Purple Onion

Allium cepa (Red Group) Vegetable, Allium

Purple Onion Vegetable, Allium

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Allium

The Forktionary Angle

"The colorful culinary chameleon: a sweet, crisp onion adding vibrancy and a gentle bite, perfect raw or lightly cooked."

Definition

A variety of onion characterized by its purplish-red skin and white flesh with red rings, known for its milder, sweeter flavor.

Anthocyanin Content High (provides purple color)
Best Raw Use Salads, sandwiches, garnishes
Storage (Cool, Dry, Dark) 1-3 months (whole)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Purple Onion are:

Mildly sweet slightly pungent crisp

Chef’s Secret

To reduce the pungency of raw purple onion, thinly slice it and soak it in cold water with a splash of vinegar for 10-15 minutes before draining.

Best Substitutes

Sweet Onion

for mildness, less color
Ratio 1:1

Yellow Onion

for cooked dishes, stronger flavor
Ratio 1:1

Shallots

for milder, finer texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, heavy onions with dry, intact skin. Avoid soft spots, sprouts, or strong odors.

Recipes Using Purple Onion

Preparation Course Sandwiches Lunch

Basic Chicken Salad

This family-favorite chicken salad recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious! Made with tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and a zesty lemon-mayo dressing, it's perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a light lunch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

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Preparation Sauces Cheese Condiments Etc

Avocado And Feta Salsa

This vibrant Avocado & Feta Salsa recipe is a taste of sunshine! Inspired by Southern Living, this quick and easy dip is ready in minutes. Perfect for parties or a simple weeknight snack, the creamy avocado blends beautifully with salty feta and juicy tomatoes. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips for an irresistible appetizer.

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Preparation Preparation Breakfast 4 Hours Or Less

Bell Pepper Frittata

This vibrant and delicious Bell Pepper Frittata is a showstopper brunch or dinner recipe, earning top ratings from Southern Living! The separate sautéing of vegetables creates a beautiful, colorful result. While it requires a bit of time for individual veggie prep, the effort is well worth it. This recipe is easily adaptable to different pan sizes (though a 10-inch springform pan yields the prettiest presentation). Get ready to impress!

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Preparation Dietary Salads Vegetarian

Avocado Orange And Purple Onion Salad

A burst of sunshine on a plate! This vibrant salad, inspired by South Australian cuisine, showcases the best of Aussie produce. Juicy navel oranges, creamy avocado, and sharp purple onion create a flavor explosion. The recipe emphasizes freshness – serve immediately to prevent avocado browning and enjoy the taste of Australia's abundant citrus harvests.

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High In Something Vegetarian 30 Minutes Or Less Stove Top

Babs Black Bean Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Get ready for a taste sensation! This gourmet grilled cheese, from my friend Babs, elevates the classic with a surprising and delicious combination of creamy pepper jack cheese, savory black beans, and tangy purple onion on hearty rye bread. It's a quick, satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Prepare to be amazed!

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Course Vegan Citrus Fruit

Avocado And Mandarin Orange Salad

This elegant Avocado and Mandarin Orange Salad, a recipe passed down from a society matron, is the perfect light and refreshing starter or side dish. Sweet mandarin oranges, creamy avocados, and a zesty citrus dressing create a flavor explosion. Slightly adapted for the home cook, this recipe is easier to make than you think! Impress your guests with this stunning salad.

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30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Pasta Time To Make

Aunt B's Pasta Salad

This incredibly easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser perfect as a side dish or a light meal! Always a hit at cookouts, this recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing. Customize it with your favorite veggies – the possibilities are endless! Get ready for requests for this family favorite!

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Gluten Free Gluten Free Vegetables Taste Mood

A Lighter Broccoli Salad

Craving a delicious and healthy broccoli salad without the guilt? This recipe takes a classic and makes it lighter, perfect for a satisfying snack or side dish. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness without the extra calories! Get ready to lighten up your lunch or dinner with this vibrant and flavorful broccoli salad.

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Vegetables Middle Eastern Dinner Party Brown Bag

Armenian Eggplant Salad

Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Ibiza with this vibrant Armenian Eggplant Salad! Inspired by Nancy Mehagian's culinary memoir, "Siren's Feast," this healthy and light salad was a beloved dish at her famed restaurant. Roasted eggplant and peppers mingle with juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and fragrant herbs in a symphony of flavor. Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a stunning appetizer, this WW-friendly recipe (only 1 point!) is incredibly easy to make and even better the next day. Get ready to savor the taste of the Mediterranean!

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Course Cuisine Meat Taste Mood

3 Cheese Chicken Penne

A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on a classic! This 3 Cheese Chicken Penne recipe is inspired by Applebee's, but elevated for your home kitchen. Enjoy tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich three-cheese alfredo sauce – all ready in under an hour! Use pre-cooked chicken for a truly speedy weeknight meal, or marinate your own for extra flavor. This recipe is easily customizable to your taste; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices.

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Main Ingredient Beans Corn Time To Make

Aimee's Specialty Taco Salad

Craving a taco salad that's bursting with flavor and freshness? Look no further! Aimee's famous Taco Salad recipe is a family favorite, so good that it's practically legendary. This isn't your average taco salad; it's a vibrant mix of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience the magic!

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Fall Chicken Preparation Inexpensive

Barn Raising Stew

Warm up on a chilly evening with this hearty Barn Raising Stew! A comforting classic passed down from neighbor to neighbor, this recipe is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Imagine tender chicken simmering in a rich broth, bursting with savory vegetables. Top it with shredded Mexican cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence (optional, but highly recommended!), or enjoy its rustic charm on its own. This is the perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious!

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Taste Mood Occasion Main Ingredient Sauces

Antipasta Sauce Canning

Elevate your appetizer game with this vibrant Antipasto Sauce, perfect for canning and serving with crusty bread or wheat thins. This recipe delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavor with artichoke hearts, ripe olives, and succulent shrimp. Easily customizable with jalapenos for an extra kick! Make a big batch for parties or enjoy it throughout the year.

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