Giardiniera, a delightful medley of pickled vegetables, is a cherished traditional recipe in Italian cuisine. It’s a treat that can be enjoyed year-round, serving as both an appetizer and a side dish, beautifully complementing boiled meats, charcuterie, and cheeses.

Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 3 carrots
- 2-3 celery stalks
- 1/2 cauliflower
- 3 red Tropea onions
- 1/2 dl white vinegar
- Water
- Salt
- Pepper
The Recipe
Giardiniera, which translates to “from the garden” in Italian, is a delightful pickled vegetable concoction deeply rooted in Italy’s culinary heritage.
This vibrant medley of vegetables has a crisp and colorful character that appeals to both the eyes and the palate. Traditionally, giardiniera is served as an accompaniment to cured meats and cheeses, making it a perfect appetizer.
The recipe for crafting this delightful giardiniera is refreshingly straightforward and flexible, allowing you to use a variety of seasonal vegetables. Commonly, it includes carrots, celery, bell peppers, cauliflower, and the iconic red Tropea onions.

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying all the vegetables. Chop the celery into bite-sized pieces. For the cauliflower, separate it into florets. Lastly, slice the Tropea onions into wedges.
Step 2: Layering the Jars
Fill sterilized 500 ml jars with your prepared vegetables, layering them as you desire. Try to avoid leaving empty spaces between the vegetables. Stop filling the jars about a finger’s width below the rim.
Step 3: Adding Flavor
In each jar, add a teaspoon of salt, a handful of white pepper, and 50 ml of white vinegar. Cover the vegetables with water, leaving approximately 2 centimeters between the lid and the food.
Step 4: The Sterilization Process
Place a cloth at the bottom of a pot and position the filled jars on top. Fill the pot with water, covering the jars, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for approximately 40 minutes. Allow the jars to cool and check for proper vacuum sealing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your giardiniera is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as is or drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.

Giardiniera is more than just a pickled delight; it’s a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Italy. Its versatility shines as it accompanies a variety of dishes, from enhancing the flavors of boiled meats to revitalizing mixed salads with its crisp and tangy profile.
Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a salad ingredient, giardiniera brings a burst of color and flavor to your table, making every meal a true Italian feast.
So why not try your hand at crafting this Italian classic at home? Your taste buds will thank you!