Vegetable | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie

Red Onion

Allium cepa Allergen-Free
red onion

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Amaryllidaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Onion bulb

The Forktionary Angle

"A culinary chameleon, adding both color and a gentle piquancy to dishes, especially when raw."

Definition

A variety of onion characterized by its purplish-red skin and distinctively milder, sweeter flavor than yellow onions.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet-tart, Pungent
TextureCrisp, Firm, Juicy
AromaPungent, Aromatic
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Anthocyanin Content

High (Antioxidant Pigment)

Ideal Storage Temperature

45-55°F (Cool, Dry)

Sulfur Compounds

Lower than yellow/white onions

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 medium (110g)
Calories40 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1 g
Total Carbohydrate9 g
Dietary Fiber2 g
Total Sugars4 g
Calcium23 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium146 mg

Chef’s Secret

To reduce the pungency of raw red onion, slice it thinly and soak in ice water for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Substitutions

Best Match

Yellow Onion

1:1

Good for cooking, but less mild and lacks the color of red onion.

Shallots

1:1

Milder and sweeter, excellent for vinaigrettes or delicate dishes.

White Onion

1:1

Sharper, more pungent than red, but can work in cooked applications.

Scallions (green parts)

1:1 (sliced)

Provides a mild, fresh onion flavor and vibrant green color for garnish.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, heavy onions with dry, unblemished skin and no sprouts.

Flavor Pairings

Salads Sandwiches Pickling Tacos Burgers Grilling Vinaigrettes

Recipes Using Red Onion

Italian Course Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine

Acini Di Pepe Salad

This vibrant Acini Di Pepe salad is a light and flavorful delight, perfect for a summer lunch or a refreshing side dish. The tiny pasta pearls are tossed with juicy tomatoes, crunchy pine nuts, peppery radicchio, and fresh basil, all dressed in a simple yet elegant vinaigrette. Topped with creamy feta, this salad is sure to become a new favorite! (Courtesy of Cookworks)

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Seafood Tuna Pasta Rice And Grains

Albacore Tuna And Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Craving that delicious Trader Joe's pasta salad? This copycat recipe lets you recreate the magic at home! We're using fresh albacore tuna for a truly gourmet experience (but canned works in a pinch!). This vibrant and refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch, potluck contribution, or weeknight dinner. Get ready for a burst of flavor in just 30 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Salads Easy Pasta Time To Make

Alexander's Orzo And Wild Rice Salad

A vibrant and flavorful orzo and wild rice salad, perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. This recipe boasts a zesty lemon-herb dressing that complements the nutty wild rice and tender orzo. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Main Ingredient Occasion Dinner Party

Almond Green Bean Salad

California almonds take center stage in this vibrant and refreshing green bean salad! Crisp-tender green beans are tossed with juicy tomatoes, red onions, and a zesty vinaigrette, then topped with crunchy almonds for a delightful crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution.

See Complete Recipe
Vegetarian Low In Something Cuisine Vegetables

Annie's Scrumptious Maple Pecan Spinach Salad W Maple Dressing

Experience the heavenly flavors of autumn with Annie's Scrumptious Maple Pecan Spinach Salad! This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the crunch of pecans and the freshness of spinach. The unique maple dressing, inspired by "What's Cooking America," perfectly complements the medley of ingredients. Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor, while chilling the jicama intensifies its crisp sweetness. This recipe is easy to customize; adjust ingredient quantities to your liking. Each bite offers a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it a perfect light meal or side dish. Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
Dinner Party To Go 3 Steps Or Less Appetizers

Antipasti Di Tonno E Fagioli

Escape the heat with this vibrant Antipasti Di Tonno E Fagioli! This elegant tuna and white bean salad is perfect as a light summer lunch or a sophisticated appetizer. Made with high-quality tuna packed in olive oil (save that precious oil for the dressing!), this recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare and boasts incredible flavor. Simply chill and enjoy! #tunasalad #antipasti #italiansalad #summerrecipe #easyrecipe #appetizer #lunchrecipe

See Complete Recipe
Course Preparation Dietary Scandinavian

Aquavit's Swedish Meatballs

Marcus Samuelsson's award-winning recipe for Swedish meatballs gets a sophisticated upgrade with the addition of aquavit! These tender, juicy meatballs simmer in a rich, creamy sauce infused with lingonberry preserves and a hint of pickle brine for a burst of unexpected flavor. Serve with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and tangy quick-pickled cucumbers for a truly unforgettable meal. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

See Complete Recipe
Low Carb Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Course

Argentinian Grilled Flank Steak With Chimichurri Sauce

Sizzle into summer with this vibrant Argentinian Grilled Flank Steak recipe! Our simple grilling technique and zesty, herb-packed chimichurri sauce transform a humble flank steak into a culinary masterpiece. Inspired by Cook's Illustrated's 2009 summer grilling issue, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for juicy, flavorful steak and a sauce that will have you licking your fingers!

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish

Asian Chicken Ravioli With V8 Creamy Tomato Sauce

Award-winning recipe! This Asian Chicken Ravioli, boasting a creamy V8 tomato sauce, is a flavor explosion. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The rich, savory filling combined with the vibrant sauce creates a dish you'll want to make again and again. Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Salads Easy

Asian Cole Slaw Salad

This super simple and tasty Asian Cole Slaw Salad is a recipe you'll make again and again! Crispy ramen noodles, crunchy walnuts, and a vibrant slaw mix combine for a flavor explosion. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect side dish or light meal.

See Complete Recipe
15 Minutes Or Less Greek Time To Make European

Atkins Greek Spinach Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Atkins-friendly Greek Spinach Salad! This low-carb recipe is packed with fresh spinach, salty feta, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or a healthy addition to your Atkins diet.

See Complete Recipe
Vegan Tomatoes Taste Mood Time To Make

Avocado Tomato Corn Salad Salsa

Beat the heat with this refreshing Avocado Tomato Corn Salad Salsa! Ready in 10 minutes, this vibrant recipe is perfect as a salad, salsa, or topping for your favorite protein. Frozen corn keeps it delightfully cool, ideal for summer days. Customize the spice level – mild or fiery with jalapeño or chipotle peppers! Parsley works great if you don't have cilantro. Serve it in wraps, over greens, or alongside grilled fish, chicken, or meat. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Beef Sausage Time To Make Course

Baked Sausages With Potatoes And Cheddar

This irresistible recipe for Baked Sausages with Potatoes and Cheddar is a comforting classic, elevated with simple, flavorful ingredients. High-quality sausages are the star, delivering amazing taste without the need for heavy seasoning. We recommend garlic sausages, but feel free to experiment with your favorites! This easy-to-assemble dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and easily customizable with your preferred vegetables. Get ready for crispy potatoes, juicy sausages, and melty cheddar – pure comfort food perfection!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Poultry Low Calorie 30 Minutes Or Less

Bal's No Butter Butter Chicken

A lighter, healthier twist on a classic! This "Bal S No Butter Butter Chicken" recipe, from the Spice Goddess Bal Arneson herself, delivers incredible flavor without the heavy cream. Learn how to achieve a vibrant, smooth, and mildly spiced curry using fresh spices and grapeseed oil's high smoke point for a clean taste. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe is easily adaptable and serves with roti or rice.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Dietary Time To Make Meat

Balsamic Braised Pot Roast

Indulge in this decadent Balsamic Braised Pot Roast, a culinary masterpiece that will melt in your mouth! Tender pot roast, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich balsamic-infused sauce, served alongside perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is adapted from a family favorite, elevated with precise instructions for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

See Complete Recipe
Course Dietary Eggs Dairy Equipment

Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

This vibrant Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a refreshing change of pace, perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or summer dinner. Bursting with fresh basil, creamy parmesan, and a zesty dressing, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Seasonal Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less Poultry

Bbq Chicken And Chipotle Salad

This wildly popular recipe, originally from Chiffonade Chef on the FC site and featured in Gourmet Magazine, is a flavor explosion! Incredibly easy and unbelievably tasty, this BBQ chicken and chipotle salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a perfect blend of smoky chipotle, tangy BBQ, and juicy chicken, all tossed in a vibrant salad. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together!

See Complete Recipe