Sumac Onion Salad

If you’re looking to elevate your meal with a bright, tangy, and refreshing side dish, then Sumac Onion Salad is the perfect addition. This Turkish inspired recipe is incredibly simple to make, yet it packs a bold flavor punch. With just a few basic ingredients—onions, sumac, olive oil, tomatoes, and lemon—you can create a vibrant salad that pairs perfectly with grilled goods, dips, or even a humble sandwich wrap.
This salad is not only delicious but also a healthy, light side dish that can help cut through richer flavors on your plate. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and loaded with antioxidants, making it a wholesome addition to any diet. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a barbecue with friends, or just need something to brighten up your lunch, Sumac Onion Salad is a go-to recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why do we love Sumac?
Sumac is a spice that deserves more attention in the kitchen. Its vibrant red color and tangy, lemony flavor make it a fantastic seasoning for everything from salads to grilled vegetables. Unlike other citrusy spices, sumac offers a subtle tartness without the sharp acidity of vinegar or lemon juice. In this recipe, it transforms thinly sliced onions into a flavor-packed salad that can stand on its own or complement other dishes beautifully.
The Simplicity of Sumac Onion Salad
One of the best things about Sumac Onion Salad is its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick side dish for a barbecue or gathering.
Let’s dive into how you can whip up this simple yet flavorful salad in minutes!
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Sumac Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium white onions
- 1 large tomato
- 1 ½ tbsp sumac
- 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- juice of ½ lemon
- a pinch of chili flakes for some heat optional
Instructions
- Begin by thinly slicing your onions. If raw onions tend to be too sharp for your liking, you can massage onions before adding other ingredients with salt and let it sit for 5 minutes.. This helps mellow out the flavor, making the onions more palatable while still retaining their crunch.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions with sumac, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. The sumac will instantly coat the onions in a beautiful reddish hue, while the lemon and olive oil will add a silky brightness.
- Season to taste. Taste the salad and add more salt and chili flakes to your liking if needed.
- Gently toss the salad until the onions are well coated with the seasoning. For the best results, let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.






