1 bay leaf

Instructions

Prepare the Onion: Peel the large red onion and slice it thinly. For even slices, you can use a mandolin, a food processor, or a sharp knife, depending on your preference and available tools.
Mellow Out the Onion (Optional): If you find raw onions too intense, you can mellow out their sharpness before pickling. Place the sliced onions in a colander and pour boiling water over them. Let them drain and cool for a minute before proceeding with the pickling process. This step helps to soften the flavor while still preserving the onion’s crunch.
Make the Pickling Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, minced garlic, and salt. If you're using raw honey or maple syrup, add it in as well. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the honey or syrup is fully dissolved, and the liquid is warm but not boiling.
Add Optional Herbs:If you'd like to infuse your pickled onions with additional flavor, add the sprig of rosemary or thyme and the bay leaf to the saucepan. Let the brine simmer for another minute to allow the herbs to release their flavors.
Combine Onions and Brine: Place the thinly sliced onions into a clean glass jar. Pour the warm brine over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. If using the optional herbs, add them to the jar as well. Use a spoon to press the onions down and remove any air bubbles.
Let the Flavors Meld: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature before sealing it with a lid. Once cooled, place the jar in the refrigerator. The onions will be ready to eat in about an hour but will develop a deeper flavor if left to pickle for at least a day.
Store and Enjoy: Store the pickled onions in the refrigerator. They should keep for up to 2 weeks. Use them to add a tangy crunch to salads, sandwiches, tacos, or any dish that could use a pop of acidity.