Onion Salad
Crisp, sweet onion rings marinated in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing with fresh parsley. A perfect, refreshing topping for burgers, grilled meats, or as a simple side for any barbecue.
For 4 servings
Prepare the onions
- Peel the sweet onions and slice them into thin, uniform rings. A mandoline slicer works best for this.
- Gently separate the rings with your fingers and place them in a large bowl.
Soak for crispness
- Add ice cubes and cold water to the bowl, ensuring the onion rings are fully submerged.
- Let them soak for 15 minutes. This crucial step makes the onions crisp and mellows their sharp flavor.
Drain and dry
- After soaking, drain the onions completely using a colander.
- Gently pat the onion rings dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season and toss
- Transfer the dry onion rings to a clean mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and sprinkle with paprika, sugar, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the chopped fresh parsley.
- Toss gently until the rings are evenly coated.
Serve immediately
- Serve the onion salad immediately to enjoy its maximum crispness and fresh flavor.
- It is an excellent topping for burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken sandwiches.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly uniform rings, use a mandoline slicer, but be sure to use the hand guard for safety.
- 2Do not skip the ice water bath; it's the secret to a crunchy, less pungent salad.
- 3Always add the dressing just before serving, as the vinegar and salt will soften the onions over time.
- 4Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best flavor in this raw salad.
- 5For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
If you're short on time, you can skip the ice water bath, but the onions will have a stronger, more pungent flavor.
healthyHealthy
Omit the sugar for a zero-added-sugar version. The salad will be tangier but just as delicious.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a very mild sweet onion and ensure the rings are sliced paper-thin to make them more appealing to kids.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Onions are packed with plant compounds like quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight inflammation and supports immune health.
Low in Calories
This salad is a light and flavorful addition to any meal, adding texture and taste without significant calories, fat, or sugar.
Supports Heart Health
The compounds in onions may help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this onion salad is very healthy. It's low in calories and fat, and onions are a great source of antioxidants like quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory benefits. It's a flavorful way to add vegetables to your meal.