• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Genetic Chef

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • SHOP
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Amazon
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • SHOP
    • Amazon
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Dressings

    Salsa Criolla (Red Onion Dressing)

    Published: May 21, 2019 · Modified: Jun 15, 2019 by Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    RECIPE PRINT PIN

    Salsa Criolla (Red Onion Dressing) is the most popular accompaniment for Peruvian dishes. It's simple to prepare and brightens any dish. 

    Salsa criolla in a while bowl.

    If you ever get a chance to enjoy Peruvian food, you'll notice salsa criolla is served frequently with meals. It's used to brighten the flavors of a dish and is commonly used to top frijoles (beans), lentils, and otherwise plain foods. Every bite awakens the taste buds with a slight crunch from the onions and the piquancy from the vinegar and lime juice.

    When my aunt visited from Peru, she made salsa criolla to accompany the frijoles (beans) she was making for dinner. She cut a red onion in half and placed it in a bowl of cold water. When I asked why, she explained it eliminated tears when slicing. After 10 minutes or so, she took the onion out and began to slice. Tears formed and I asked if she was okay. She told me the onions were making her cry. Maybe the cold water here is different from Peru.

    A bowl of sliced red onions sprinkled with kosher salt.Salsa criolla is simple to prepare. First, thinly slice the onion into half moons. If you prefer, you can also dice the onions.

    Washing the sliced red onions in salted water."Wash" the onions first by placing them in a bowl of cold water with a good pinch of salt. The onion slices are squeezed over and over. The grit from the salt separates the membrane from the onion and removes some of the intensity. The process is repeated once more, if needed.

    The onions are then tossed with some oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, and then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. From there you can add [easyazon_link keywords="aji amarillo paste" locale="US" tag="thegeneticche-20"]aji amarillo paste[/easyazon_link] to add some heat. Start with a little, then add more to your liking. Be warned, different brands have different intensities in heat. I made that mistake when I tried a different brand and found it to be twice as spicy.

    A bowl of salsa criolla in a yellow bowl.Serve alongside beef, chicken, pork, seafood, or use it to top beans, tacos, or anything your heart desires.

    You may also like these:

    Pico de gallo

    Peruvian pesto

    Guacamole

    Adobo seasoning

    Pisco sour

    Life is too short for mediocre food.

    Salsa criolla in a while bowl.

    Salsa Criolla (Red Onion Dressing)

    PRINT PIN SAVESaved!
    Salsa Criolla (Red Onion Dressing) is the most popular accompaniment for Peruvian dishes. It's simple to prepare and brightens any dish. Serve topped or alongside beef, chicken, pork, seafood, or use it to top beans, tacos, or anything your heart desires. 
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Author: Natalie Gregory

    Ingredients

    • 1 large red onion, sliced into thin half moons should yield about 3 cups thinly sliced
    • good pinch of kosher salt for "washing"
    • ¼ cup neutral oil You can use olive oil
    • ¼ cup lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon aji amarillo paste - or to taste*, optional
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
    • ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Place the sliced onions in a bowl and sprinkle with a good pinch of kosher salt. Cover with cold water and squeeze the onions to "wash" them. This separates the membrane from the onion making them sweeter. Drain the water and add more cold water and squeeze the onions again without adding more salt. Drain.
    • Add in remaining ingredients and stir.
    • Adjust for salt and pepper.
    • Can be served immediately or refrigerated. Keeps refrigerated for a few days.

    Notes

    *Aji amarillo is optional. Add ¼ teaspoon of aji amarillo paste or to taste. Start with a little. You can always add more. Hot sauce can be substituted for the aji amarillo.
    Recipe can be halved or doubled.
    Did you make this recipe? Tag @thegeneticchef and use #thegeneticchef and tell me all about it!

    More Dressings

    • A jar of Caesar salad dressing with a bulb of garlic.
      FROM SCRATCH CAESAR SALAD DRESSING
    • Easy Two Minute White Balsamic Vinaigrette
    • A white platter with arugula and clementines drizzled with orange vinaigrette.
      The Most Delicious Orange Vinaigrette
    • Two jars of pickled jalapeños with scattered jalapeño peppers on a board.
      Quick and Easy Pickled Jalapeños

    NEVER MISS A RECIPE!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Natalie

    I'm Natalie a.k.a The Genetic Chef. Here you will find from scratch family recipes coupled with humor, helpful tips, and product recommendations.

    More about me →

    Categories

    AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE

    The Genetic Chef is an Amazon affiliate. If you click through to Amazon from my website, I get a small commission at no cost to you which helps me keep this site going. Thank you for your support!

    Visit My Shop!

    Product Recommendations

    Vitamix 5200 Blender

    Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor

    KitchenAid Stand Mixer

    Breville Smart Oven Pro

    Le Creuset 7-¼-Quart (Dutch) Oven

    Duralex Stackable 9-Piece Bowl Set

    Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

    Nordic Ware Baker's Half Sheet

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy Policy

    Subscribe

    Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 TheGeneticChef

    Foodie Pro Theme