Turkish Onion Salad Recipe – Turkey Special
Sumac Onions (or Turkish Onion Salad) is a refreshing and tangy side dish commonly served in Turkish cuisine. Thinly sliced onions are marinated with sumac, a vibrant red spice that adds a lemony, slightly sour flavor, along with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of salt. The result is a crisp, flavorful salad that complements a wide variety of dishes, from grilled meats to kebabs or meze spreads. The brightness of the sumac and the crunch of the onions make it the perfect balance of tart and savory, providing a bold, zesty contrast to heavier or richer foods. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, Sumac Onions is a delicious way to elevate any meal.
- Prep Time5 min
- Total Time5 min
Turkish Onion Salad Ingredients:
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1-2 tbsp sumac (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to make Turkish Onion Salad :
Slice the Onions:Thinly slice the onions and place them in a bowl. To reduce the sharpness, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain them well.
Season the Onions:Sprinkle the sumac, salt, and optional black pepper over the onions. Add the olive oil and lemon juice.
Toss and Massage:Toss everything together, massaging the onions gently with your hands to help release their juices and infuse the flavors. This also helps soften the onions a bit.
Let it Rest:Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also refrigerate it for 30 minutes if you prefer it colder.
Garnish and Serve:Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve as a side dish or accompaniment to your meal.
Recipe Notes:
Onions:Red onions are typically used for this salad due to their milder flavor, but white onions can be used as well. If the onions are too sharp, soaking them in water before seasoning can help tone down the bite.
Sumac:Sumac is the star ingredient in this salad, giving it a tangy, lemony flavor. Adjust the amount of sumac based on your taste preference, but don’t skimp on it—it adds a unique flavor.
Lemon Juice:Adjust the amount of lemon juice depending on how tangy you like it. You can use more or less depending on the acidity of your sumac.
Serving Ideas:Sumac Onions are perfect as a side dish with grilled meats, kebabs, or as part of a meze spread. It also works well on sandwiches, in wraps, or with rice dishes.
Make-Ahead:This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The flavors develop even more with time.
