5 from 1 vote

Quick Marinated Red Onions 🧅

 May 30, 2024

These Quick Marinated Red Onions are the perfect way to take your favorite salads, tacos, or sandwiches to the next level. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it’s a delicious, easy pantry staple that is sure to add a pop of flavor and color to any recipe!

Marinated Red Onions are the perfect pantry staple to instantly elevate any recipe. Not only do they have the most beautiful purple color that adds a pop to any recipe, but they are packed with a delicious, punchy flavor. Whether you’re adding them to Crispy Beef Tacos, a crunchy Cucumber Salad, or a loaded Breakfast Sandwich, there is truly no wrong way to enjoy this recipe. In fact, I even love having a few of these onions atop cheese and crackers for the perfect snack!

Plus, the best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t require tons of time. With just 5 easy minutes of prep (minus the marinating time, which is less time than it takes to run to the store and buy a jar of pre-marinated onions), this recipe could practically be made in your sleep! If you are looking for ways to take your everyday recipes to the next level, look no further, because this is it.

To make these marinated onions, you will need sliced red onions, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, olive oil, and dried oregano.

The 5 Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Delicious, Tangy Onions

  • Red Onions: Of course, you will need red onions for this recipe.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is punchy and bright, adding the perfect briny flavor to these onions.
  • Kosher Salt: A generous amount of salt will help the onions breakdown. Don’t skip this!
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is not only full of healthy fats, but it also adds a delicious flavor to these onions, making them pack even more of a punch.
  • Dried Oregano: This adds a delicious, herby flavor to these onions, while keeping them versatile enough for any recipe!
Add the sliced onions to a bowl alongside the sea salt and red wine vinegar. Toss to combine, then allow the onions to marinate in the salt and vinegar for 10 minutes. Then, add in the olive oil and dried oregano, tossing to coat well. Allow the onions to marinate for another 20 minutes.

How to Make These Easy Marinated Onions

To make these Quick Marinated Onions, start by peeling and slicing the onions very thin. You can use a knife to slice them thin, or a mandolin, if you prefer. Next, add the sliced onions to a bowl alongside the kosher salt and red wine vinegar.

Toss to combine, then allow the onions to marinate in the salt and vinegar for 10 minutes. Then, add in the olive oil and dried oregano, tossing to coat well. Allow the onions to marinate for another 20 minutes.

Once they’re done, transfer them to an airtight container and store them at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can store them in the fridge for up to one week, however, please note that the olive oil will solidify. If storing in the fridge, you will need to allow the onions to come to temperature for approximately 30 minutes, before serving. Add the onions to your favorite recipes, then serve and enjoy!

Once they’re done, transfer them to an airtight container and store them at room temperature for 3-4 days. Add to your favorite recipes and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the onions?

The thinner you slice the onions, the quicker they will marinate. Ideally, I recommend aiming for 1/8-inch thick slices. You can slice them with a sharp knife for slightly thicker slices, or a mandolin for thinner ones. Thicker slices will take longer to marinate (a few hours or up to overnight) but will retain a bit more crunch.

How long will these marinated onions last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these onions will stay good for up to 4 days.

Can I store these onions in the fridge?

The short answer, is yes, and they will stay fresh for up to one week. The longer answer, is that while they can be stored in the fridge, the cooler temperature can cause the olive oil to solidify. If that happens, simply transfer the onions to the countertop and allow the oil to “thaw” – this will take approximately 30 minutes.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on InstagramTikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
A jar of pickled red onions sits on a rustic wooden surface. The jar is filled with thinly sliced red onions soaking in brine and seasoned with herbs. A metal spoon is placed inside the jar. Nearby, there are bowls containing salt and dried herbs.
Dairy Free/gluten-free/Grain Free/Nut Free/Paleo/Refined Sugar Free/Vegan

Quick Marinated Red Onions

5 from 1 vote
Nicole Modic
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
SERVES 12 Servings
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These Quick Marinated Red Onions are the perfect way to take your favorite salads, tacos, or sandwiches to the next level. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it's a delicious, easy pantry staple that is sure to add a pop of flavor and color to any recipe!

Ingredients

  • 2 Red Onions peeled and sliced very thin
  • 4 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ Cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano

Instructions

  • To make these Quick Marinated Onions, start by peeling and slicing the onions very thin. You can use a knife to slice them thin, or a mandolin, if you prefer.
  • Next, add the sliced onions to a bowl alongside the kosher salt and red wine vinegar.
  • Toss to combine, then allow the onions to marinate in the salt and vinegar for 10 minutes.
  • Then, add in the olive oil and dried oregano, tossing to coat well.
  • Allow the onions to marinate for another 20 minutes.
  • Once they're done, transfer them to an airtight container and store them at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can store them in the fridge for up to one week, however, please note that the olive oil will solidify. If storing in the fridge, you will need to allow the onions to come to temperature for approximately 30 minutes, before serving.
  • Add the onions to your favorite recipes, then serve and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to see what you made – tag @kalejunkie
in your posts and I’ll re-share!

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5 from 1 vote

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  1. 5 stars
    These are excellent! I used fresh oregano from my garden and added a little sumac on a whim. Will be on heavy rotation in my house! 🤗