Pickled Mushrooms and Onions are a simple yet elegant side dish that adds brightness and bold flavor to any meal. Tender mushrooms and crisp onions are marinated in a tangy, garlicky vinegar brine that’s perfectly balanced with herbs and spices. The result? A refreshing, savory bite that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards.
This easy recipe requires minimal prep and gets better the longer it sits — making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or adding a gourmet touch to everyday dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, no canning required.
Bursting with Flavor: Tangy, garlicky, and slightly sweet.
Versatile: Works as a side, salad topping, or snack.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge for days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for milder flavor)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Clean mushrooms and slice onions thinly. Set aside.
2. Make the Brine
In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, olive oil, sugar, salt, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaf, and herbs. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Add the Mushrooms and Onions
Add mushrooms and onions to the simmering brine. Cook for 3–5 minutes, just until mushrooms begin to soften.
4. Cool and Marinate
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer everything (liquid and vegetables) into a glass jar or airtight container.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. The flavor deepens beautifully after a full night of marinating.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 60
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 3g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Mushrooms should stay firm, not mushy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Add dill, parsley, or thyme for fresh flavor.
- Add a Kick: A few chili flakes or sliced jalapeño can spice things up.
- Longer = Better: The longer it marinates, the richer the flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
The natural umami of mushrooms pairs perfectly with the tang of vinegar and sweetness of onions. The brine infuses deep flavor without overpowering, creating a delicious balance that’s both refreshing and savory. It’s a classic recipe that elevates simple ingredients into something special.
Pickled Mushrooms and Onions are an easy, flavorful addition to any meal. They’re tangy, aromatic, and perfectly balanced — ideal for adding brightness to rich dishes or serving as a zesty snack on their own. Whether for a picnic, salad topping, or charcuterie board, these pickled delights bring a burst of flavor to every bite.
Pickled Mushrooms and Onions – Tangy, Savory, and Simply Delicious
6
servings10
minutes60
kcal4
hours10
minutesPickled Mushrooms and Onions are a simple yet elegant side dish that adds brightness and bold flavor to any meal. Tender mushrooms and crisp onions are marinated in a tangy, garlicky vinegar brine that’s perfectly balanced with herbs and spices. The result? A refreshing, savory bite that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards.
This easy recipe requires minimal prep and gets better the longer it sits — making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or adding a gourmet touch to everyday dishes.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and halved
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for milder flavor)
½ cup water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black peppercorns
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
Clean mushrooms and slice onions thinly. Set aside. - Make the Brine
In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, olive oil, sugar, salt, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaf, and herbs. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. - Add the Mushrooms and Onions
Add mushrooms and onions to the simmering brine. Cook for 3–5 minutes, just until mushrooms begin to soften. - Cool and Marinate
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer everything (liquid and vegetables) into a glass jar or airtight container. - Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. The flavor deepens beautifully after a full night of marinating.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook: Mushrooms should stay firm, not mushy.
Use Fresh Herbs: Add dill, parsley, or thyme for fresh flavor.
Add a Kick: A few chili flakes or sliced jalapeño can spice things up.
Longer = Better: The longer it marinates, the richer the flavor.