Crunchy, Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Pickled Green Beans

Crunchy, Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Pickled Green Beans

A Zesty, No-Canning Snack You’ll Keep Coming Back To

Refrigerator pickled green beans—also called “dilly beans”—are a fantastic way to preserve your beans while packing them with flavor. These pickles are crisp, sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. They’re perfect in salads, Bloody Marys, charcuterie boards, or eaten straight from the jar. No canning skills required—just a quick brine and your fridge does the rest.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cook Time (brine):

• 5 minutes

❄️ Chill Time:

• Minimum 12 hours, best after 24–48 hours

⏱️ Total Time:

• 15–20 minutes + chilling

Ingredients: (Makes 1 quart jar)

For the brine:

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup water

1 tbsp kosher salt or pickling salt

2 tbsp sugar (adjust for more or less sweetness)

Add-ins for flavor:

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more if you like it hot)

1/2 tsp black peppercorns

1/4 tsp crushed coriander seeds (optional)

1 sprig fresh dill or 1/4 tsp dill seeds

1/4 tsp turmeric (optional, for color)

For the beans:

~300g (10 oz) fresh green beans, trimmed to fit the jar

‍ Instructions:

1. Prep the Green Beans

Wash and trim the green beans so they fit upright in your jar.

Blanching optional: For brighter color, blanch beans in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly.

2. Pack the Jar

In a clean quart-size glass jar, add garlic, dill, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and peppercorns.

Pack the green beans tightly upright into the jar.

3. Make the Brine

In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, turmeric, and coriander if using.

Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve completely (about 2–3 minutes).

4. Pour the Brine

Carefully pour the hot brine into the jar over the green beans, fully submerging them.

Tap or shake gently to release air bubbles. Add more brine if needed.

5. Cool & Refrigerate

Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal with a lid.

Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving. Best flavor develops after 1–2 days.

Tips & Variations:

Extra spicy? Add a slice of fresh jalapeño or more chili flakes.

Sweet & tangy twist: Use 3 tbsp sugar for sweeter pickles.

Crunch guaranteed: Always start with the freshest beans and don’t over-blanch.

Use wax beans for a yellow variety twist!

Nutrition Information (Per 4–5 beans / ~1/4 cup)