Looking for a vibrant and refreshing side dish that will elevate any meal? Look no further than this Citrus Marinated Onion Salad! Bursting with zesty flavors and a delightful crunch, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also a feast for the eyes. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a stunning dish that combines the sharpness of onions with the bright notes of lemon and lime. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a lively addition to your dinner table, this salad is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds. Ready to dive into this easy, yet delicious recipe? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Peel the onions and use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them very thinly into uniform rings or half-rings.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice and lime juice, creating a bright citrus base for marinating.
- Add olive oil to the citrus juice and whisk together until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Place the thinly sliced onions into the citrus-oil mixture, ensuring all onion slices are evenly coated.
- Season the marinating onions with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Allow the onions to marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, which will help soften the onions and mellow their sharp flavor.
- After marinating, gently toss the onions to redistribute the citrus dressing.
- Transfer the marinated onions to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the top of the salad as a garnish.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light salad accompaniment.
Tips
- Choose the Right Onions: For a milder flavor, opt for sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. Red onions can add a pop of color, while yellow onions provide a more robust taste.
- Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure your onion slices are thin and uniform, allowing for even marination and a better texture in the salad.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the onions to marinate for the full 15 minutes at room temperature. This step is crucial for softening the onions and balancing their sharpness with the citrus flavors.
- Experiment with Citrus: Feel free to mix and match different citrus juices. Adding orange juice can bring a sweet twist, while a splash of grapefruit juice can introduce a tangy depth.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh parsley adds a beautiful touch, but consider adding other herbs like cilantro or mint for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, marinate the onions and then store them in the refrigerator, but serve within a few hours for the best taste.
- Pair it Right: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for tacos, adding a refreshing contrast to rich dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
