8 Ways to Use Pickle Juice That’s Left in the Jar

Love pickles? Then don't toss that leftover brine! There are plenty of pickle juice uses in the kitchen.

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Raw pieces of chicken marinated in spices. Step-by-step cooking
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Create a Marinade

Acidic, salty pickle brine is the perfect marinade for beef, pork and chicken. It’ll tenderize the meat and add a rich, subtle flavor. It’s easy to make a marinade from scratch, whether you’re planning to grill or roast the meat.

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Dilly Potato & Egg Salad
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Brighten up Deli Salads

A dash of potato juice brightens mayonnaise-based deli salads. Dill pickle brine is an especially delicious flavor match with tuna, potatoes, green beans and eggs. You’ll want to try these recipes for pickle lovers, too.

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Bloody Mary
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Mix Cocktails

This has to be one of the best pickle juice uses! Pickle brine adds a savory, piquant note to cocktails. Add a dash of pickle juice to your martini and serve with an olive. Pickle brine also tastes good in a brunch-time Bloody Mary.

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Dill Garden Salad
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Replace Vinegar in Salad Dressing

Pickle brine has the same effect as vinegar in salad dressings. It’ll have a more savory and herbal taste that’s especially complementary with herbs like dill and parsley, cucumbers, yogurt and tender spring lettuces.

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Best Ever Mac & Cheese
Best Ever Mac & Cheese Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Enhance Cheesy Dishes

Cheese and pickles are a delightful match. The heaviness of cheese tastes even better with the sharp juice. Think macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, pimento cheese…all the cheese!

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Pickles. Preserved cucumbers in jar on wooden table.
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Drink It Straight

It’s true: Drinking pickle juice is a trend. Some claim that a few sips of pickle juice can deliver electrolytes that ease cramping or muscle fatigue, as well as these health benefits.

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Add Zip to Creamy Dishes

A dash of pickle juice enlivens any creamy food, especially dishes that can veer one-note: mashed potatoes, chowders, white sauce and any of these creamy pasta recipes. Add a spoonful or two to the finished sauce, but be careful not to oversalt afterward.

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Make a Fresh Batch of Pickles

One of the simplest ways to use up brine? Reuse it to make a fresh batch of pickles. You can make classic cucumber pickles, or pickle sliced onions, garlic, carrots or even hard-boiled eggs. The pickles won’t be safe for canning, so stick with refrigerator pickles. Depending on the type, pickles can be good for you.