Appetizers & Sides

Perfect cebolla ensalada recipe

There’s something magical about the simplicity of a cebolla ensalada recipe that takes me back to sunny afternoons at my abuela’s kitchen table. The crisp, tangy onions paired with fresh, vibrant ingredients always felt like a celebration of flavor in every bite.

This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings—it’s quick, easy, and never fails to impress. Whether you’re craving a light side dish or a refreshing addition to your meal, this cebolla ensalada is a burst of freshness you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Fresh ingredients for cebolla ensalada, including red onions, tomatoes, hot peppers, limes, cilantro, and seasonings, arranged neatly on a rustic table.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious pickled onion salad:

For the Pickled Onion and Tomato Salad:

  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1-2 hot peppers (optional, for spice), thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cebolla ensalada recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Thinly slice the red onion, tomatoes, and hot peppers (if using).
  • Place the sliced onions in a bowl of cold water for 5-10 minutes to reduce their sharpness. Drain and set aside.

Thinly sliced red onions soaking in a bowl of cold water to reduce sharpness, ready for use in a cebolla ensalada recipe.

Step 2: Make the Pickling Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, white vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.

A large mixing bowl with lime juice, white vinegar, salt, and sugar being stirred together to create a tangy pickling mixture for cebolla ensalada.

Step 3: Combine and Marinate

  • Add the drained red onions, sliced tomatoes, and hot peppers to the pickling mixture.
  • Toss everything together until well-coated.

Drained red onions, sliced tomatoes, and hot peppers being added to a tangy pickling mixture in a large mixing bowl for cebolla ensalada.

  • Let the salad marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for a more intense flavor.

A bowl of cebolla ensalada marinating at room temperature, with vibrant red onions, tomatoes, and hot peppers soaking in a tangy pickling mixture.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

  • Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
  • Sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using) for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  • Serve as a side dish or topping for grilled meats, tacos, or seafood.

A vibrant bowl of cebolla ensalada served as a side dish, featuring marinated red onions, tomatoes, and hot peppers, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Ingredient Insights

Here are some tips to help you select the best ingredients and make substitutions if needed:

1. Red Onions

  • Selection: Choose firm, shiny red onions with dry, papery skins. Avoid onions with soft spots or sprouts.
  • Tip: Soaking the sliced onions in cold water

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Quick & Easy Cebolla Ensalada Recipe: Flavor in Minutes!

Meta Description: Discover this quick cebolla ensalada recipe! Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any meal. Try it today!

There’s something magical about the simplicity of a cebolla ensalada recipe that takes me back to sunny afternoons at my abuela’s kitchen table. The crisp, tangy onions paired with fresh, vibrant ingredients always felt like a celebration of flavor in every bite. This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings—it’s quick, easy, and never fails to impress. Whether you’re craving a light side dish or a refreshing addition to your meal, this cebolla ensalada is a burst of freshness you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious pickled onion salad:

  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1-2 hot peppers (optional, for spice), thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cebolla ensalada recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Thinly slice the red onion, tomatoes, and hot peppers (if using).
  2. Place the sliced onions in a bowl of cold water for 5-10 minutes to reduce their sharpness. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pickling Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, white vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.

Step 3: Combine and Marinate

  1. Add the drained red onions, sliced tomatoes, and hot peppers to the pickling mixture.
  2. Toss everything together until well-coated.
  3. Let the salad marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for a more intense flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

  1. Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using) for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  3. Serve as a side dish or topping for grilled meats, tacos, or seafood.

Ingredient Insights

Here are some tips to help you select the best ingredients and make substitutions if needed:

1. Red Onions

  • Selection: Choose firm, shiny red onions with dry, papery skins. Avoid onions with soft spots or sprouts.
  • Tip: Soaking the sliced onions in cold water reduces their sharpness, making them milder and more enjoyable.
  • Substitution: Shallots or white onions can work, though the flavor will be slightly different.

2. Tomatoes

  • Selection: Opt for ripe, firm tomatoes with a deep red color and no bruises. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes add extra flavor.
  • Tip: Remove some seeds and pulp to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Substitution: Cherry or grape tomatoes can be used for a sweeter, bite-sized variation.

3. Hot Peppers (Optional)

  • Selection: Choose fresh, firm peppers like jalapeños or serranos. Look for vibrant green or red skin without wrinkles.
  • Tip: Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat.
  • Substitution: Use pickled jalapeños or chili flakes for a smokier flavor.

4. Lime Juice

  • Selection: Use fresh limes for the best flavor. Roll them on the counter before juicing to maximize yield.
  • Tip: Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always preferred.
  • Substitution: Lemon juice can be used, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Tips and FAQs

Tips for Success

  • Soak the onions to reduce sharpness.
  • Use fresh lime juice and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding or removing hot pepper seeds.
  • Marinate longer for a more intense flavor.
  • Serve chilled for maximum freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What can I substitute for red onions?
A: Shallots or white onions can be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I prevent the salad from becoming too watery?
A: Remove some of the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes before slicing.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes! Avocado, cucumber, or bell peppers make great additions.

Q: Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
A: Yes, this cebolla ensalada recipe is naturally vegan.

Share with others

This cebolla ensalada recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that bring a touch of brightness to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a topping, or enjoying it on its own, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, rate the recipe, or share your creation on social media and tag us. Don’t forget to save this cebolla ensalada recipe for your next gathering—it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking!

Seasonal Suggestion

This cebolla ensalada recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing side for holiday feasts. Try it at your next family gathering or potluck—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

A vibrant bowl of cebolla ensalada featuring marinated red onions, juicy tomato slices, and spicy hot peppers, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges, served on a rustic wooden table.

Quick & Easy Cebolla Ensalada Recipe

This vibrant cebolla ensalada recipe combines marinated red onions, juicy tomatoes, and spicy hot peppers in a tangy lime and vinegar dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor) 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 Serving
Course: Salad

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 large tomatoes thinly sliced
  • 1-2 hot peppers optional, for spice, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice about 4-5 limes
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro optional, for garnish

Method
 

Prepare the Vegetables:
  1. Thinly slice the red onion, tomatoes, and hot peppers (if using).
  2. Place the sliced onions in a bowl of cold water for 5-10 minutes to reduce their sharpness. Drain and set aside.
Make the Pickling Mixture:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, white vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
Combine and Marinate:
  1. Add the drained red onions, sliced tomatoes, and hot peppers to the pickling mixture.
  2. Toss everything together until well-coated.
  3. Let the salad marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for a more intense flavor.
Serve and Garnish:
  1. Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using) for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  3. Serve as a side dish or topping for grilled meats, tacos, or seafood.

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