Pickled Shallots with Lime are incredibly easy to make, and are an amazingly delicious condiment. The addition of these tangy, tasty shallots will enhance sandwiches, stir-fries, pizzas, and the list goes on!
Inspiration for Pickled Shallots with Lime
My husband is a producer/editor for TV.
Sometimes he produces and edits shows about relationships. Sometimes his work is car or beer commercials, and sometimes it’s really bad (and by really bad, I mean really good) reality TV, but his current project is a show about pizza restaurants in Brooklyn.
Awesome, right?!
I hear snippets here and there about how each restaurant makes their “pies,” and the ingredients they pride themselves on. I was immediately inspired upon hearing that one of these pizza joints’ most prized toppings is red onions pickled in lime juice. Yum!
I changed it up a bit and marinated shallots in lime juice, and I took the marinating time about a week further!
That’s right, a whole week! Well, at least 24 hours, and a week for even more intense flavor.
How to Make Pickled Shallots with Lime Juice
It’s so easy, you’ll be doing it all the time!
- Add thinly sliced shallots to a jar and pour lime juice over them.
- Let the shallots marinate for at least 24 hours and up to a week.
That’s it!
What does the lime juice do to the onions?
The acidity of the citrus adds a tangy flavor, takes the bite out of the onion, softens them a bit, and creates a pretty, pinkish hue.
How to Use Pickled Shallots
They are delicious in salads and sandwiches and on pizzas. They will kick anything up a notch they’re added to. In the best, most delicious way possible! Imagine how over the top guacamole would be if you added a few of these!?
What can you substitute for shallots?
I love shallots, but lime pickled onions of almost any sort are great. Below I used red onions which are my first choice after shallots (below).
Recipes to add lime pickled onions to:
Parmesan Asparagus Salad Recipe
Fried Plantain Toast with Pickled Onion
And here’s another great recipe: Roasted Broccoli with Pickled Shallots and Peanuts.
Squeeze your limes and slice your shallots today, and they’ll be perfect in a few days.
Enjoy!

The addition of these tangy, tasty shallots will enhance sandwiches, stir-fries, pizzas, and the list goes on!
*Makes about 2 cups
- 2 cups shallots, thinly sliced
- about 1 dozen limes, juiced
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Add the listed amount, or as many sliced shallots as you'd like, to a jar and pour in the lime juice. Use enough to cover them by at least ΒΌ inch.
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Let the shallots marinate for at least four hours, and up to a week.
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Paul says
I am constantly wondering how the chefs on “top chef” are pickling things so quick. Now I know their secret.
Would you consider pickled shallots a condiment?
Thanks Valentina.
valentina says
Paul — YES!!! I’m now reminded of you and condiments! π love it!
Blanca says
My mom would always make onions marinated in lemon to eat with our mole. I’ve recently seen them at taco stands with habanero thrown in the mix. I love your shallots idea and I will be making them soon. Thank you Valentina.
valentina says
Blanca, thank you! And now I’m craving mole! π
angiesrecipes says
I did this several times, but never with lime. I am going to do this too. Thanks for the inspiration!
valentina says
I think you will love it, Angie! Thanks! π ~Valentina
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Love pickled food, especially pickled red onion, but haven’t tried with shallots yet. Love the addition of lime here. Bet this would be awesome as a garnish for tacos!
valentina says
Yes Dawn, they’d be fantastic on tacos. I must try that ASAP. Thanks so much. π ~Valentina
Frank Fariello says
These do sound tasty. And what a fabulous color!
valentina says
Thank you, Frank. The color is fun, isn’t it!? π ~Valentina
John / Kitchen Riffs says
I’ve made pickled red onions, but never thought of shallots. What a brilliant idea! Love the color, and I’m sure the flavor is terrific. Thanks!
Lola Osinkolu | Chef Lola's Kitchen says
Pickles are a must on my table! Thanks for this one!
valentina says
I hope you love them! Thanks! π ~Valentina
Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man! says
You are really cleaning up on the comdiments! These shallots are such a gorgeous shade of pink. I wonder how lime does that to them? My husband is also in television, but sports TV … so it’s rare that his work conversations ever turn to shallots. π
valentina says
Ha! That’s funny. Well, if not shallots, some other delicious foods will surely come up some day. π Thanks and enjoy! π ~Valentina
2pots2cook says
Printing this one to make; already hooked !
valentina says
Thanks, Davorka! I hope you love it. π ~Valentina
Kelly | Foodtasia says
These are so awesome, Valentina! They would definitely add a burst of flavor. I’d love to have them in sandwiches!
valentina says
So good in sandwiches. Thank you, Kelly! π ~Valentina