Red Onion

Allium cepa (Red Group) Vegetable

Red Onion Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A cultivar of onion with a purplish-red skin and white flesh tinged with red, known for its mild flavor and crisp texture.

Anthocyanin Content High (Antioxidant Pigment)
Ideal Storage Temperature 45-55°F (Cool, Dry)
Sulfur Compounds Lower than yellow/white onions

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Red Onion are:

Mild slightly sweet less pungent than yellow onions

Chef’s Secret

To mellow red onion's bite for raw applications, thinly slice and soak in ice water for 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Best Substitutes

Shallots

for mildness
Ratio 1:1

White onion

stronger flavor
Ratio 1:1

Sweet onion

similar sweetness
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Select firm, heavy onions with dry, unblemished skin. Avoid any soft spots or sprouting.

Recipes Using Red Onion

Weeknight Vegetables 30 Minutes Or Less Occasion

Antipasto Skewers

Fire up your grill for these vibrant Mediterranean Antipasto Skewers! A light and flavorful meal, perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy sausage, salty halloumi, and tender vegetables create a delicious combination. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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3 Steps Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less Sauces Southwestern United States

Aji Spicy And Full Of Flavor

A vibrant fusion of Peruvian and Tex-Mex flavors! This Aji Amarillo sauce is bursting with spicy, savory goodness. Perfect as a topping for grilled meats, fish, or a luscious addition to your favorite enchiladas. Easy to make and even better after marinating!

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Beginner Cook Occasion Fruit Brunch

Blue Apple Salad

This stunning Blue Apple Salad is perfect for brunch, bridal showers, or any special occasion! Imagine crisp, juicy apples tossed with crunchy bacon, and a vibrant raspberry vinaigrette. It pairs beautifully with quiche or your favorite protein, and the optional Asian balsamic dressing adds a delightful twist. Prepare this show-stopping salad in just 15 minutes!

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Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less Technique Small Appliance

Bean And Ham Dip With Garlic And Rosemary

This irresistible Garlic Rosemary Bean & Ham Dip is the perfect party appetizer! Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, this recipe features tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic garlic and rosemary. Serve with thick-cut kettle chips, toasted baguette slices, or pita bread for an unforgettable snack. Inspired by the Chicago Tribune's Good Eating section.

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Salads Course 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Barley Shrimp And Corn Salad

This vibrant Barley, Shrimp, and Corn Salad is a summer sensation! Featuring tender barley, juicy shrimp, sweet corn, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a delightful appetizer. Get ready for a burst of flavor in under an hour!

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Served Hot Meat Main Ingredient Main Dish

Balsamic Chicken Thighs With Red Onions

Experience a flavor explosion with these succulent balsamic chicken thighs! Perfectly caramelized red onions and a rich, tangy balsamic reduction create a symphony of taste. Chicken thighs, with their naturally higher fat content, deliver unparalleled juicy tenderness. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Healthy 2 Equipment Savory Cuisine

Bell Pepper Focaccia

This vibrant Bell Pepper Focaccia recipe, inspired by Cooking Light (August 2006), is a taste of summer sunshine! Crispy, golden-brown crust meets a soft, airy interior bursting with sweet bell peppers and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal, this focaccia is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

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Cuisine Served Cold Served Hot Taste Mood

3 Layer Mexican Party Dip

Spice up your next party with this irresistible 3-Layer Mexican Party Dip! Served warm or at room temperature, this crowd-pleasing recipe is incredibly easy to make and disappears fast. Get ready for rave reviews – it's the perfect complement to tortilla chips, and is sure to be a fiesta favorite! (Originally from Parade Magazine)

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Preparation Brunch 15 Minutes Or Less Occasion

Asian Style Slaw

This vibrant Asian-inspired slaw is a flavor explosion! Ready in under 15 minutes, it's the perfect side dish for any Asian-inspired meal or a light lunch. Sweet, tangy, and crunchy, this recipe is simple to make but packed with deliciousness. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Course Lettuces Salads Preparation

Betty Crocker's Light Lemon Dijon Chicken Salad

This vibrant and zesty Lemon Dijon Chicken Salad is ready in just 20 minutes! A quick, easy recipe with minimal ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or potluck contribution. The bright lemon and tangy Dijon dressing complements the juicy chicken and crisp vegetables beautifully.

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4 Hours Or Less Meat Taste Mood Oven

Cheeseburger Meatloaf For Lactose Intolerant Cheese

Fool your taste buds with this incredible cheeseburger meatloaf! Perfect for cheese lovers with lactose intolerance, this recipe mimics the real deal using a clever blend of spices and dairy-free cheese. My father-in-law's secret recipe, adapted for my lactose-intolerant husband, delivers unbelievably cheesy flavor without the dairy. Prepare to be amazed!

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30 Minutes Or Less Dietary Occasion 3 Steps Or Less

Bacon Ranch Corn Salad

This crowd-pleasing Bacon Ranch Corn Salad is the perfect side dish for your next cookout, barbecue, or potluck! Crispy bacon, juicy corn, and creamy ranch dressing combine for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Easy to make ahead, this salad gets even better after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Time To Make Taste Mood Corn

Applebee's Vegetable Medley

Recreate the zesty, flavorful vegetable medley you love from Applebee's! This vibrant side dish is bursting with fresh vegetables and a delicious, tangy sauce. Perfect as a side for any meal, it's quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe now!

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Dietary Vegetarian Appetizers Chick Peas Garbanzos

Baked Falafel Balls

Experience the joy of perfectly baked falafel balls – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and completely oil-free! This healthy and delicious recipe skips the deep fryer, making it a guilt-free treat. Serve these delightful balls in warm pita bread with your favorite cooling cucumber sauce for a truly unforgettable Mediterranean experience.

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Seasonal Summer Course Equipment

Tomato And Basil Couscous Salad

This vibrant Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad is the perfect summer dish! Made with fresh, homegrown ingredients (or your favorite farmer's market finds!), this recipe bursts with flavor. Imagine juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy Gorgonzola, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette all tossed with fluffy couscous and served on a bed of mixed greens and thinly sliced red onions. Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – get ready for a taste of summer in every bite!

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Main Ingredient Turkish Main Ingredient Time To Make

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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Stove Top Low Calorie Low Carb Equipment

Barbara's Famous Chili

This award-winning chili recipe took home second place and a 2-foot trophy at a chili cook-off! A rich and savory blend of beef, sausage, and beans, simmered to perfection. Elevate your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing recipe. For an extra special treat, top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and a dollop of sour cream.

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Main Ingredient Course Southwestern United States American

Avocado Orange And Jicama Salad

This vibrant summer salad is a refreshing explosion of flavors! Sweet oranges, crisp jicama, creamy avocado, and a zesty jalapeno jelly dressing combine for a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a hot day or a healthy side dish. This easy recipe comes together in minutes!

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