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Nordic Pickle Trio

Bright, crisp pickled vegetables are an essential element of Nordic cooking. Their clean acidity balances rich seafood, smoked fish, creamy sauces, and hearty breads, bringing both contrast and freshness to the table. This Nordic Pickle Trio uses a lightly aromatic juniper–dill brine to create three complementary variations — red onion, cucumber, and mixed root vegetables — all from a single master recipe.

Prepared together, they create a vibrant condiment spread perfect for gravlax boards, Nordic brunch gatherings, or simple weeknight meals.

Prep Time:

45 Minutes

Cook Time:

20 Minutes

Yield:

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Ingredients

Why This Brine Works

The combination of white wine vinegar, dill, lemon peel, mustard seed, and juniper berries produces a pickle that is gently herbal rather than sharply sour. Juniper adds subtle piney depth, while dill and lemon brighten the overall profile — a classic Scandinavian flavor balance.


Master Brine

1½ C. White wine vinegar

1½ C. Water

3 T. Sugar

1½ T. Kosher salt

8 Juniper berries, lightly crushed

2 t. Mustard seeds

2 t. Black peppercorns

2 strips lemon peel

Fresh dill sprigs


Tools we Use


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WECK 741 Mold Jars

These classic glass jars make both storage and presentation effortless. Once the vegetables are pickled, simply remove the lid, release the clamps, and place the jar directly on a serving board — a beautiful, practical way to present pickles for brunch spreads, seafood boards, or casual gatherings.

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Mandoline Slicer

Creates uniform slices for even pickling and professional presentation.

Variation 1 — Pickled Red Onion
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups thinly sliced red onion, briefly rinsed and drained

Method

  1. Place onions into a clean glass jar.

  2. Pour the warm brine over the onions until fully covered.

  3. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Soft, vibrant, and gently sweet — perfect with smoked salmon and sandwiches.


Variation 2 — Nordic Cucumber & Dill
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups thinly sliced Persian or English cucumbers

  • Extra fresh dill sprigs

Method

  1. Place cucumbers and dill in a jar.

  2. Cover with warm brine.

  3. Refrigerate 2–4 hours before serving.

Crisp, clean, and refreshing — ideal alongside seafood and creamy sauces.


Variation 3 — Mixed Root & Garden Vegetables

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sliced radishes

  • 1 cup shaved fennel

  • 1 cup carrot ribbons

Method

  1. Combine vegetables in a jar.

  2. Pour brine over to cover completely.

  3. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Colorful, aromatic, and textural — excellent for grazing boards.


What's Next?

From here, consider:



Preparation

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