Are you intrigued by the latest culinary trends? Have you heard whispers of something tangy and spicy making waves in the food world? The secret’s out: pickle brine is a hot trend. This flavorful brine is becoming a secret ingredient in kitchens worldwide. And that raises the question: pickle juice is good for what, exactly? Stick with us as we explore how this tangy delight is making its mark.

The Unexpected Magic of Pickle Juice

Pickle brine has always been a bit of an underdog in the culinary world. But recently, pickle brine, with its distinctive combination of spice and tang, has taken center stage. Health enthusiasts, creative chefs, and food bloggers are now asking, “pickle juice is good for what?” This flavorful byproduct is not just for pickling anymore. With its rich vitamin content and probiotic properties, it offers both health benefits and exciting culinary possibilities.

Here at California Grown, we are fans of all types of pickles. But, our Jalapeno Pepper Pickles are hands down our favorite.

Click here to see how we make these easy pickles.

1. Re-pickle with Jalapeno Pickle Brine

The most obvious use of pickle brine is to make more pickles. Have a handful of fresh cucumbers, carrots, or jalapenos? Reuse the spicy brine to make another batch of delicious, tangy pickles. This practical repurposing clearly answers our question: pickle juice is good for what? Re-pickling, of course!

2. Taking the Plunge: Drinking Pickle Juice

Yes, you read that right! Drinking pickle brine has become a surprising health trend. Fitness enthusiasts claim it helps with muscle cramps and keeps them hydrated. Sipping this tangy, spicy juice may seem unusual, but it’s a bold way to reap its benefits directly.

If drinking pickle brine straight seems too much for you, why not mix it into a cocktail? Add a zing to your martini or a spicy kick to your Bloody Mary with jalapeno pickle brine. It’s the secret ingredient that will leave your guests raving!

Farmer’s Market Cocktail

This cocktail from G Free Foodie is essentially a next-level savory sangria. It’s like combining the best parts of your summer garden and relaxing on the patio on a warm summer evening. But with Pinot Noir.

We personally can’t wait to try adding a little splash of pickle juice the next time we make a batch of these delicious cocktails.

Click here for this cocktail recipe.

3. Revamping Condiments with Pickle Brine

Pickle juice isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a flavor enhancer. Mix it into your mayonnaise, ketchup, or BBQ sauce for an unexpected tangy and spicy kick.

The Best Homemade Mayonnaise

This homemade mayonnaise by our friend Teri Turner of nocrumbsleft is great on its own, but also makes a rich and creamy base for other dressings and dips.

This mayo would be the perfect recipe for adding a splash or two of spicy pickle brine.

Click here to make this recipe.

4. A Twist on Salads: The Power of Pickle Juice

Why not add jalapeno pickle brine to your chicken, potato, or tuna salad? Just a splash of it can elevate your dishes by giving them an extra kick.

Wine Country Chicken Salad: AKA The Best Chicken Salad.

This recipe for chicken salad with grapes from Discover California Wines is equally delicious in a sandwich, in lettuce cups, or scooped up with crackers. While we love this recipe as-is we also wouldn’t mind giving it a whirl with a splash of jalapeno pickle juice for a bit of heat.

Click here to make this Chicken Salad recipe.

4. A Tangy Twist: Pickle Juice and Potatoes

Have you ever considered adding pickle brine to the water when boiling potatoes? It might sound unusual, but it can give your potatoes a tangy, flavorful twist you will find yourself craving.

5. Marinating Meats in Pickle Brine: A Flavor Explosion

Your fried chicken or pan-seared pork can get a flavor upgrade with jalapeno pickle juice. Use it as a marinade to make the meat tender and infused with a unique blend of spiciness and tanginess. Trust us; this is a game-changer in the world of marinades.

We recently used the brine from our Jalapeno Pickles to make Pickle-Brined Fried Chicken for an EPIC salad that is flavorful and filling. Here is how we did it:

6. The Unexpected Vinaigrette Ingredient: Pickle Brine

Up your salad game by creating a vinaigrette using jalapeno pickle juice. The tangy-spicy liquid adds a layer of complexity to any dressing, making your green salads unforgettable.

How To Assemble Our Jalapeno Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Salad

We are big fans of a main dish salad, and this one truly eats like a meal. Here is how we assemble this epic salad!

As you can see the surprising uses for jalapeno pickle brine are countless. From its health benefits to its power to elevate the flavors of foods and drinks, it’s clear that pickle juice isn’t just good for pickling.

BE SURE TO SHARE YOUR FAVORITE USES FOR PICKLE JUICE WITH US BY SNAPPING A PIC AND TAGGING US ON SOCIAL USING #CAGROWN. 

Craving more CA Grown goodness? Follow us on Pinterest for fresh and fabulous recipe inspiration!

Jalapeno Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Salad

Meg van der Kruik

This epic main dish salad is full of flavor thanks to the jalapeno pickle juice brine the chicken is marinated in. As well as the pickle brine-based vinaigrette.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 573 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For the Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders

• 8 chicken tenders
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups jalapeno pickle brine
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• peanut oil for frying or other high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil.

For the Jalapeno Pickle Juice Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup jalapeno pickle juice
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 small shallot peeled and minced
• 1 garlic clove peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon strained pickling spices
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste

For the Toasted Chile Walnuts

• 1 cup whole walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chile powder we use Boonville Barn Piment d'Ville
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For assembling the Jalapeno Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Salad

• 2 heads Romaine lettuce Chopped into bite-size pieces.
• 2 sweet potatoes Cubed and roasted, instructions in recipe notes.
• 1 large carrot shredded
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo storebought or homemade
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved if large
• 2 green onions, light and dark green parts only. Sliced thin.
• 1/4 cup jalapeno pickle slices
• 1 large avocado diced
• 1 batch Jalapeno Pickle Juice Vinaigrette
• 1 batch of Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders
• 1 batch of Toasted Chile Walnuts
• 1 lime sliced into wedges.

Instructions

 

To make the Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders

• Place the chicken in a shallow bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Pour the jalapeno pickle juice over the chicken to cover then place in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
• Drain the chicken and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade.
• In a shallow dish, combine the whole egg, egg white, salt, and pepper to taste. In a second shallow dish combine both of the breadcrumbs together.
• Working one piece at a time, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off any excess bread crumbs and place the breaded chicken on a plate. Continue with all of the chicken tenders until breaded.
• Heat oil to 350℉. Once heated, gently lower the breaded chicken into the oil and fry for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the chicken registers 165℉ on a meat thermometer. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.

To make the Jalapeno Pickle Juice Vinaigrette

• Combine the pickle juice, white vinegar, shallot, garlic, pickling spices, and red chile flakes in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

To make the Toasted Chile Walnuts

• Add the walnuts to a small skillet over medium heat. Toast for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown, tossing regularly so they don't burn.
• Once toasted, place the warm walnuts on a kitchen towel and use the towel to rub them back and forth to remove the skins. The skin of walnuts is bitter, so this will remove the skin, leaving them on the towel.
• Once the skins have been removed, add the walnuts back to the skillet and place back on the heat. Drizzle the olive oil over the nuts and add the spices. Toss to coat and continue to heat until the chile powder is fragrant about 30 seconds. Set aside.

To assemble the Jalapeno Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Salad

• Place the prepared Romaine on a large platter. Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, pico de gallo, tomatoes, green onions, jalapeno pickle slices, avocado, Toasted Chile Walnuts, and Jalapeno Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders on top.
• Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

To roast sweet potatoes: 

• 2 sweet potatoes, cut into small cubes.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon coarse kosher salt 

Toss the ingredients together on a sheet pan and roast in a 450-degree F oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and tender.   

 

Nutrition

Calories: 573kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 29gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 1544mgPotassium: 1421mgFiber: 14gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 6882IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 5mg

Keyword chicken, fried chicken, jalapeno pickle recipe, Jalapenos, lemon salad dressing, pickle juice, salad

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