Sumac Onions, also known as Turkish Red Onion Salad, are essential to many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. This tangy, spicy, and crunchy condiment is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect side dish or garnish.
Sumac and Red Onion Salad is made with just a handful of everyday ingredients and tastes even better after a day or two. They bring brightness and crunchiness to kebabs such as Urfa Kebab - Turkish Ground Lamb Kebab, grilled meats, and mezes. Aside from their delicious flavor, both sumac and red onions pack a nutritious punch.
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What Are Sumac Onions?
Sumac onions get their name from the sumac spice, a deep red powder made from ground berries. Sumac has a tart, lemony flavor that is a staple in Turkish and Middle Eastern cooking. When sprinkled over thinly sliced red onions, sumac transforms the onions into a tangy, bold dish with a hint of sweetness.
In Turkish cuisine, this raw onion salad often serves as a condiment or side dish, meant to cut through the richness of grilled meats like Chicken Doner Kebab - Tavuk Doner, or Lamb Shish Kebab.
A Star Ingredient: Sumac
Sumac is a game-changer when it comes to elevating simple dishes like onions. If you've never used it before, sumac is a deep red spice with a tart, almost citrusy flavor. It’s what makes this onion salad unique. You can find it at most Middle Eastern grocery stores or in the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets. Once you have it on hand, you might want to try it in other Middle Eastern recipes such as Musakhan - Palestinian Sumac Chicken and Persian Shirazi Salad.
Ingredients You'll Need
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.
- Red onions - Thinly sliced red onions form the base of the salad. They are milder and sweeter compared to white or yellow onions.
- Sumac - The star spice of the show, giving the onions their tart flavor and vibrant color. You can buy it from the majority of large supermarkets as well as online from Amazon.
- Parsley - Chopped fresh parsley leaves add a fresh, herby note to the salad, and the green color contrasts beautifully with the deep red onions.
- Salt - Enhances the flavors of the onions and spices.
How to Make Sumac Onions - Turkish Red Onion Salad?
Begin by cutting your red onions in half and then thinly slice them into half-moons. The thinner, the better, as this will allow the flavors to fully absorb into the onions. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistency.
Place the sliced onions in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle a generous amount of sumac over the onions along with salt, flaked chili, and chopped parsley, then toss everything together until the onions are evenly covered with sumac.
Although you can serve the onions right away, letting them sit for about 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
Recipe Tips From the Chef
- Sumac loses its flavor over time, so make sure you're using fresh, high-quality sumac for the best results. If your Sumac has been sitting in your pantry for years, it’s time for an upgrade.
- Using a very sharp knife or mandolin for thinly sliced onions is essential.
- Sumac onions actually improve the longer they sit. If you’re preparing for a party or just like meal prepping, you can make them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just give them a good stir before serving.
- If your onions are too strong, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry before using them in your salad.
How to Serve Sumac Onions
Sumac onions are incredibly versatile. I usually serve them alongside Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab, Lamb Shish Kebab, or Adana Kebab (Adana Kofte). The tangy onions cut through the richness of the meat and add a refreshing contrast.
You can also add them to Greek Pita Bread or Lavash Bread with Mediterranean Hummus Dip, Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel, or Chicken Shawarma for a bright, flavorful punch.
Serve as part of a mezze spread, along with other small dishes like Homemade Labneh, Muhammara (Red Pepper Dip), Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini, and Easy Rustic Sourdough Flatbread.
Recipe FAQs
While you can substitute white or yellow onions, red onions are preferred because they have a milder flavor and a natural sweetness that balances well with the tangy sumac.
Sumac onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor may intensify over time, and the onions will become softer. This red onion salad is not suitable for freezing as the onions will become mushy upon thawing.
Yes, sumac onions are healthy. Red onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while sumac is known for its high antioxidant content and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Related Recipes
For more delicious recipes you can serve along with Turkish red onion sumac salad, why not try:
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.
I hope you enjoy the process of making this delicious condiment Sumac Onions - Turkish Red Onion Salad as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂
Bon appétit! / Afiyet Olsun!
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Sumac Onions - Turkish Red Onion Salad
Equipment
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 mandolin
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Begin by cutting your red onions in half and then thinly slice them into half-moons. The thinner, the better, as this will allow the flavors to fully absorb into the onions. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistency.
- Place the sliced onions in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of sumac over the onions along with salt, flaked chili, and chopped parsley, then toss everything together until the onions are evenly covered with sumac.
- Although you can serve the onions right away, letting them sit for about 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Sumac loses its flavor over time, so make sure you're using fresh, high-quality sumac for the best results. If your Sumac has been sitting in your pantry for years, it’s time for an upgrade.
- Using a very sharp knife or mandolin for thinly sliced onions is essential.
- Sumac onions actually improve the longer they sit. If you’re preparing for a party or just like meal prepping, you can make them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just give them a good stir before serving.
- If your onions are too strong, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry before using them in your salad.
Dawn says
This salad was so easy to make and complemented our lamb kabobs perfectly. A great recipe!
Eugenia V. Franklin says
can you use something other than sumac
Ayla Clulee says
Hi Eugenia, you can skip it or use a few drops of lemon juice.