Green onions, or scallions are an essential ingredient in many recipes. They’re the perfect balance of pungent and sweet. But if you don’t have them on hand, what can you use instead?
The good news is that there are many substitutes for green onions, so you’ll never have to miss out on their unique flavor again!
What Are Green Onions?
Green onions are the white parts of a bunch of green onions. They’re also called scallions, spring onions, and salad onions.
They look like a bundle of long green leaves that grow above the ground. They have a milder flavor than other types of onion, but they can still be used in a variety of dishes.
Green onions are used in many different recipes because they have a fresh taste that goes well with meats, fish, and seafood. They’re also good for making dips and sauces because they have a stronger flavor than regular onions.
The 7 Best Substitutes For Green Onions
#1 Chives
Chives are a great substitute for green onions. They have a similar green color and taste, but they have a more pungent flavor than green onions.
Chives are also known as garlic chives and onion chives, depending on the variety. They’re related to garlic and onions, which means they can also be used as an alternative to either one of those ingredients.
Chives are high in antioxidants, vitamin C and calcium, making them a healthy choice for any dish!
#2 Shallots
Shallots are a variety of onion that have a milder flavor, making them a great substitute for green onions in most recipes.
They’re also smaller than green onions, and they have an elongated shape—like a scallion, but with more of a bulb at the bottom. They’re good to have around if you want to add some onion flavor to your dish without making it taste like raw onion.
Shallots add a subtle hint of onion flavor that’s perfect for delicate dishes like soups and salads, or even just as a garnish on top of something else.
#3 Leeks
Leeks are tall, leafy vegetables that grow underground. They have a mild onion flavor and a crunchy texture. They’re often used in soups, stews, and sauces because of their mild flavor and ability to withstand long cooking times without becoming mushy or losing their crunchiness.
Many people find leeks to be more flavorful than green onions, which can make them a good choice when you want to add some extra flavor to your dish but don’t want something too overpowering.
#4 Ramps
Ramps are wild onions that look like scallions and taste like a mix of garlic, onion, and leeks. They’re frequently used in salads and as an alternative to green onions.
Ramps are wild onions that look like scallions and taste like a mix of garlic, onion, and leeks. They’re frequently used in salads and as an alternative to green onions.
Ramps have a pungent flavor that some people find too strong for cooking with all the time—but they can be a great way to kick up the flavor of your dishes without adding too much salt or fat!
#5 Green Bell Peppers
Green bell peppers are green in color and have a mild, sweet flavor. They are most often used as a substitute for onions or scallions in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
The main benefit of using green bell peppers instead of traditional onions is that they have less of an impact on your breath. It’s hard to keep eating when you can’t stand the way your breath smells!
#6 Dried Green Onions
Dried green onions are the ultimate substitute for fresh ones. While they’re not exactly the same, they’re close enough to satisfy your craving for the crunchy goodness of green onions.
Dried green onions are great for adding some flavor to soups and stews. Just add them at the beginning of cooking so that they have time to rehydrate and get soft before serving!
#7 Wild Garlic
If you’re looking for an alternative to green onions that’s just as delicious, but also a little different, wild garlic is the way to go. It’s a perennial herb that grows in meadows and grasslands—and it smells just like its name implies! Wild garlic has a pungent aroma that’s earthy and fresh. It tastes slightly bitter, with a hint of sweetness.
This herb has long been used in traditional medicine as an antibacterial agent, but it also has many other uses. You can use wild garlic to make salad dressings, soups, stews, and more. You can even use it raw in salads or sandwiches!
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered the 7 best substitutes for green onions. Some of these items might seem a bit exotic to you, but we hope that you’re intrigued enough to try them out!
If you’re looking for an easy way to spice up your dishes, just remember that the flavor of any given vegetable is going to depend heavily on how you cook it. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods and cooking times—you might be surprised by what you find!
