Easy Microwave Dill Pickles

Looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy a crunchy pickle craving without hauling out canning pots or heating up the kitchen? These Easy Microwave (affiliate link) Dill Pickles are a fun little shortcut that delivers crisp, tangy homemade pickles in minutes.

Made with fresh cucumbers, dill, garlic, vinegar, and a handful of pantry spices, these quick refrigerator pickles are light, healthy, low calorie, and wonderfully satisfying. They’re perfect for snacking, piling onto sandwiches and burgers, or adding a bright crunchy bite to salads and grain bowls.

As a longtime WW member, I’ve always kept dill pickles in the refrigerator because sometimes you just need something salty, crunchy, and flavorful to snack on. And these homemade microwave (affiliate link) pickles are one of the easiest ways I’ve found to make that happen.

Unlike traditional canning methods, this microwave technique requires no boiling water bath, no complicated equipment, and very little cleanup. The shorter cooking time also helps keep the cucumbers crisp and crunchy.

Why You’ll Love These Microwave Dill Pickles

• Quick and easy to make
• No traditional canning required
• Ready in minutes
• Light, healthy, and low calorie
• Naturally low in WW Points
• Crisp, crunchy, and flavorful
• Great for snacking and sandwiches
• Easy to customize

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Baby or Persian cucumbers – Smaller cucumbers stay especially crisp and crunchy. Regular cucumbers work too, though you may want to remove some seeds if they are large.
• Fresh dill – Adds classic dill pickle flavor. If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute a smaller amount of dried dill weed.
• Apple cider vinegar – Gives the pickles their tangy flavor. White vinegar can also be substituted for a sharper, more traditional pickle taste.
• Mustard seeds – Add flavor and help create that classic deli-style pickle taste.
• Turmeric – Adds color and subtle earthy flavor. You can leave it out if preferred.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds lots of flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
• Red pepper flakes – Optional, but great if you like a little heat.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

Today it’s all about the “dill pickle.” They are low in fat and calories, and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They add spice to leafy green salads, sandwiches, and give a flavor boost to meals.

According to my calculations, each 1/4-cup serving has just 5 calories and 0 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

How to Make Easy Microwave Dill Pickles

Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers

Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or spears.

Step 2: Make the pickling mixture

In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the vinegar, water, dill, garlic, mustard seeds, turmeric, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 3: Microwave the brine

Cover loosely and microwave until hot and steaming.

Step 4: Add the cucumbers

Stir the cucumbers into the warm pickling liquid until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Transfer the mixture to jars or airtight containers and refrigerate until chilled. The flavor improves after several hours.

Recipe Notes, Variations & Tips

These quick pickles are not shelf-stable canned pickles. They should be stored in the refrigerator.

The microwave helps speed up the pickling process while keeping the cucumbers crisp.

You can easily customize the flavor:

• Add sliced onions
• Include extra garlic
• Make them spicy with more red pepper flakes
• Add peppercorns or celery seed
• Try fresh thyme or parsley alongside the dill

This same method also works well with:

• Green beans
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Radishes

DIY Dill Pickle Kitchen Tools

As the inventor of the Cuchina Safe glass vented microwave lid, no plastics are allowed in my microwave! You will need two large “go-to” glass cooking bowls, one Cuchina Safe lid, and 2-3 canning jars (affiliate link). See the recipe below.

Why use the microwave for pickles?

Several reasons… no pots, no boiling, and shorter cooking time. It speeds the absorption of the pickling brine into the cucumber. Less cooking time for the cucumber means crunchier pickles. The Cuchina Safe glass vented lid (affiliate link) facilitates this process in a healthy, efficient, easy manner, and no toxic plastics are involved!

Next on my recipe list…pickled green beans, cauliflower, and asparagus, all will help you boost your vegetable intake and satisfy your craving for crunchy.

How To Make Dill Pickles in the Microwave?

Here’s a great video where Susan C. shows you how to make dill pickles in the microwave step-by-step:

If you’ve made this Microwave Dill Pickles Recipe, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe source: Susan Castriota Cuchina Safe

More WW-Friendly Cucumber and Pickle Recipes

If you liked these Quick and Easy Crispy Dill Pickles you might also like:

• WW Simple Cucumber Salad
• Pickle Juice Crispy Chicken Tenders
• Fresh Pineapple Kale Cucumber Juice
• WW Friendly Zero and Low Point Seasonings & Condiments
• Super Easy Chilled Cucumber Soup