The overnight salt soak is not optional and it's the step everyone skips. It pulls water out of the vegetables so they stay crunchy in the oil instead of going limp and diluting it. Chicago giardiniera is oil-packed rather than vinegar-packed, which is what separates it from Italian sott'aceti.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep25 min
Cook24 hour salt
Makes1 quart
CuisineItalian
Cost$$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1quart
Cauliflower, carrot, celery
Cut small and roughly uniform — this goes on a sandwich, so nothing should need a knife.
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
Salt overnightAll the cut vegetables in a bowl, tossed with the salt and covered with cold water. Twenty-four hours in the fridge. This is the crunch step.
Rinse thoroughlyDrain and rinse under cold water for a full minute, then taste one. Still too salty, rinse again.
Dry properlySpread on a towel and pat dry. Water left on the vegetables will separate out in the oil and shorten how long it keeps.
Combine and packVegetables, garlic, oregano, vinegar and oil mixed in a bowl, then packed into jars with the oil covering everything.
Wait two daysIt's edible immediately and considerably better after forty-eight hours. Keeps a month refrigerated; the oil will solidify cold and clear again at room temperature.
Make it yoursCalabrian chili in place of some of the sport peppers. Fennel and green olive for something more Sicilian. Chopped fine it becomes a muffuletta relish.
Can you make How to Make Giardiniera in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze How to Make Giardiniera? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make How to Make Giardiniera ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is How to Make Giardiniera gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is How to Make Giardiniera vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
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