You ever find those small side dishes that can really amp up a meal from “good” to “wow”? For me, it’s definitely Persian Red Onion Salad with Sumac! It’s fresh, tangy, and adds a cool Middle Eastern twist that can take any dish to the next level. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, so you’ll want to have it around all the time. Whether you use it as a topping, a side, or just a little flavor boost, it goes great with almost anything. Persian Red Onion Salad with Sumac, or what I like to call Sumac Onions, is a kitchen must-have!

Watch my preparation video on Instagram

WHAT IS PERSIAN RED ONION SALAD WITH SUMAC?

Sumac is an awesome spice that really brings life to dishes. This bright red, finely ground seasoning has a bold, citrusy kick and is commonly used in Persian cooking as a lemon or vinegar substitute. When you mix it with thinly sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and a splash of olive oil, it turns into a delicious side dish. Sumac onions are great with hearty meals, they add a fresh zing to salads, and they make a tasty addition to wraps.

WHY SOAK ONIONS IN ICE WATER?

Soaking sliced onions in ice water has some cool benefits:

• Milder Flavor:Raw onions can taste pretty strong. If you soak them in ice water, it tones down that sharpness, giving them a nicer, milder flavor.
• Extra Crispiness: The cold water firms up the onions, making them super crunchy and fresh—perfect for salads or as a topping.
• Less Smell: Soaking helps reduce the strong onion smell, which is great when you’re working with them.
• Brighter Color: If you’re using red onions, soaking them in ice water makes their color pop even more, making them look great on your plate.

WHAT PAIRS WELL WITH SUMAC ONIONS?

Try it with Fish: 
Picture this: delicious salmon, tender sea bream, or cod topped with sumac onions. The fresh and tangy kick of the onions really levels up the fish’s flavor. This combo is especially awesome if you’re grilling or pan-searing the fish.

On Burgers: 
Forget about plain old onions! Sumac onions bring a zesty twist and a nice crunch to your burger. Whether you’re going for a classic smashed beef burger, a juicy lamb burger, or a veggie patty, these onions are a total game-changer.

In Wraps and Sandwiches
Sumac onions are a great addition to wraps with chicken, falafel, or halloumi. Their crunchy texture and zesty lemon flavor really amp up the dish, making them a perfect match for creamy sauces like hummus or yogurt dressing.

With Grilled Meat
If you’re enjoying kabab koobideh (those delicious ground lamb skewers), lamb chops, or steak, sumac onions can really brighten up the smoky, charred taste of grilled meats. They’re awesome with kebabs or even alongside grilled veggies like eggplant or zucchini for a tasty twist!

On the Mezze Platter 
A Persian mezze platter just isn’t complete without sumac onions! When you pair them with hummus, mercimek köftesi, flatbread, and a bowl of borani, you’ve got an appetizer that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

In Salads
Want to take your salad up a notch? Just sprinkle some sumac onions on top of mixed leaf salad, couscous salad, tomato salad, tabbouleh, or a vegan jeweled rice salad. They’re a simple addition that brings a burst of flavor and color to any dish!

A FEW TIPS FOR PERFECT SUMAC ONIONS

PICK FRESH ONIONS

For the best result, go with crisp, fresh onions. Red onions look great and add some color, but white onions taste just as good.

KEEP YOUR SUMAC RIGHT

Store sumac in a cool, dark spot to keep its flavor alive. Fresh sumac should have a nice deep red color and a light lemony smell.

MAKE A BIGGER BATCH

Why not whip up a larger batch of sumac onions to keep handy? Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days and can get even tastier over time. I love tossing them into dishes on a whim, whether it’s topping a simple omelet or serving as a quick side with hummus and flatbread.

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE TIP

I’m totally into using sumac onions in surprising ways. They’re awesome as a topping for a creamy omelet or even as a side with a quick bowl of lentil soup. Seriously, they go with just about anything and really add a nice kick to your meals.

HOW DO YOU USE SUMAC ONIONS?

Have you given them a shot yet? If not, now’s a great time! Drop a comment to share what you like pairing them with, or check out the blog for more recipes. There are so many fun ways to bring these little flavor bombs into your kitchen!

INGREDIENTS FOR SUMAC ONIONS

2 red onions

1 handful of flat-leaf parsley

1 tbsp olive oil

Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

1 tbsp sumac*

Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION OF SUMAC ONIONS

Peel and wash the onions, then dry them thoroughly and slice them into thin strips.

Place the sliced onions briefly in ice water.

Meanwhile, wash the flat-leaf parsley, dry it well, and finely chop it.

Remove the onions from the ice water and pat them dry.

In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.

Fold in the onions and finely chopped parsley.

This dish pairs wonderfully with kababs, fish, chicken, or wraps.

BEFARMAYID!

Susan

The items marked with * are affiliate links, referral links. If you buy through this link, I get a small commission. The price stays the same for you and you can easily support my efforts. A big thank you ♥

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