Hot Italian Giardiniera

This giardiniera recipe is the perfect way to add flavor and color to any dish. 

What Is Giardiniera? 

Giardiniera is Italian pickled vegetables that’s usually served as a relish. Ingredients can vary, but it usually includes peppers, celery, carrots, and cauliflower in vinegar and/or olive oil. 

What Is In Giardiniera? 

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade giardiniera recipe: 

• Vegetables: For this colorful giardiniera recipe, you’ll need green and red bell peppers, jalapeños, celery, a carrot, an onion, and cauliflower florets. You’ll also need a jar of pimento-stuffed green olives. 
• Salt: Salt adds flavor and helps preserve the giardiniera. 
• Garlic: Fresh garlic takes the flavor up a notch. 
• Seasonings: Season the giardiniera with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. 
• Vinegar and oil: You’ll need a cup of white vinegar and a cup of olive oil for this giardiniera. 

How to Make Giardiniera

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade giardiniera: 

1. Mix the fresh vegetables together, stir in the salt, then cover with cold water. 
2. Refrigerate overnight, then drain and rinse the vegetables. 
3. Mix the olives, garlic, and dried seasonings, then stir in the vinegar and olive oil
4. Combine with the vegetable mixture, cover, and refrigerate for two days. 

How to Use Giardiniera

The classic way to serve giardiniera is on Italian beef sandwiches, but the crisp pickled veggies work well with just about any rich meat. It also works well on charcuterie boards or served as a side dish alongside your favorite Italian entrees. 

Test Kitchen Tips

This recipe is the “perfect excuse to stop buying store-bought giardiniera and make your own,” according to culinary expert Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom). Here are some of her best tips: 

• If eight jalapenos seems like a lot, you can easily cut down to make this giardiniera more mild. 
• When you jar the giardiniera, make sure the liquid goes all the way to the top. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“I've lived in Chicago for over 30 years and have become hooked on hot giardiniera,” says one Allrecipes community member. “This is hands down the best one ever. I have made it about a dozen times and everyone I know loves when I have a new batch ready.”

“Fantastic,” raves thestashek. “I eat it right out of the jar.”

“Recipe is excellent,” according to April Knebel. “We have decided to try more veggies next time such as radishes and asparagus.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams