Crisp and Fragrant Chives and Onion Salad (Geotjeori)
Quick and Easy Chives and Onion Salad Recipe, The Secret to a Refreshing Sweet and Sour Dressing
When spring arrives, this refreshing salad featuring fragrant chives and crisp onions is a must-have! Chives are rich in Vitamins A and C, known for their warming properties that boost energy and improve blood circulation. They also help detoxify active oxygen, making them a wonderful vegetable for our bodies. Packed with minerals and vitamins, chives are excellent for preventing aging and various adult diseases. Spring chives, in particular, are often called ‘natural tonics’ for their ability to invigorate the body. They are commonly enjoyed fresh, in kimchi, or as pancakes. With only 22kcal per 100g (fresh), it’s a light and healthy choice. To select the freshest chives, look for leaves that are not cut, appear vibrant and a clear green, have tender stems, and a fresh, invigorating aroma. Today, we’ll share a detailed recipe for this healthy chives and onion salad, inspired by insights from Naver Knowledge Encyclopedia. It’s explained step-by-step in a friendly way, perfect for beginners, so let’s make something delicious!
Main Ingredients- 120g fresh chives
- 1/2 purple onion
Flavorful Dressing- 1 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.7 Tbsp unrefined sugar
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.7 Tbsp unrefined sugar
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the fresh chives thoroughly under running water. After washing, drain them well in a colander to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent them from becoming soggy and to maintain their crisp texture. If your chives have been in the refrigerator for a few days, carefully remove any wilted or mushy leaves, and use only the fresh parts. We’re using a vibrant purple onion for this recipe.
Step 2
Trim any discolored or bruised parts from the cleaned chives and cut them into approximately 3cm lengths. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces makes them easier to eat and helps the dressing coat evenly. Thinly slice the purple onion into shreds. You can add thinly sliced carrots for extra color and nutrition if you like, but today we’re keeping it simple with just chives and onion.
Step 3
Place the prepared chives and sliced purple onion into a large mixing bowl. Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing. Add 2 tablespoons of anchovy sauce for a savory depth, 1 tablespoon of plum extract for a sweet and tangy flavor, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder for a touch of heat. Remember that anchovy sauce can vary in saltiness, so adjust the amount to your preference.
Step 4
Next, add 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the aroma and flavor. Instead of regular vinegar, we’re using 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a unique, rich tang. The subtle acidity and deep notes of balsamic vinegar pair wonderfully with chives. Finally, add 0.7 tablespoon of unrefined sugar to balance the flavors. You can also use honey as a sweetener.
Step 5
Now, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and taste. Once all the dressing ingredients are in the bowl, gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the chives and onions; lift and fold them gently with chopsticks or your hands to preserve their crispness. Your delicious chives and onion salad (muchim) is now ready! If you enjoy the nutty flavor of sesame oil, you can add about half a tablespoon of sesame oil before mixing in the sesame seeds for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Step 6
Transfer the finished chives and onion salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle a few extra toasted sesame seeds on top for a beautiful garnish. This salad is guaranteed to stimulate your appetite with its refreshing sweet and sour taste! Using balsamic vinegar instead of regular vinegar gives it a more fragrant and deeply satisfying flavor profile.
Step 7
This simple yet flavorful chives and onion salad is a fantastic side dish, especially when served with grilled meats, as it cuts through the richness. I recently paired it with ‘yukjeon’ (savory Korean pancake with meat) and the crispness of the chives complemented the tender meat perfectly. Today marks the beginning of spring (Ipchun), and the weather feels wonderfully like spring! Enjoy making and savoring this delightful chives and onion salad to welcome the season.
