Homemade Italian Giardiniera

This Giardiniera Recipe combines fresh vegetables, spices, and a tangy vinegar brine. You’ll get a serious authentic Chicago-style taste!

 

 

This homemade giardiniera is packed with flavor and a little kick! 

With just a few simple steps and some patience?

You can create this delicious Italian condiment right at home!

It’s the perfect addition to sandwiches, salads, or even as a stand-alone snack!

Made with fresh vegetables and olive oil, it’s a healthy way to add some spice to your meals.

It’s got easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions. So it’s simple to make at home.

Stored in the fridge, this Italian giardiniera recipe will last for weeks. If you don’t eat it all before that!

 

 

What Is Giardiniera?

Giardiniera, pronounced jar-din-air-uh, is an Italian pickled vegetable condiment.

It’s actually quite popular in the Chicago area. 

So if you’re a Chicago native you probably already know all about it!

It’s made by pickling a mix of fresh vegetables in a tangy vinegar brine.

Think veggies like cauliflower, peppers, and carrots.

In Italy, Giardiniera is typically mild and used as a condiment for antipasto platters or salads.

In the United States, especially in Chicago, it’s often made spicier with hot peppers.

Then it’s used as a topping for Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and more.

It’s got a zesty, crunchy bite so it’s great for anyone who loves bold flavors.

 

 

What Ingredients Are in This Giardiniera Recipe?

This Chicago-style giardiniera is packed with fresh produce and plain old garden vegetables!

Here’s what you’ll need to grab at the grocery store:

• Serrano Peppers: Heat Heat Baby!
• Red Bell Pepper: Any other bell peppers would work if you prefer.
• Celery Ribs: Adds crunch.
• Carrot: More crunch.
• Cauliflower Florets: A hearty base.
• Garlic: Rich, savory flavor.
• Salt: Essential for the pickling process.
• Italian Seasoning: Love that Italian flair!
• Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick of spice.
• Celery Seeds: A unique, earthy flavor.
• Whole Peppercorns: Peppery undertone anyone?
• White Vinegar: The base of the pickling brine.
• Olive Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil in a pinch but not my fav.

Pro Tips: 

• You can experiment with different types of bell peppers.
• Swap for your favorite vegetables to customize the flavor.
• Increase or decrease the heat level to your liking.

 

 

How to Make Giardiniera?

This homemade giardiniera recipe is great on charcuterie boards and cheese boards. 

And it’s way better than store-bought giardiniera!

The full recipe is below, but here’s what you need to know:

1. Mix all the vegetables together and place them in a glass bowl or jar.
2. Pour in the salt and add enough water to cover the vegetables.
3. Cover and place in the refrigerator.
4. After soaking, rinse the vegetables to remove excess salt.
5. Pour the spices and oil mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine.

Pro Tips: 

• For the best flavor, let the Giardiniera sit in the fridge for 48 hours before serving. 
• I know! It’s not fast! 2 whole days? Trust me! It’s worth the wait!

 

 

Is Giardiniera Healthy?

Yes, this hot giardiniera is a healthy condiment!

Super healthy actually!

It’s made with fresh vegetables, which are really high in vitamins and fiber.

And the olive oil? A source of healthy monounsaturated fats! So good for heart health.

Giardiniera is also low in calories!

A whole lot of flavor without a lot of extra calories.

The only reason I would say not to eat the whole jar in one sitting?

Maybe the salt. But if you aren’t worried about the salt? then eat up!

 

 

How to Serve Giardiniera?

This refrigerator giardiniera can be used in so many ways!

It’s most famously used as a topping for Italian beef sandwiches.

A spicy, tangy crunch with savory meat! Yum!

You could also do a charcuterie board, alongside cheeses, meats, and crackers.

Or as part of an antipasto platter!

Giardiniera is also a great addition to salads and pasta salads.

Or even as a topping for hot dogs!

Use it as a condiment, side dish, or snack.

Whatever you do? You’re gonna love it!

Can You Can Giardiniera?

Yes, you can can this excellent recipe for longer storage.

Not to be confused with doing the can-can! 

Goodness I don’t often use those two words together!

To can Giardiniera, you’ll need to process the jars in a hot water bath.

That’ll make sure they’re sealed properly.

Then you could actually store Giardiniera at room temperature for up to a year.

Though if you can resist eating this for a year you have a lot more willpower than I do!

If you’re not familiar with the canning process follow all the safety guidelines carefully.

Contamination can absolutely spoil your food.

 

 

How Long Does Giardiniera Last?

This great recipe will last for several weeks in the refrigerator.

And you’ll probably eat it up a lot quicker than you thought you would! Yum!

The vinegar and oil act as preservatives.

So they keep the vegetables fresh and flavorful for an extended period.

For best results, store the Giardiniera in an airtight container or jar.

And make sure the vegetables are fully submerged in the oil and vinegar mixture.

If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture, it’s best to toss it.

How to Store Giardiniera?

Store this simple recipe in the refrigerator in an airtight container or jar.

Make sure the vegetables are fully submerged in the oil and vinegar mixture.

That’ll help keep them from drying out or spoiling.

Giardiniera will stay fresh and flavorful for several weeks when stored properly.

Before serving, you can bring it to room temperature.

Or you can serve it chilled. Just depends on your preference.

 

 

Can You Freeze Giardiniera?

I don’t recommend freezing jars of giardiniera.

The freezing process can cause the vegetables to become mushy when thawed.

And mushy veggies make everyone sad!

If you have leftover Giardiniera that you won’t be able to use within a few weeks?

It’s better to share it with friends or family rather than freezing it.

What to Serve with Giardiniera?

Italian pickled vegetables is a versatile condiment that pairs well with many dishes.

Serve it as a topping for Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, or burgers.

Or you could mix it into a salad or use it as a topping for grilled vegetables.

You can also serve it with crusty bread or crackers as a simple, flavorful appetizer.

 

 

Here are some recipe ideas if you need a few:

• Chicken Carbonara Recipe
• Creamy Sausage Bowtie Pasta
• Italian Panini
• Pita Panzanella Salad with Steak
• Cuban Sandwich Recipe
• Chicken Parmesan Tenderloins
• BBQ Chicken Stromboli
• Ham and Brie Panini
• Four Cheese Garlic Bread
• Rigatoni Salsiccia
• Ginger Steak 
• Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
• Citrus Shrimp
• Mustard Cream Chicken
• Slow Cooked Brisket in Oven

Is Giardiniera Keto?

Yes, Italian vegetables in a vinegary brine can totally be keto-friendly!

This recipe is low in carbs.

It’s made with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and vinegar, all of which are keto-approved.

You should always check the labels on store-bought ingredients.

such as pickled peppers or vinegar don’t usually have added sugars but you never know!

 

 

This giardiniera recipe is a simple recipe that is the perfect condiment! You can enjoy it in so many ways and it’ll be gone before you know it!

 

Originally Posted: July 3, 2016

Photos & Text Updated: May 3, 2025

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