15 Delicious Ways to Cook With Red Onions

Pan-Grilled Tilapia with Lemon and Red Onion served with asparagus
Photo: Crikkit

Relatively mild and sweet, red onions are the perfect aromatic to add raw to salads and sandwiches. But it's equally (if not more so) delicious when you cook them up in dishes like baked fish or steamed rice. If you find yourself with a bulk bag of the root vegetables, these 15 recipes will help you transform them into mouthwatering meals.

01 of 15

Red Onion Marmalade

red onion marmalade
lutzflcat

A little sweet, a little savory, and a lot oniony, this rich marmalade is excellent on sandwiches and grilled meats. "Always a crowd pleaser, and a great gift," says reviewer kzoo02. "Sometimes I'll throw in some fresh thyme during the cooking process, and that is also good."

02 of 15

Tomato and Red Onion Sauce

Tomato and Red Onion Sauce over ziti noodles on a white plate
Buckwheat Queen

Fresh cherry tomatoes and a whole red onion make up the base for this sweet and savory pasta sauce. If you don't want tomato skins in your finished sauce, give it a quick run through a sieve before serving.

03 of 15

Chickpea Salad with Red Onion and Tomato

Chickpea Salad with Red Onion and Tomato on a white plate
amandak23k

This vegan-friendly salad is versatile enough to prep for several meals throughout the week. Scoop up servings with chips, serve over a bed of lettuce, or lightly mash and spread onto bread for a sandwich.

04 of 15

Pickled Red Onions

Pickled Red Onions in a glass jar on a wooden background
itsvince

These quick-pickled onions just take minutes to prepare and will keep well in the fridge for weeks. Place on sandwiches, tacos, or burgers; toss into salads; or serve on the side of cheese boards.

05 of 15

Balsamic Chicken with Red Onions and Potatoes

Balsamic Chicken with Red Onions and Potatoes in a white casserole dish on red checkered picnic cloth
Kim's Cooking Now

This impressive dish is an all-in-one meal. Potatoes and red onions are layered up before getting topped with herb-laden chicken and baked to golden brown perfection.

06 of 15

Cucumber, Tomato, and Red Onion Salad

Cucumber, Tomato, and Red Onion Salad in a bowl on a checkered red picnic blanket

This recipe is an excellent summer salad for when produce is at its peak ripeness. Red onions pairs with tomatoes and cucumbers, then is tossed in a citrusy dressing.

07 of 15

Red Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

Red Onion and Goat Cheese Tart on a plate with vegetables
Caroline C

Great for breakfast or dinner, this tart makes a delicious meal when served up with a side salad. Tangy red onions, salty goat cheese, and rich eggs make up the decadent filling.

08 of 15

Onion Rice

Onion Rice on a white plate with herbs
Molly

An extra versatile side dish, this simple rice goes with practically anything. Serve up this red onion-studded side with flavorful mains like curries or grilled meats.

09 of 15

Pan-Grilled Tilapia with Lemon and Red Onion

Pan-Grilled Tilapia with Lemon and Red Onion served with asparagus
Crikkit

Cooking for one? Treat yourself by making this beautiful dish. Flaky tilapia is coated in lemon juice and topped with buttery red onions for a world of flavors.

10 of 15

Pico de Gallo

fresh tomato salsa on a tray with chips, cilantro, and limes
SunnyBryd

Take the extra step of making homemade pico de gallo and you'll never settle for the store-bought stuff again. "Try this. You'll think you're in Mexico. Or at least your favorite Mexican restaurant," says reviewer naples34102.

11 of 15

Peruvian Pickled Onions (Salsa Criolla)

closeup of a relish of thinly sliced red onions, cucumber, and tomato on a white background
SunnyDaysNora

Infused with lime juice and rice wine vinegar, these tangy pickles of red onions, cucumber, and tomatoes are delicious as a side or topper for dishes.

12 of 15

Amy's Best Ever Onion Rings

Onions rings on a white plate with a side of ranch
Soup Loving Nicole

These lightly breaded onion rings let the flavor of the red onion shine through. Best part? They're ready in just 10 minutes, meaning you have more time to relax after dinner.

13 of 15

Pan-Fried Asparagus with Onions

Pan-Fried Asparagus with Onions in a skillet with tongs
Allrecipes Trusted Brands

This is the perfect recipe for when you need a simple side dish that pairs well with practically anything. "This quick and easy recipe earned me RAVE reviews," says Cheri.

14 of 15

French Onion Soup Gratinee

closeup of a spoon lifting a mouthful of cheese-topped French onion soup from a red bowl
France C

With two types of onion — red and sweet yellow — this classic soup is brimming with rich, oniony flavor. Serve it up with a thick layer of cheese and sprinkling of fresh herbs for that restaurant-quality experience.

15 of 15

Orange and Onion Salad

Orange and Onion Salad on a blue and yellow background
Petrovna

While the combination of red onions and oranges may sound odd, the two pair up beautifully in this salad recipe. Both tangy and brightly colored, the flavors meld well in the tart red wine vinegar dressing.

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