Warm Red Onion Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, warm flavor that enhances any salad
• Perfect for hearty greens like spinach, kale, or arugula
• Quick and easy to make in one pan
• Balanced with tang, sweetness, and a savory edge
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Doubles as a sauce for grilled vegetables or meats
• Adds a gourmet feel to everyday meals
• Naturally gluten-free
• Vegan-friendly with simple swaps
• A unique alternative to cold, bottled dressings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
• Apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or maple syrup
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: minced garlic, thyme, or crushed red pepper for extra flavor

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add thinly sliced red onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (or maple syrup).
4. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm over salad greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.

Servings and timing

Makes about ¾ cup of dressing.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 13–15 minutes

Variations

• Vegan version: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Smoky flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
• Herbaceous twist: Stir in chopped fresh thyme or rosemary.
• Balsamic version: Swap apple cider vinegar with balsamic for deeper sweetness.
• Garlicky version: Add minced garlic with the onions for extra punch.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts before serving.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to the onion texture after thawing.

FAQs

Can I serve this dressing cold?

It’s best served warm, but you can enjoy it at room temperature. The flavor intensifies when heated.

What salads go best with warm red onion dressing?

It’s excellent with spinach, kale, arugula, roasted beet salads, or mixed greens with nuts and cheese.

Can I caramelize the onions longer?

Yes, caramelizing the onions for longer (up to 15–20 minutes) adds even more depth and sweetness.

Is this dressing sweet?

It has a balanced touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, but you can adjust it to your taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, make and refrigerate, then reheat before serving for best flavor and texture.

What’s the best vinegar to use?

Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar work well. Balsamic is great for a richer variation.

Can I use yellow or white onions instead?

Yes, but red onions offer the best balance of sweetness and color for this dressing.

How do I make it thicker?

Simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly, or whisk in a touch more mustard.

Can I use this as a marinade?

Absolutely! It works great as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or vegetables.

Does this dressing pair well with cheese?

Yes—try it with goat cheese, blue cheese, or feta for a perfect sweet-savory combo.

Conclusion

Warm Red Onion Dressing is a flavorful, comforting addition to any salad, blending the sweetness of sautéed onions with tangy vinegar and creamy mustard. Whether you’re dressing up leafy greens or topping roasted vegetables, this easy one-pan recipe delivers big flavor with little effort. Add it to your rotation for a warm, delicious upgrade to your favorite dishes.

Warm Red Onion Dressing

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Warm Red Onion Dressing is a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet dressing made with sautéed red onions, vinegar, and mustard. Best served warm, it’s ideal for hearty salads like spinach or kale and also doubles as a sauce for roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 13–15 minutes
• Yield: About ¾ cup
• Category: Dressing
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2. 2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral cooking oil)
3. 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
4. 1 tsp Dijon mustard
5. 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup
6. Salt, to taste
7. Black pepper, to taste
8. Optional: 1 clove garlic (minced), fresh thyme, or crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

1. Add sliced red onions and sauté until soft and lightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Stir in vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (or maple syrup).
3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm over leafy greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.

Notes

• Drain sauerkraut well if adding to salads alongside this dressing to prevent excess liquid.
• Caramelizing onions longer (up to 20 minutes) will deepen flavor and sweetness.
• Best served fresh and warm, but can be stored and reheated.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg