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

A : Yes, but red onions are preferred for both color and flavor. White or yellow onions tend to be sharper and lack the vibrant purple hue. If using them, consider soaking the slices in cold water first to mellow the bite.

Q : What does sumac taste like?

A : Sumac has a bright, tart flavor with citrusy notes—similar to lemon juice but more earthy and dry. It adds tang without moisture, making it perfect for dry spice rubs, salads, and these marinated onions.

Q : Can I make sumac onions without lemon juice?

A : Yes, you can substitute lemon juice with red wine vinegar , apple cider vinegar , or pomegranate molasses . These will provide the acidity needed to pickle the onions, but the flavor will be slightly different—richer or sweeter depending on the substitute.

Turkish Sumac Onions (Marinated Onion Salad)

Name: Turkish Sumac Onion (Marinated Onion Salad)
Prep time: PT-496860H30M29S
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 2 3 tbsp lemon juice (about ½ lemon); ¼ tsp salt; 1½ tsp ground sumac; A small handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped; Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Description

Sumac onions are a simple yet flavorful Middle Eastern condiment made with sliced red onions lightly pickled in a lemon and sumac marinade. These quick-pickled onions bring bright, tangy flavor and gorgeous color to everything from kebabs and wraps to salads and grain bowls.

Ingredients

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

2 3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp ground sumac

A small handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

Slice the onion

Cut the red onion in half and then into thin slices. Place in a medium bowl.

Massage with salt and lemon

Add the salt and lemon juice to the onions. Gently massage with your fingers for 1–2 minutes to soften the onions and mellow the bite.

Add sumac and parsley

Sprinkle over the ground sumac and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until the onions are well coated and slightly pink in color.

Let it sit

Allow the onions to sit for at least 10–15 minutes at room temperature before serving. This lets the flavors meld and the onions pickle slightly.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Make Ahead and Meal Prep Instructions: Prepare up to 1 day ahead for best texture.

Not Freezer Friendly!

Ways to Use Leftovers: Add to wraps, bowls, sandwiches, salads, or grilled meats

Prep Time: 5 mins
Marinate: 10–15 mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Turkish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 27
Sugar: 1.9 g
Sodium: 179.7 mg
Fat: 0.9 g
Carbohydrates: 5.1 g
Protein: 0.8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg