Sliced Onion Salad
Crisp, thinly sliced onions tossed with fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt, and a kick of red chili powder. This quick no-cook Indian salad adds a refreshing crunch and a bright, tangy contrast to rich curries, dal, and biryanis.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Slice the onions paper thin.
Peel the onions. Halve them, then slice very thinly into half-moons. Separate the layers gently with your fingers and transfer to a mixing bowl.
TIPSoak sliced onions in ice-cold water for 10 minutes if you want a milder, less pungent bite, then drain well. - mix · ~1 min
Toss with lemon juice and seasonings.
Add the fresh lemon juice, salt, and red chili powder to the sliced onions. Toss everything together with clean hands or a spoon until the onions are evenly coated.
- garnish · ~1 min
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve immediately.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and scatter the chopped coriander leaves on top. Serve right away for the best crunch.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice the onions as uniformly thin as possible for even marination and best texture.
- 2Soak sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness, then drain well before tossing.
- 3Use freshly squeezed lemon juice — bottled juice lacks the bright, clean acidity this salad needs.
- 4Toss the salad just before serving to keep the onions crisp and prevent them from becoming limp.
- 5For a prettier presentation, use a mix of red and white onions for color contrast.
- 6Leftovers will lose crunch; make only as much as you plan to eat at one meal.
- 7Let the tossed onions rest for 2-3 minutes before serving so the flavors meld slightly without wilting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb garden
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped mint and a pinch of chaat masala for a refreshing, tangier twist that pairs beautifully with spicy kebabs.
crunchy add inCrunchy add-in
Toss in 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts or pomegranate seeds for extra crunch and a hint of sweetness.
no chiliNo-chili
Omit the red chili powder and add a pinch of black pepper and a squeeze of lime for a milder, kid-friendly version.
vinaigrette styleVinaigrette style
Replace lemon juice with a mix of apple cider vinegar and a tiny pinch of sugar for a more vinegar-forward, slightly sweet pickled onion effect.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Raw onions are packed with quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune health and reduces inflammation.
Vitamin C Boost
Fresh lemon juice adds a good dose of vitamin C, which helps collagen production and iron absorption.
Low-Calorie Flavor
This salad is extremely low in calories and fat, making it a perfect guilt-free accompaniment to rich curries and fried foods.
Digestive Support
Raw onions contain prebiotic fibers that promote a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Overly pungent onions are usually sliced too thick or not soaked in ice water. Soak thin slices for 10 minutes to tame their bite.
