Crisp and Refreshing Chive and Onion Salad
Crisp and Refreshing Chive and Onion Salad
How to Make Delicious Chive and Onion Salad Dressing / Chive and Onion Salad / Fresh Chive Salad Recipe
Enjoying duck or pork belly becomes even more delightful when paired with this vibrant chive and onion salad. Its crisp texture and refreshing, tangy flavor cut through richness beautifully. This ‘chive salad’ requires no fermentation or lengthy preparation, making it an incredibly easy and quick side dish. The key to a perfect chive salad lies in gently tossing the chives to preserve their freshness and crispness. If you’re not serving it immediately, prepare the dressing separately and toss just before serving for the best texture. Let’s get started on this quick and delicious chive dish!
Main Ingredients- 100g fresh chives
- 20g carrot (optional)
- 1/4 purple onion (or regular onion)
Salad Dressing- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), heaping
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.3 Tbsp sugar (approx. 1/3 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), heaping
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.3 Tbsp sugar (approx. 1/3 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Spring chives are known as a ‘natural tonic,’ possessing warming properties that boost vitality. They are rich in minerals and vitamins, including antioxidants like beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and E, which help prevent aging and adult diseases. The high content of B vitamins aids in relieving fatigue. Chives contain sulfur compounds that are beneficial for liver function. Their distinct flavor profile combines a mild spiciness and a hint of sourness, attributed to sulfur compounds that also create their unique aroma. In Korea, there’s a saying that spring chives are too precious to even give to your son-in-law! While chives are low in calories (about 22kcal per 100g raw), the dressing will add some.
Step 2
Chives can have soil clinging to their cut ends from harvesting. To clean them effectively, soak the root ends in water for about 10 minutes to loosen any dirt. Then, hold the bunch by the tops and gently swirl them in a bowl of water. Run your fingers through the chives to dislodge any remaining soil. While washing, remove any wilted or yellowed leaves.
Step 3
Once the chives are clean, prepare the other vegetables. If you have purple onion, it adds a lovely color and flavor, but a regular yellow or white onion works just as well. Slice the onion thinly into strips. Cut the carrot into similar thin strips as well; this is optional but adds a nice crunch and color.
Step 4
Cut the cleaned chives into bite-sized pieces, about 4cm (1.5 inches) long, and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced onion and carrot to the bowl with the chives.
Step 5
You can mix the dressing separately, but for immediate serving, it’s easiest to add the dressing ingredients directly to the bowl with the vegetables. Add the gochugaru (a heaping tablespoon), sugar (0.3 tablespoon), and toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon) to the chives and onion mixture.
Step 6
Next, add the fish sauce (1 tablespoon) and tuna extract (1 tablespoon) for umami depth. Pour in the vinegar (1 tablespoon) for a tangy finish. If you don’t have fish sauce or tuna extract, you can substitute with regular soy sauce or salt, adjusting to your taste. It’s good to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7
Finally, add the plum extract (1 tablespoon) for a touch of sweetness and the sesame oil (1 tablespoon) for aroma. (This step was missed in the photo, but don’t forget it!). Gently toss everything together with your hands, being careful not to mash the chives. Your crisp, refreshing, and delightfully tangy chive and onion salad is now complete!
Step 8
Transfer the freshly tossed salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with a few extra toasted sesame seeds for garnish and an added nutty flavor.
Step 9
This freshly made chive salad is absolutely delicious! The balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors is just right, making it a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
Step 10
With rising vegetable prices, this chive salad is a wonderful alternative to traditional kimchi. A bunch of chives is versatile and can be used in various dishes like stir-fries or pancakes, making it a great staple to have on hand. If you grow your own chives, even better!
Step 11
The photos were taken early in the morning during preparation, so the colors might appear a bit dark, but the taste is fantastic!
Step 12
A useful tip: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and toss with the chives just before serving. This ensures the chives remain wonderfully crisp. Enjoy making this delicious chive and onion salad!
