I still wouldn't recommend soaking them but I do rinse them under cool water and then lay them on a fluffy towel to absorb the leftover water. (staceyhomemaker.com)
Drain and rinse under cool water until at room temperature. (vegkitchen.com)
If you don't have time to pickle the onion, you can use fresh red onion (we like to rinse it under cool water beforehand to remove the bite!). (acouplecooks.com)