Pickle Lovers Tangy Crunchy Meal

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This tangy, crunchy meal transforms the humble pickle into a showstopping centerpiece. Layers of flavor and texture come together in crispy fried pickles, an array of vibrant pickled vegetables, and inventive pickled-wrapped bites with cheese and turkey or ham. Served with a zesty ranch-dill dipping sauce, every element is designed to celebrate the boldness and versatility of pickles. Perfect for pickle enthusiasts, this spread is vegetarian-friendly with easy vegan swaps. Pair with crusty bread, chips, or your favorite chilled drink for a casual American-style dining experience.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:19:00 GMT
Crispy fried pickles served with tangy ranch for the Pickle Lovers Meal.  Save
Crispy fried pickles served with tangy ranch for the Pickle Lovers Meal. | ovenharmony.com

A tangy& crunchy feast featuring crispy fried pickles& a variety of pickled vegetables& and a playful twist with pickled-wrapped bites (perfect for true pickle enthusiasts)

I first crafted this pickle lovers meal for a summer get together (the fried pickles disappeared in minutes& and everyone asked for the dipping sauce recipe)

Ingredients

  • For the Fried Pickles: 2 cups dill pickle chips or spears (drained and patted dry)& 1 cup buttermilk& 1 cup all-purpose flour& 1 cup cornmeal& 1 tsp paprika& 1/2 tsp garlic powder& 1/2 tsp onion powder& 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)& 1 tsp salt& 1/2 tsp black pepper& vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Pickled-Wrapped Bites: 8 large dill pickle spears& 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese& 8 slices deli turkey or ham (optional omit for vegetarian)
  • Assorted Pickled Vegetables: 1 cup pickled carrots& 1 cup pickled onions& 1 cup pickled green beans& 1 cup pickled jalapeños& 1 cup pickled cauliflower or any favorite pickled vegetables
  • Dipping Sauce: 1/2 cup ranch dressing& 2 tbsp pickle brine& 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Instructions

Prepare the Fried Pickles:
Pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl (in another bowl combine flour cornmeal paprika garlic powder onion powder cayenne salt and black pepper) Dip each pickle chip or spear into the buttermilk then dredge in the flour mixture pressing gently to coat (heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet) Fry pickles in batches for 2 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp (remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels)
Make the Pickled-Wrapped Bites:
Lay each cheese slice on a flat surface and top with a slice of turkey or ham if using (place a pickle spear at one end and roll up tightly) Secure with a toothpick if needed (repeat with remaining ingredients)
Assemble the Pickled Platter:
Arrange fried pickles pickled-wrapped bites and assorted pickled vegetables on a serving platter
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl mix ranch dressing pickle brine and fresh dill until well combined (serve alongside the platter)
A vibrant platter of pickled vegetables and cheesy pickle-wrapped bites.  Save
A vibrant platter of pickled vegetables and cheesy pickle-wrapped bites. | ovenharmony.com

Making this dish with my family always sparks smiles (the kids love rolling pickle spears inside cheese and sampling every variety on the platter)

Required Tools

Gather shallow bowls mixing bowls deep skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan slotted spoon paper towels toothpicks and a serving platter for easy prep and serving

Allergen Information

This recipe contains milk (cheese buttermilk ranch dressing) wheat (flour) eggs (may be present in ranch dressing) and possible soy (deli meats cheese)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 420 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 17 g

Delicious fried pickles and savory snacks for a true Pickle Lovers Meal. Save
Delicious fried pickles and savory snacks for a true Pickle Lovers Meal. | ovenharmony.com

This meal is sure to please any pickle lover (fresh crunchy and full of tangy flavor from start to finish)

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve crispy fried pickles?

Pat pickles dry before coating, use a hot oil (350°F), and fry until golden for the crispiest results.

Can I make this meal vegan?

Swap out cheese and deli meats for vegan-friendly alternatives, and verify all ingredients fit your diet.

Which pickled vegetables work best?

Pickled carrots, onions, green beans, jalapeños, and cauliflower offer delicious variety, but use your favorites.

What dip pairs well with pickle-packed platters?

A simple ranch dressing boosted with pickle brine and fresh dill perfectly complements the tangy bites.

How can I add more spice?

Include pickled jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the dipping sauce for extra heat.

What drinks pair best?

Try a crisp lager or a dry Riesling to balance the tang and crunch of the meal.

Pickle Lovers Tangy Crunchy Meal

Experience crunchy fried pickles, tangy pickled veggies, and playful bites in a lively, flavor-packed meal.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Vegetarian Picks

Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Fried Pickles

01 2 cups dill pickle chips or spears, drained and patted dry
02 1 cup buttermilk
03 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 1 cup cornmeal
05 1 teaspoon paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
09 1 teaspoon salt
10 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 Vegetable oil, for frying

Pickled-Wrapped Bites

01 8 large dill pickle spears
02 8 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese
03 8 slices deli turkey or ham (optional, omit for vegetarian)

Assorted Pickled Vegetables

01 1 cup pickled carrots
02 1 cup pickled onions
03 1 cup pickled green beans
04 1 cup pickled jalapeños
05 1 cup pickled cauliflower or assorted favorite pickled vegetables

Dipping Sauce

01 1/2 cup ranch dressing
02 2 tablespoons pickle brine
03 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Directions

Phase 01

Coat the Pickles: Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Dip each pickle chip or spear in buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to fully coat.

Phase 02

Fry the Pickles: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Fry the coated pickles in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Phase 03

Prepare Pickled-Wrapped Bites: Lay each cheese slice flat and top with a slice of turkey or ham if preferred. Place a pickle spear at one end and roll up tightly. Secure each with a toothpick if needed, and repeat the process for all spears.

Phase 04

Arrange the Platter: On a serving platter, arrange the fried pickles, pickled-wrapped bites, and assorted pickled vegetables attractively.

Phase 05

Mix Dipping Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, pickle brine, and chopped fresh dill. Blend well and serve alongside the platter.

Necessary tools

  • Shallow bowls
  • Mixing bowls
  • Deep skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Toothpicks
  • Serving platter

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains milk (cheese, buttermilk, ranch dressing), wheat (flour), eggs (may be present in ranch dressing), and possible soy (deli meats, cheese).
  • Check deli meats for additional allergens and always verify ingredient labels for sensitivity concerns.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 17 g