A flavor explosion that you can add to any dish!

Homemade Italian Giardiniera

Giardiniera (jar-din-air-uh) is a delicious Italian pickled vegetable mix, often used as a condiment for sandwiches, salads, or antipasto. The translation of Giardiniera means garden/gardener and I couldn’t have described it better myself! This recipe packs in the veggies and is great for when you are craving a pickled flavor. It’s easy to throw together, just make sure to plan ahead because the best flavor happens when you let it sit for 1 to 2 weeks before serving!

Our recipe is a mild giardiniera, which features flavorful veggies without the intense heat found in spicier versions. With this version, you can enjoy a balance of crunch and tang without the heat of hot peppers.

How to make Giardiniera

Giardiniera Recipe

This recipe gives you a classic mild giardiniera with tangy flavors but without the spice, making it great for those who prefer a gentler taste.

Ingredients

• 1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets 
• 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 2 celery stalks, sliced thinly
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of small pickling cucumbers (or sliced regular cucumbers)
• 4-5 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1/4 cup salt (for brining)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: 1-2 mild banana peppers or pepperoncini, sliced (for a hint of mild pepper flavor, but not spicy)

Steps

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, carrots, celery, bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, and garlic
2. Dissolve the salt in 4 cups of cold water
3. Pour this brine over the vegetables, ensuring they’re fully submerged
4. Cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours (or overnight)
5. Rinse and Drain: After brining, drain and rinse the vegetables thoroughly with cold water to remove excess salt
6. Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, peppercorns, celery seed, and bay leaf
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes
8. Pickle the Vegetables: In clean, sterilized jars, pack the rinsed vegetables tightly
9. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, making sure they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
10. Seal and Store: Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature
11. Once cooled, refrigerate the giardiniera for at least 24-48 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, wait 1-2 weeks before enjoying.

Printable Recipe Card

Frequently Asked Questions about this Tangy Condiment

What should I serve Giardinieria on?

• Use this mild giardiniera as sandwich topping! This recipe most famously makes its appearance on Italian Beef or Muffuletta sandwiches. You can also add it to a hot dog!
• Add it to salads for a new crunchy texture and tangy kick
• Serve as part of an antipasto platter with cheese and cured meats

What recipes can I use Giardiniera in?

These flavorful pickled veggies don’t just have to be something you throw on top – there are many dishes that make Giardiniera the star: Italian Pasta, Baked Giardiniera chicken, Giardiniera Omlete, whatever your heart desires!

Are there variations of this Giardiniera? Can I use different vegetables?

To get the authentic giardiniera flavor, our homemade recipe uses cauliflower, carrots, celery, red and green bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers. There is also a “Chicago Style” (meaning we can claim this delicious condiment as part of Midwest tradition, too!) that includes the same base vegetables but adds serrano peppers, crushed red pepper, and jalapeno peppers for a spicier take.

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