Why this recipe Matters

I love the flavor that a fresh onion brings to a salad. However, I do not enjoy the onion breath that typically follows. In fact, onion breath is a slight trigger for me. My Dad LOVES onions. And when I say, loves, it’s hard to convey the true emphasis on the word in this case.

Have you ever seen anyone bite into an onion like an apple?

No, you say???

Well that’s weird.

Because my Dad loves eating raw onions.

When I was a kid, he would eat raw onions all the time. He would quarter the onion, slowly peel the layers back and eat them one by one. On occasion, I can even recall him biting into a whole raw onion!

Onions…my Dad’s version of an apple.

It’s as if I can still smell the breath that followed.

Just imagine, illustrated green cartoon breath.

All respect to my Dad, but this onion eating had lingering effects. On all of us.

My mother still bears this bad breath burden.

Regrettably, as an adult, I now like onions in salad. Even though, I’m painfully aware of the lasting effects that onion breath can have on children.

The solution? No onions in a salad?

Nah.

That would be insane. Clearly this is a genetic issue. Almost robotic in fact.

A-d-d-i-c-t-i-o-n…..t-o…..o-n-i-on.

M-u-s-t…..h-a-v-e…..o-n-i-o-n…..i-n…..s-a-l-a-d.

Sorry kids, the legacy continues. Onions are going in the salad.

Prepare your Taste Buds

I do, however, have a technique to mellow out this genetic onion heirloom.

(Kids, you can thank me later)

I simply toss the onion slices in a little red wine vinegar. The acidity from the vinegar neutralizes the sulfur compounds in the onion. So, this pickled-ish red onion isn’t as pungent as it when it is raw. Also, the vinegar adds an extra zhuzh to the salad!

Onion breath aside, this salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or steak. It also goes well with Baked Meatballs or Pesto Stuffed Shells with Vodka Meat Sauce. Plus with only five ingredients and a simple homemade vinaigrette, it comes together quickly. Making it the perfect side salad for weeknight meal. Give it a try!

***DISCLAIMER: Please do not misread my vinegar trick as an invitation not to brush your teeth after consumption. At the very least, plan to pop a post meal mint in your mouth. If not for your own sake, please do it for your children, and your children’s children.***

Handy Hints for Simple Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette

•Use quality ingredients. Since this salad consists of only a few ingredients, make sure your tomatoes are sweet. If garden tomatoes aren’t in season, I buy Sunset Grown, Flavor Bombs or Ruby Rows. Also, you can buy store-bought grated and shaved Parmesan, but I highly suggest buying a block and doing it yourself.

•I like to buy lettuce that is already washed. It is more expensive. However, I find I make salads a lot more often when I can skip the washing and drying. Romaine Single Cut Leaf, from Kroger, is my go-to.

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