This homemade giardiniera recipe is so delicious!
A blend crisp and colorful fresh veggies are quick-pickled in an easy brine.
We all love giardiniera as a snack, a side dish, and especially to top our favorite sandwich recipes!
What is Giardiniera?
Giardiniera (pronounced jar-din-era) is a tangy mix of pickled veggies. Adjust the serrano peppers and red chili flakes to make it hot or mild.
It is not canned in this recipe but rather made more like a quick pickle.
How to Serve Giardiniera
Perfect as a side dish or on an antipasto platter, it pairs beautifully with artisan bread, cheese, olives, and wine. Of course it’s perfect on an Italian beef sandwiches or muffulettas!
A scoop or two of homemade giardiniera is a tasty topper for sandwiches, burgers, or even hotdogs or on pizzas.
Ingredients for Giardiniera
Veggies
Giardiniera is often made with a wide variety of fresh veggies. Cauliflower, carrots, serrano peppers, and olives are a must! We add bell peppers, onion, and celery.
Brine/Marinade
- White Wine Vinegar: A subtle, tangy base for the pickling mix. You can substitute white vinegar if needed.
- Light-tasting Olive Oil: A smooth complement to the vinegar. Replace olive il with canola oil.
How to Make Giardiniera
- Cut veggies into small pieces and refrigerate them in salt water overnight.
- Drain veggies well and place in a glass jar. Add seasonings and fill with vinegar and olive oil.
- Keep giardiniera tightly covered in a mason-style jar in the fridge, continue to marinate at least 3 days before serving.
How to Serve Giardiniera
- Serve giardiniera alongside grilled meats or cured meats on a buffet table.
- We like it with a cheese plate or a charcuterie board.
- It’s great as a topping for an Italian sub!
- Serve it on a sandwich board or as a condiment to go alongside pulled pork or shredded beef.
Tips for Success
- The method of soaking the ingredients overnight in salt water was adapted from Jeff Mauro and truly makes a better giardiniera (although we do prefer to add vinegar to our oil mixture).
- Since giardiniera is essentially pickled vegetables, it will keep for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
- Marinate at least 3 days before serving, longer is better!
Perfectly Pickled
Did you love this homemade Giardiniera? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!
Giardiniera
Giardiniera is full of fresh veggies with spicy flavors, it’s the perfect side dish!
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Mix water and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Add cauliflower, celery, carrots, serrano peppers, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and green olives. Toss to combine and refrigerate overnight.
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Drain vegetables and rinse very well. Place in a large jar.
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Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and chili flakes. Pour over the vegetables and refrigerate at least 3 days before eating.
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Keep up to 1 month.
- Oil can be changed for any light tasting oil. Vinegar can be substituted with white vinegar.
- Marinate at least 3 days before serving, longer is better!
- The oil in this recipe will solidify in the fridge as you store it. Remove the jar and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes and then give it a good shake before serving.
- Nutritional information includes 10% sodium from the overnight soak. Actual sodium may vary.
Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 102 | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1219IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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