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

Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains Italian Time To Make

3 Pepper Pasta

This family-favorite 3 Pepper Pasta recipe is a delicious and versatile dish! Inspired by an old college roommate, this recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences – vegetarian or with savory Italian sausage. Enjoy tender peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic garlic tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. A touch of red wine vinegar adds brightness, while parmesan cheese provides a delightful finishing touch. Get ready to savor this quick and flavorful weeknight meal!

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Preparation Appetizers Snacks Preparation

4 Delicious French Fry Toppers

Elevate your simple french fries into gourmet masterpieces with these 4 incredible topping combinations! Inspired by Good Housekeeping, these recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for a fun weeknight meal or a satisfying game-day snack. Get ready to discover your new favorite fry topping!

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Asian Main Dish Time To Make Main Ingredient

Adana Kebab

Experience the fiery flavors of Turkey with this authentic Adana Kebab recipe! Named after Turkey's fourth-largest city, this kebab boasts a succulent blend of lamb and veal, marinated overnight for maximum tenderness. The secret ingredient? Zesty sumac, easily found in Middle Eastern markets or online – trust us, it makes all the difference! Prepare for a culinary journey as you grill these flavorful skewers to perfection, then tuck them into warm pita bread with creamy yogurt sauce and a vibrant red onion relish. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Dinner Party Dietary 15 Minutes Or Less Vegetables

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.

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Easy Preparation Main Ingredient Spaghetti

Andouille Sausage Tomato Pasta

Spice up your weeknight with this creamy, spicy Andouille Sausage Tomato Pasta! Made with leftover BBQ sausage (genius!), this quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. The perfect blend of smoky sausage, burstingly fresh tomatoes, and creamy pesto creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a taste of the south, elevated!

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Course Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Oysters

Angel Hair Pasta With Oysters And Bacon

Indulge in this luxurious Angel Hair Pasta recipe, featuring succulent oysters and crispy bacon. A perfect blend of salty, briny, and creamy flavors, this dish is sure to impress! Easy to follow instructions for an elegant meal in under an hour. #SeafoodPasta #OysterRecipe #BaconPasta #PastaRecipe #GourmetPasta

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Taste Mood Healthy Dinner Party Taste Mood

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Whip up this vibrant Antipasto Pasta Salad in just 15 minutes! A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad bursting with Italian charm, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a potluck hit. This recipe, inspired by a coworker's secret, is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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Preparation Beans Preparation Salads

Antipasto Style White Bean Salad

☀️ **Escape to the Mediterranean with this vibrant White Bean Salad!** ☀️ This healthy and refreshing Spanish-Mediterranean inspired recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch. Bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette, it's the perfect side dish or light meal. Easy to make and even better the next day!

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Vegetarian Vegetarian Beginner Cook Easy

Aussie Rice Salad

This vibrant Aussie Rice Salad is a crowd-pleaser! A refined recipe from an Australian website, featuring a delightful blend of crunchy vegetables, savory bacon bits (or water chestnuts!), and a creamy, subtly spiced mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or side dish. We've tweaked the original recipe based on your feedback for a perfectly balanced flavor profile – less soy sauce and allspice, more mayo for a creamier texture, and the perfect touch of sweetness from the veggies. Get ready to enjoy this taste of Australia!

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Low Saturated Fat Vegan Main Ingredient Time To Make

Avocado And Pineapple Salad Ensalada De Aguacate Y Pina

Escape to the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this refreshing Avocado and Pineapple Salad! This Miami-inspired recipe from three culinary maestros delivers a delightful blend of sweet pineapple, creamy avocado, and a tangy, zesty dressing. The secret? High-quality extra virgin olive oil and a touch of salt and pepper to elevate the dressing. Prepare to be amazed by the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory in every bite!

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Salads Easy Time To Make Vegetables

Avocado Salad With Hearts Of Palm

Discover a vibrant and refreshing Avocado & Hearts of Palm Salad! This easy recipe, inspired by Veggie Ventures, is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish. Hearts of palm add a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, perfectly complemented by creamy avocado and a zesty, homemade dressing. Makes enough for 4 servings. Prepare to be amazed!

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Main Dish Vegetarian 30 Minutes Or Less Course

Aztec Black Bean Salad Vegan Low Fat

Spice up your life with this vibrant and flavorful Aztec Black Bean Salad! This vegan and low-fat recipe is perfect for meal prepping and is easily customizable to your spice preference. Made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty chipotle lime dressing, this salad is a fiesta in every bite. Easily adaptable for cilantro-haters (Italian parsley works great!). Get ready for a delicious and healthy meal that's quick to prepare.

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Cuisine Cuisine Meat Main Ingredient

Bangers And Mash With Onion Gravy

Indulge in the ultimate British comfort food! This Bangers and Mash recipe elevates a classic dish with a rich, robust onion gravy enhanced by a splash of red wine. Perfect for cozy fall evenings, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make and delivers incredible flavor. Learn the secret to perfectly crispy sausages and creamy mashed potatoes, then top it all off with a gravy that will leave you wanting more. Discover the history behind the name 'bangers' and create a truly memorable meal.

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Course Chicken Breasts Appetizers Poultry

Barbecued Chicken Salad

Tired of the same old chicken salad? This recipe elevates the classic with smoky BBQ flavors! Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a delightful appetizer, this recipe is made with leftover barbecued chicken breasts for ultimate convenience. The sweet and spicy BBQ chicken is combined with crisp veggies and a creamy dressing, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet incredibly flavorful chicken salad!

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Stove Top Main Ingredient Low Carb Chicken

Basil Chicken In Coconut Curry Sauce

Award-winning recipe! This Basil Chicken in Creamy Coconut Curry Sauce was a 1997 Better Homes and Gardens grand prize winner. Indulge in tender chicken simmered in a rich, fragrant coconut curry sauce bursting with fresh basil. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Prep time: 30 minutes (includes marinating).

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Course Course 3 Steps Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less

Bea's Broccoli Salad

This isn't just another broccoli salad – it's Bea's award-winning recipe, destined to become a family favorite! This vibrant and crunchy salad features perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavors, with tender broccoli florets, sweet raisins, crunchy pumpkin seeds (or sunflower seeds!), and savory bacon and cheese. Prepare to be amazed by this easy-to-make, refreshingly delicious side dish, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a weeknight dinner. Get ready to experience broccoli salad like never before!

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Omelets And Frittatas Course Tomatoes Casseroles

Berber Tagine Omelette

A vibrant and flavorful Moroccan-inspired omelette baked in a tagine! This recipe combines the aromatic spices of Berber cuisine with the simplicity of an omelette for a truly unique and delicious dish. Fresh cilantro (coriander) adds a burst of freshness, while slow-cooked onions and tomatoes create a rich and savory base. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a light dinner.

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