Easy Turkish Sumac Onions Recipe | Red Onion Salad

Ready in just 5 minutes, this quick and zesty Sumac Onion Salad not only complements Middle Eastern cuisine but also elevates the taste of grilled meats like burger to a whole new level.

What are Turkish Sumac Onions?

Sumac onions are a traditional Middle Eastern condiment made with marinated red onions, a popular Middle Eastern spice called 'sumac', lemon juice and chopped parsley. They are most famous for being used as a condiment for meat dishes, seafood and sandwiches like gyros and wraps.

This simple salad is also called sumac onion salad, sumac onions, parsley salad, red onion salad, raw onion salad and sumac salad.

What is Sumac?

Sumac is made from sumac berries, which are dried and ground into a powder. A staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, Sumac has a subtle floral aroma and a tart taste resembling freshly squeezed lemon juice. Unlike warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, sumac is a lighter spice and adds a subtle citrusy dimension to dishes. It is traditionally used as a garnish as well as an ingredient for rubs, marinades, and dressings.

Why make Sumac Onions?

I love making Sumac Onions and keeping a batch in the fridge because it enhances just about everything I eat. It takes less than 5 minutes to make and gets better over time in the fridge. Its a summer must because it goes particularly well with just about everything on the barbeque.

Ingredients

• Red Onions form the base of this dish. While other types of raw onions like white onions and yellow onions can be used, red onions are the best because they tend to be sweeter and have a more subtle flavor than other types of onions.
• Fresh Parsley contributes a bright green color and a mild, grassy flavor. If you don't have parsley, you can substitute it with cilantro for a slightly different twist, or even use fresh mint leaves for a minty-fresh variation.
• Red Pepper Flakes are optional but add a delightful kick of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder option, you can omit them altogether or substitute with a pinch of paprika for a smoky, mild spice flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the source of the tangy onion salad flavor. You can also use lime juice, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Sumac spice is the star of this recipe, providing a distinctive citrusy and earthy flavor profile. There's no perfect substitute for sumac's unique taste, but if you can't find it, you can experiment with a blend of equal parts lemon zest and ground black pepper for a somewhat similar zesty, slightly peppery, lemony flavor.
• Salt: Salt is used to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. You can use regular table salt or sea salt, adjusting the quantity to taste. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as you can always add more salt later if needed.

A dash of olive oil is sometimes also added to this Turkish onion salad. I do not use it because I typically use sumac onions with rich, grilled meats like burgers. The acidity in the Sumac Onions helps balance the rich, smokiness of the meat. You can also garnish with pine nuts if desired.

How to make Sumac Onions

Add the onion slices, fresh, chopped parsley, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sumac powder, and salt to a medium sized bowl. Toss. Set aside in the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Tips to make the best Turkish-style Onion Salad

To ensure you make the best sumac onions that are bursting with flavor and texture, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use fresh ingredients. Start with fresh red onions, lemons, and parsley. Fresh ingredients will contribute to better taste and texture.

• Cut thin slices. Slice the red onions into thin, uniform half-moons. This ensures even pickling and a consistent texture in your sumac onions.

• Allow time to marinate. While you can enjoy sumac onions immediately, they develop more depth of flavor with time. Letting them marinate in the dressing for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator will result in a more pronounced taste.

Nutrition

A single serving of Sumac Onions has about 10 calories, 0.3 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 2.3 grams of carbohydrates. 

This recipe yields approximately six servings. The nutrition guidance is intended for informational purposes only. Please use it as a general guideline. If the nutrition information is important to you, you should independently verify it using your preferred tool.

Storage and Freezer

Refrigerator: Sumac onions will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

We do not recommend freezing sumac onions.

How to serve Sumac Onions

While Turkish Sumac Onions is the perfect accompaniment for Turkish dishes, it is also pairs well with other cuisines as well.

• As a Side Dish: Turkish Onions makes a fantastic side dish for a variety of main courses, such as Chicken Tikka, Lamb with Velvet Sauce, Ribeye Steak, Spicy Beef Shish Kebab, kofta kebabs, and crispy Falafel. They are also a lovely addition to a mezze platter.
• Picnics and BBQs: This Sumac Onions recipe is perfect for picnics and barbeques. Make a large batch and transport it in a covered container. Toss the salad just before serving to keep it fresh. This delicious recipe goes really well with grilled chicken dishes.
• As a topping: Elevate your burgers, hotdogs and other sandwiches by adding a generous portion of sumac onions. They provide a pop of brightness to meat dishes or vegetables. Use Sumac Onions as a topping for grain bowls, wraps or pita bread sandwiches. This sumac onion recipe also goes really well with thinly sliced Pot Roast or Falafel.

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