25 Red Onion Recipes From Sides to Salads

Add a little zing to your dinner with these red onion recipes. From bright pickled onions to crunchy, peppery garnish, you just can’t beat vibrant alliums.

They’re versatile, affordable, and absolutely delicious.

I love red onions and am more than happy when I see them in a dish, be it tacos, casseroles, salads, or pasta.

So if you’re on the hunt for some jaw-dropping red onion recipes, you’ve come to the right place.

Because whether they’re the star of the show or just one of many tasty ingredients, they always look and taste terrific.

25 Best Red Onion Recipes for Any Occasion

1. Balsamic-Glazed Red Onions

This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an elegant addition to any meal.

The finished onions are tender and richly flavored, with just a hint of sweetness from the balsamic vinegar.

Serve them as a side dish, or use them to top grilled meats or vegetables. 

2. Pickled Red Onions

The flavor of pickled red onions is really unique. They’re tangy and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice from the mustard seeds.

I love them on burgers or sandwiches, and they also make a fabulous topping for salads or tacos.

Trust me; once you try them, you’ll be hooked! 

3. Olive Pizza With Red Onions

Pizza is always a winner, and this quick and easy recipe is no exception.

The onions are mellowed by the heat of the pizza, while the olives provide a salty contrast you’ll love.

The mix of flavors is irresistible, and the thin crust ensures every bite is crunchy and filled with goodness.

This pizza is best served hot out of the oven, but it’s also delicious cold the next day.

4. One-Pan Pork Chops With Apples and Onions

This is one of the most straightforward and delicious recipes you’ll ever make.

I mean, what could be better than juicy pork chops with sweet apples and onions?

It’s a flawless combination of sweet, meaty, and savory.

Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan. Serve with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.

5. Smoky Chicken Street Tacos With Pickled Red Onions

Who doesn’t love tacos? From crispy carnitas to tender fish, they’re pretty close to perfect.

Of course, chicken is one of the easiest taco meats to cook, and it’s universally loved.

These smoky chicken tacos are especially scrumptious, thanks to the added tangy from the pickled red onions.

6. Open-Faced Bagel With Cream Cheese, Tomato, Red Onion, and Fresh Basil

Open-faced sandwiches are huge in Europe, and this is one of my go-to’s.

It looks super impressive, but it’s a breeze to put together. Between the creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy red onions, it’s light, bright, and to die for.

The basil is optional, but it brings everything together with its fragrant aroma and bright flavor.

7. Peppers and Onions Scrambled Eggs

Start your day with a flavorful of this classic breakfast with a twist.

Featuring fresh peppers, onions, and eggs, this dish is packed with nutrients and flavor.

The onions add a sweetness to the eggs, while the peppers give them a slight spiciness.

Serve these eggs on whole wheat toast for a complete breakfast.

8. Italian Potato Salad With Red Onions

I know it looks simple, but the flavors in this simple potato salad speak for themselves.

The potatoes are wonderfully tender, which makes for such a nice contrast to the red onions.

Meanwhile, a blend of vinegar, olive oil, salt, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley ensures every bite is zesty and herbaceous. Yum!

9. Tomato, Cucumber, and Red Onion Salad

Want something a little lighter than carb-heavy potatoes? Try this tomato, cucumber, and onion salad instead.

Slightly sweet and juicy tomatoes are my favorite things on the planet.

And when they’re in a bowl with crisp cucumber and peppery red onions, they’re irresistible.

The vibrant tomato salad is dressed with a simple vinaigrette, which allows the flavors of the vegetables to shine through. Serve this with chicken or fish, and you’re all set.

10. Greek Salad With Marinated Onions

This recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the classic flavors of Greece.

You’ll marinate the onions in a dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and spices. This gives them a flavorful and slightly tangy taste.

Add some salty olives and creamy feta for a yummy salad you’ll want to devour on your own.

11. Grilled Steak With Tomatoes, Red Onion, and Balsamic

There’s nothing better than a juicy, grilled steak with a side of delicious vegetables. It’s a fantastic combination of tasty and healthy.

The balsamic dressing adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors. And it pairs so well with the tomatoes and onions.

Serve this dish with a side of roasted potatoes and a green salad. Delish!

12. Grilled Red Onions

You know what they say: the best things in life are grilled. And when it comes to grilled red onions, that couldn’t be more true.

Something about the combination of char and sweet, almost caramelized flavor is just unmatched.

Plus, they’re so easy to make! 

13. Roasted Balsamic Red Onions and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy Brussels sprouts, then you’ll want to try this recipe.

The sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar pairs wonderfully with the savory roasted onions and Brussels sprouts.

It’s healthy, colorful, and great with meats and fish.

14. Italian Red Onion Soup

Rich and savory with a hint of sweetness, this soup is a thing of beauty.

It’s garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and I like it with croutons for extra crunch.

Serve a big bowl of this onion soup with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, and enjoy. Bon appétit! 

15. The Best Cold Chicken Salad

Thanks to the zesty dressing and fresh herbs, this recipe is packed with flavor.

The chicken is tender and juicy, and you’ll love the peppery addition of red onions.

Trust me; once you try this salad, you’ll be hooked!

16. Chicken With Roasted Tomato and Red Onion

Succulent roasted chicken with juicy roasted tomatoes and onions combines flavors that can’t be beaten.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).

So, if you’re looking for an elegant yet easy meal to impress your guests, this dish is sure to do the trick.

17. Grilled Apple, Cheddar, and Red Onion Panini

This mouthwatering panini is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and sharp.

The grilled apples are deliciously sweet, and the cheddar cheese is rich and savory.

Meanwhile, the red onions provide a sharp contrast you’ll go nuts for.

Grilled to perfection, this has a terrifically crispy outer crust and a gooey center no one can resist. 

18. Caramelized Onion Flatbread

Caramelized onions are the secret ingredient in this delicious flatbread recipe.

Simmered over low heat until they turn a deep golden brown, they’re sweet, savory, and almost jam-like.

The flatbread itself is crispy and chewy, with just the right amount of char. Serve it with a simple green salad for a light lunch or dinner.

19. Roast Beef Sandwich With Pickled Red Onions

Roast beef sandwiches are quick but super impressive. The key is the quality of the meat and the pickled red onions.

I like to use a thick cut of beef that’s well-marbled with fat. This gives the sandwich a rich flavor and juicy texture that’s hard to resist. 

20. Focaccia With Red Onion and Rosemary

Focaccia is a delicious and versatile Italian bread that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day.

This particular recipe features a crispy, golden crust topped with red onion and rosemary.

And as far as focaccia toppings go, those two may be simple, but they sure are heavenly.

Slightly sweet and beautifully earthy, this thick focaccia hits the spot every time.

21. Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)

Fajita veggies are a Chipotle copycat that’ll be a hit at your next potluck or backyard barbecue.

They’re jam-packed with flavor, thanks to a fragrant spice blend. And they can be served with everything from steak to quesadillas.

Serve them as is, or top them with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for an extra-special treat. 

22. Kevin’s Taco Salad

The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors in this salad is sure to please everyone who takes a bite.

The recipe is straightforward and can be easily doubled (or tripled) to feed a crowd.

I like to top it with sour cream and avocado. Yum!

23. French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich

French onion grilled cheese sandwich? I’ll take three!

It’s sweet, crunchy, oniony, and superbly cheesy. Seriously, it’s as good as grilled cheese gets!

Add a dash of garlic powder to the onions for an extra special touch. It really makes all the difference.

Serve with a side of pickles or your favorite soup for a complete meal.

24. Mushroom, Feta, and Red Onion Quiche

Quiche is ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s tasty hot or cold, and it’s super easy to modify.

That said, this recipe, with earthy mushrooms, creamy feta, and peppery red onions, is one of the best.

25. Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry With Peppers and Onions

Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

It’s beyond easy to make, and you’ll love the bright, juicy shrimp.

Serve it with fried rice or saucy noodles!