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    Cooking Gorgeous » Recipes » Salads

    Sumac Onions - Turkish Red Onion Salad

    Published: Aug 21, 2024 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    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 onions served in a dish

    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.

    Jump to:
    • What Are Sumac Onions?
    • How to Make Sumac Onions - Turkish Red Onion Salad?
    • Recipe Tips From the Chef
    • How to Serve Sumac Onions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Sumac Onions - Turkish Red Onion Salad

    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.

    sumac onions - Turkish red onion salad served with chicken kebabs

    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.

    labelled picture of ingredients for sumac onion salad
    • 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?

    Making this delicious sumac Onion Salad is very simple and straightforward. However, to achieve the best results you need to follow a few tips and simple steps:

    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.

    thinly sliced onions are placed in a bowl

    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.

    chopped parsley, sumac, chili, and salt are added to sliced red onions

    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

    Can I use white or yellow onions instead of red onions?

    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.

    How long can I store sumac onions?

    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.

    Are sumac onions healthy?

    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:

    • Turkish Doner Kebab Recipe
    • Kuzu Tandır Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb
    • Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte
    • A bowl of lentil meatballs with lemon wedges
      Mercimek Kofte (Vegan Lentil Meatballs)

    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

    Ayla Clulee
    Sumac Onions, also known as Turkish Red Onion Salad, are essential to many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes.
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 12 kcal

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 206IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookingorgeous or tag #cookingorgeous!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Eugenia V. Franklin

      January 16, 2025 at 3:27 pm

      can you use something other than sumac

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        January 16, 2025 at 3:48 pm

        Hi Eugenia, you can skip it or use a few drops of lemon juice.

        Reply

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    Recipe Rating




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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

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