31 Best Recipes with Red Onions of the Year
Two weeks ago, I found myself with a large bag of red onions after I accidentally ordered 5 POUNDS of red onions instead of 5 whole onions. So over the last week, I’ve been experimenting with all the best red onion recipes to use them up. As it turns out, there are so many delicious recipes with red onions that I’ve come to love!
Known for their vibrant color and mellow, sweet flavor when cooked, red onions are a great ingredient that can add so many flavors to what you’re cooking. Here are 31 of the top recipes with red onions that are delicious, exciting, and often easy!
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31 Best Red Onion Recipes of the Year
Creamy Roasted Red Onions
These creamy roasted red onions are a fantastic side dish that packs a punch of flavor. The onions are oven-roasted until tender, then smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s spiced just right.
They’re perfect to pair with your favorite grilled meats or as a satisfying vegetarian dish. Try it and make these sweet and tangy onions for your next meal.
Homemade Caramelised Red Onions
These homemade caramelised red onions are slow-cooked to release their natural sugars, resulting in a sweet yet tangy flavor. They make an ideal topping for burgers, sandwiches, and even salads!
Marinated Sumac Onions Recipe
This marinated sumac onions recipe pairs the sweet crunch of red onions with tart sumac powder for a zesty side dish. Serve them alongside grilled meats or toss them in salads for a Middle Eastern touch to your meal.
Balsamic-Glazed Red Onions
These balsamic-glazed red onions is one of the best red onion recipes! Roasted until soft and caramelised, then coated in a glossy balsamic reduction, these onions a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savoury. They make a wonderful addition to your holiday table, but are easy enough for any weekday meal.
Caramelized Onion Tart
Add a sophisticated touch to your dinner party with this caramelized onion tart recipe from Ela Vegan. The slow-cooked red onions become irresistibly sweet and are complemented by the rich, buttery pastry. The addition of fresh herbs and vegan cheese makes this tart a showstopper in both taste and presentation.
French Red Onion Soup
Nothing beats the comfort of a well-made soup, and this French red onion soup is just that. The sweetness of caramelized red onions, combined with a robust broth and melted cheese on top, makes for a heartwarming dish that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Marinated Tomato Salad Recipe with Red Onions
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavours – that’s what this marinated tomato salad recipe with red onions is all about. It’s the perfect refreshing side dish to serve during those hot summer months. The tartness of the tomatoes, the sweetness of the onions, and the freshness of the herbs all work together really well, resulting in a salad that’s both healthy and delicious.
Red Onion Gravy
This red onion gravy recipe is the perfect topping for a variety of main dishes, especially roast meats to mashed potatoes! The sweet red onions add a depth of flavor that sets it apart from other gravy recipes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Red Onion
This recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and red onion is a way to convert any sprouts skeptic – they are so delicious! The Brussels sprouts become beautifully caramelized, the bacon adds a delightful smoky touch, and the red onions give it a slight bite.
Pickled Sumac Red Onions
This quick-pickled onions recipe is an easy way to prepare this delicious condiment. Serve them on sandwiches, chicken tacos, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board – the possibilities are endless!
While you can slice it by hand using a knife, I recommend using a mandoline (if you have one) to get even thin slices before you add it in a glass jar and pour the pickling liquid in.
I always have a batch of pickled red onions in the fridge to have on hand!
Green Chile Turkey Burgers with Guacamole and Pickled Red Onions
These green chile turkey burgers with guacamole and pickled red onions are a fun change from regular burgers. The turkey patties are incredibly juicy and flavorful, while the guacamole provides a creamy texture and the pickled red onions add a pop of tanginess that pulls it all together.
Crispy Mashed Potato Salad with Garlicky Yogurt Vinaigrette & Pickled Red Onions
In this recipe, we pair crispy mashed potato salad with a garlicky yogurt vinaigrette, complete with a pickled red onion recipe for a delicious crunch. This recipe takes potato salad to the next level!
Winter Wheat Berry Salad with Figs & Red Onion
This winter wheat berry salad with figs and red onion from The Kitchn is a nutrient-packed meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. The sweet figs, crunchy wheat berries, and crisp red onions make for a delicious combination of textures, while the citrusy dressing ties it all together perfectly.
Spiced Cauliflower Steaks, Halloumi and Pickled Red Onions
If you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian dish, try these spiced cauliflower steaks with halloumi and pickled red onions. The cauliflower steaks are seasoned with a flavorful spice blend, then grilled and served with salty halloumi and tangy pickled red onions. I love adding red pepper flakes for extra heat!
Grilled Fish with Caper and Red Onion Dressing
The red onion dressing in this recipe is one of my favorite recipes with red onions ever! It pairs with so many things, but especially with grilled fish and tangy capers.
Japanese Potato Salad With Cucumbers, Carrots, and Red Onion
When I traveled to Japan a few summers ago, I had a similar dish in Tokyo and I was hooked! The creaminess of the mashed potatoes, the crunch of the veggies, and the tangy dressing make this salad a must-try!
Red Onion Chutney
Serve it on a cheese board, with grilled meats, or as a spread on sandwiches for an unexpected flavor twist.
Pro tip: only have white vinegar? No problem! I’ve tried it and it works great!
Caramelised Red Onion and Goats Cheese Tarts
Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or fancy snack, these Caramelised Red Onion and Goats Cheese Tarts are the best red onion recipes for parties and potlucks. Sweet caramelized red onions are balanced with the goat cheese, all wrapped up in a crisp pastry shell. Heaven in a bite!
Roasted Butternut Squash stuffed with walnut, red onion and Cranberry
The Roasted Butternut Squash stuffed with Walnut, Red Onion, and Cranberry offers an exciting way to enjoy vegetables. It’s a delicious mix of flavors and textures – the sweetness of the squash, the crunch of the walnuts, the tartness of the cranberries, and the mellow flavor of red onions.
Mussakhan (Roast Chicken With Sumac and Red Onions)
This Middle Eastern dish is a rustic dish where chicken is marinated in a sumac, red onion, and olive oil mixture before roasting it until juicy!
Oven Roasted Fennel, Carrots and Red Onion
The Oven Roasted Fennel, Carrots, and Red Onion is a perfect side dish. The sweetness of the carrots, the licorice-like flavor of fennel, and the hearty bite of red onions combine under the heat of the oven to create a veggie dish that’s both comforting and nutritious.
California Walnut, Mushroom & Red Onion Galette
This California Walnut, Mushroom & Red Onion Galette is a rustic, savory tart that is perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of walnuts, mushrooms, and caramelized red onions is irresistibly delicious and satisfying.
Savory Blueberry and Red Onion Jam
Add a delightful twist to your usual jam with this Savory Blueberry and Red Onion Jam. The mix of sweet blueberries and red onions creates an extraordinary jam that pairs well with cheese, adds a gourmet touch to sandwiches, and even works well as a glaze for meats.
Short Rib Tacos
One of my favorite Mexican-inspired red onion recipes are these Short Rib Tacos. The tender short ribs pair so well with pickled red onions (whichh is easy to make at home in a mason jar) for a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Sheet-Pan Chicken With Roasted Plums and Onions
For a straightforward, one-pan meal, try the Sheet-Pan Chicken With Roasted Plums and Onions. Juicy chicken, sweet plums, and robust red onions roast together for a quick meal.
Addictive Roasted Broccoli and Mushrooms with Onion Wedges
Here’s another red onion recipe that’s simple, yet delicious. Can’t go wrong with the combination of broccoli, mushrooms, and red onions!
The Fluffiest Omelette with Broccoli, Red Onion, White Cheddar and Feta
Turn your breakfast up a notch with this fluffy omelette recipe. This dish marries the savory flavors of red onion and broccoli with the richness of white cheddar and feta.
Rye Toasts with Smoked Salmon, Cucumber, and Red Onion
For a light lunch or snack, these Rye Toasts with Smoked Salmon, Cucumber, and Red Onion are just perfect. The sharpness of red onions complements the smoked salmon and the crunch of the cucumber.
Buttery Baked Trout with Capers & Dill
One of my favorite recipes that feature raw red onions is this buttery baked trout. The slices of raw red onions adds just hte right amount of bite and crunch to make this dish out-of-this-world delicious.
Roast Pork Loin with Apples and Onions
The Roast Pork Loin with Apples and Onions is a quintessential comfort food recipe. It features a tender pork loin roasted with sweet apples and hearty red onions for a “ten out of ten” meal (quoting my husband, of course).
Supreme pizza
Lastly, the ultimate classic Supreme pizza tastes better with red onions. They add a punch of flavor that goes hand-in-hand with the other toppings. Once you try this, you won’t go back to regular pizza without the tasty, crunchy, and slightly sweet red onions on top.
Which one of these 31 best red onion recipes is your favorite? And did we miss any you think should be included in this guide? Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use red onions for?
Red onions are awesome for salads, sandwiches, and Mexican dishes. They’re fantastic in salsas with peppers, avocados, and lime juice. Red onion slices can be quick-pickled in jars using a blend of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Perfect for topping your nachos or burritos!
Why do chefs use red onions?
Chefs love red onions for their bright color and mild, sweet flavor. They use them in a variety of recipes, like onion salad, where the mild taste pairs well with lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Stir them with balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat, and you’ve got a delicious glaze.
Does raw onion lower blood pressure?
Yep, raw red onions contain antioxidants and compounds that may help lower blood pressure. They’ve got vitamins and fiber that can boost your health. But remember, moderation is key! Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Are red onions and purple onions the same?
You bet! Red onions and purple onions are the same thing. The color varies a bit, but they’re both known for their sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Why use red onions instead of white?
Red onions have a milder, sweeter taste compared to white onions. They’re great in salads and fresh dishes where you want a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. White onions have a sharper flavor, so it really depends on the recipe you’re making.
Why do restaurant onions taste better?
Restaurants often use techniques like caramelizing, and they aren’t shy about adding butter, salt, and other tasty things. When they caramelize onions, they might add a splash of balsamic vinegar, simmering them to perfection. That’s why restaurant onions taste so good!
Where did red onions come from?
Red onions have been around for ages and were likely first cultivated in Asia. You’ll find them in various cuisines around the world, adding flavor to everything from French onion soup to Mexican dishes like quesadillas.
Does it matter if you use red onion instead of white?
Substituting red for white onions can change the flavor a bit. Red onions are milder and sweeter, while white onions have more of a bite. If you’re making something like a pickle, using jars with apple cider vinegar and a tight-fitting lid, you might notice a slight difference in taste.
Which color onion is healthiest?
All onions are packed with nutrients, but red onions tend to have higher levels of antioxidants. They’re also rich in fiber, vitamins, and other good stuff. So, in terms of overall nutritional punch, red might have a slight edge.
How much raw onion should I eat a day?
There’s no strict rule, but a few slices or a tablespoon or two might be a good amount. It depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Red onions can add flavor and nutrients, but you don’t want to overdo it.
What goes with red onion?
Red onions go with so many things! From sandwiches, avocado toast, and eggs to spicing up Mexican dishes with jalapeños and lime juice. You can even whip up a red onion brine with bay leaves, mustard seeds, and whole peppercorns for pickled red onion recipes.
31 Best Recipes with Red Onions of the Year
Ingredients
- Creamy Roasted Red Onions
- Homemade Caramelised Red Onions
- Marinated Sumac Onions Recipe
- Balsamic-Glazed Red Onions
- Caramelized Onion Tart
- French Red Onion Soup
- Marinated Tomato Salad Recipe with Red Onions
- Red Onion Gravy
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Red Onion
- Pickled Sumac Red Onions
- Green Chile Turkey Burgers with Guacamole and Pickled Red Onions
- Crispy Mashed Potato Salad with Garlicky Yogurt Vinaigrette & Pickled Red Onions
- Winter Wheat Berry Salad with Figs & Red Onion
- Spiced Cauliflower Steaks, Halloumi and Pickled Red Onions
- Grilled Fish with Caper and Red Onion Dressing
- Japanese Potato Salad With Cucumbers, Carrots, and Red Onion
- Red Onion Chutney
- Caramelised Red Onion and Goats Cheese Tarts
- Roasted Butternut Squash stuffed with walnut, red onion and Cranberry
- Mussakhan (Roast Chicken With Sumac and Red Onions)
- Oven Roasted Fennel, Carrots and Red Onion
- California Walnut, Mushroom & Red Onion Galette
- Savory Blueberry and Red Onion Jam
- Short Rib Tacos
- Sheet-Pan Chicken With Roasted Plums and Onions
- Addictive Roasted Broccoli and Mushrooms with Onion Wedges
- The Fluffiest Omelette with Broccoli, Red Onion, White Cheddar and Feta
- Rye Toasts with Smoked Salmon, Cucumber, and Red Onion
- Buttery Baked Trout with Capers & Dill
- Roast Pork Loin with Apples and Onions
- Supreme pizza
Instructions
- Click the red onion recipe you’d like to make for its full list of ingredients and directions.
Nutrition
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