Skip to main content

Dilly Beans

These homemade dilly beans offer a wonderfully crisp and tangy alternative to traditional cucumber pickles. This vegan recipe uses a simple lactic fermentation process to transform fresh green or yellow wax beans into a savoury, probiotic-rich snack. Infused with fresh dill sprigs, garlic, and a hint of warmth from dried red chillies, they deliver a complex flavour profile that balances brightness with a subtle peppery heat.

Ideal as a crunchy addition to a summer salad or as a sharp garnish for a classic cocktail, these pickled beans are a versatile store-cupboard staple. They are best prepared when beans are at their most tender and seasonal. Once the fermentation process is complete, simply store the jars in the fridge to enjoy these vibrant, zesty treats throughout the coming months.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Dilly Beans

  • 100g coarse sea salt

  • 900g small, tender green beans or yellow wax beans, trimmed

  • 6 fresh dill sprigs

  • 6 small garlic cloves, smashed

  • 3 small dried red chillies (such as cayenne or chilli de árbol)

  • 1 tablespoon dill seeds

  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed

How to make Dilly Beans

Stir salt and 3.8L warm water in a large bowl until salt is dissolved. Let brine cool to room temperature.

Layer beans with remaining ingredients in a large ceramic, glass, or stainless-steel mixing bowl. Add brine to cover. Pour remaining brine into a resealable plastic bag; seal and place on beans to submerge. Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Let stand at room temperature until bubbles form around edge of bowl, 4-5 days.

Spoon off any foam from surface of brine. Continue to let stand at room temperature, discarding foam as necessary, until beans are pickled, about 2 weeks.

Using a slotted spoon, divide beans, herbs, and spices among 3 clean 1-quart jars. Set a strainer with 2 layers of cheesecloth over a large pitcher; pour brine through strainer. Pour over beans in jars, leaving 1/2" space on top. Cover; chill up to 2 months.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.