Onion and Apple Salad is a simple and quick home-style cold dish. The apple is crisp, sweet, and juicy, while the onion adds a mild, savory kick. Without light soy sauce, the dressing uses vinegar and sugar for a refreshing sweet and sour taste. It’s the perfect appetizer or palate cleanser to pair with rich, heavy dishes.
🌴 Ingredients:
· 1 apple (choose a crisp and sweet variety like Red Fuji or Gala)
· 1/2 onion (purple onion for a stronger aroma and crunchier texture)
🌴 Aromatics:
· 1 small bunch of cilantro (cut into sections, for aroma)
· A small pinch of toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish)
🌴 Seasonings:
· 1 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar (about 15ml)
· 1 tbsp sugar (about 15g, a 1:1 ratio with vinegar for balanced sweet and sour)
· 1 tbsp sesame oil (about 15ml)
· A pinch of salt
🌴 Instructions:
- Prepare the Apple
Wash the apple, core it, and cut it into thin slices or shreds. Immediately soak it in lightly salted water for 2 minutes, then drain. ⚠️ Note: Soaking in salt water prevents the apple from oxidizing and turning brown, keeping it crisp and colorful. I’ve tried skipping this step before, and the apple turned brown quickly and lost its appealing look. - Prepare the Onion
Peel the onion and cut it into thin shreds. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, rub well, and soak in clean water for 10 minutes. Drain and squeeze out the excess water. ⚠️ Note: Soaking in salt water effectively removes the harsh spiciness of the onion, making it crunchier and sweeter. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, add 1 tbsp (15ml) Chinkiang vinegar, 1 tbsp (15g) sugar, 1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well. ⚠️ Note: The 1:1 ratio of vinegar to sugar balances the sweet and sour flavors, highlighting the natural sweetness of the apple and onion. - Mix and Serve
Place the apple shreds and onion shreds in a large bowl. Pour in the dressing, add the cilantro, and toss gently. ⚠️ Note: Toss gently to keep the apple and onion intact. - Plate and Chill
Plate the dish, sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds, and refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving. The apple is crisp and sweet, the onion is savory, and it’s a refreshing and appetizing dish.
💡 More Delicious Recipes:
If you enjoy this refreshing and crunchy salad, you should also try my [Smashed Cucumber Salad] for another quick appetizer, or my [Cold Tossed Wood Ear Mushrooms] for a tangy and healthy bite.
Want to explore more side dishes? Check out my full [Cold Dishes] category!
💡 Tips:
Soak the cut apple in lightly salted water immediately to prevent browning. Soak the shredded onion in salt water to remove the harshness and make it sweeter and crunchier. Keep the 1:1 ratio of vinegar to sugar for a balanced sweet and sour flavor that highlights the ingredients’ natural sweetness. Chill for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
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