At Gills Onions, we are unashamedly biased about our favorite vegetable. Our onions are delicious, the best on the market, and a delight to eat. You can use onions in countless ways, and we think every recipe is better with a bit of onion. 

But, there is one type of food that really allows our onions to shine: salads! 

Besides being one of the healthiest food choices you can make, salads are versatile and perfect for any occasion. And before you think that salads are boring, you should take a look at 5 of our favorite creative salad recipes. 

1. Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

This simple salad is easy enough for even the most novel chef to prepare, but it tastes like you put a whole lot of effort in. It features rings of white onion alongside cucumbers and tomato wedges in a tangy marinade. 

For this recipe you’ll need: 

  • Water 
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Sugar
  • Salt 
  • Black pepper 
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • White onion

Simply whisk together the marinade ingredients and coat the sliced vegetables. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours. Check out the full recipe here. 

2. Onion and Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is all the rage, and adding sliced white onion to the mix really ups the level of flavor. This recipe also features a homemade dressing and the option to add grilled chicken for extra protein. 

For this recipe you’ll need:

  • Red quinoa
  • Vegetable broth
  • Canola oil
  • White onion
  • Baby kale
  • Apple 
  • Grilled chicken (optional) 
  • Salt 
  • Pepper
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Olive oil 
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard

You’ll start by whisking together the vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard to make the dressing. Then, you boil the quinoa and broth. While the quinoa cools, you’ll saute the onion and mix it together with the kale, apple, chicken, salt and pepper. Toss in the quinoa. Top with the dressing, and dish up. Check out the full recipe here. 

3. Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Pickled Onions

Pickled onions are a pleasant surprise in this original take on a salad. You’ll also find sweet strawberries and creamy goat cheese, and you’ll make your own vinaigrette dressing. 

For this recipe you’ll need: 

  • Fresh thyme
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Honey
  • Salt 
  • Black pepper
  • Pickled onion (or fresh white onion that you can pickle yourself in the vinaigrette)
  • Olive oil
  • Goat cheese
  • Baby lettuce
  • Fresh basil 
  • Strawberries
  • Prosciutto
  • Pistachios

You’ll start with your pickled onion vinaigrette mixture. The thyme, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and onions are combined in a jar and left to marinate together. Then, you’ll stir your goat cheese to make it extra creamy. You’ll toss your greens with the basil and top with the strawberries and prosciutto. Add a smattering of pickled onions with the vinaigrette, a dollop of goat cheese, and pistachios for garnish. Check out the full recipe here.

4. Buffalo Chicken, Blue Cheese Guacamole, and Crunchy Baked Onion Ring Salad

This tangy salad brings together the best of buffalo sauce and blue cheese. It’s basically bar food in a salad — with onion rings. It may not top the list of the healthiest salads in the book, but it will be a crowd favorite. 

This recipe is a bit more time intensive since you’ll be making your own chicken, onion rings, and dressing. Check out the full list of ingredients and instructions here. 

5. Onion and Turkey Lime Salad

This flavorful recipe comes in two versions: family friendly and adults only. For dinner parties without younger guests, the turkey can be cooked in a tequila based sauce. But, if you are looking for a less boozy approach, frozen grapefruit juice concentrate gives you the same zip. 

For this recipe you’ll need:

  • White or yellow onions
  • Sweet red peppers
  • Vegetable oil 
  • Shredded turkey
  • Tequila or frozen grapefruit juice concentrate
  • Lime peel zest
  • Cumin
  • Dried hot red peppers
  • Garlic 
  • Lime juice
  • Lettuce 
  • Sour cream

Start by sauteing the onions and peppers in oil until tender. Then, add the cooked turkey, tequila or grapefruit juice concentrate, cumin, crushed pepper, and garlic. Finally, add your lime juice to the mix. Place the entire batch into the fridge to cool. Serve over lettuce with a dollop of sour cream. Top with lime zest. Check out the full recipe here. 

Ready to try onions the Gills Way? For more information, contact our sales department, or look for us in the fresh cut produce aisle of your local grocery store.