17 Best Substitutes for Green Onions
Do you like to cook, but don’t have any green onions on hand? Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutes that you can use! In this blog post, we will discuss 17 different substitutes for green onions.
We will also provide tips on how to use them in your cooking. So don’t let a lack of green onions stop you from making your favorite dish – check out our list and get cooking!
Table of Contents
What are green onions?
Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are a type of vegetable that belongs to the Allium family. They have a mild flavor and are commonly used in salads, soups, and other dishes.
The edible part of the plant is its long green leaves and white bulb. The bulb has a slightly sweet taste while the leaves have a more pungent flavor. Green onions can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on the dish you are making.
They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and potassium. Green onions also contain antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage in the body.
For these reasons, they are considered to be very healthy and nutritious. In addition, green onions are low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Best Substitutes for Green Onions
1. Celery.
Celery is a great substitute for green onions in recipes that call for the sharpness and crunch of onions. It has a mild flavor and a crisp texture, making it an ideal choice for salads, soups, sandwiches, and many other dishes.
If you’re looking to add some onion-like flavor without adding too much heat or spice, celery is an excellent alternative. You can also use it in place of green onions in many recipes, such as casseroles, quiches, and stir-fries.
How much celery equals a green onion?
Generally, one large stalk of celery (about 8-10 inches long) is equal to a green onion in terms of flavor and texture. However, the exact amount you should use depends on the recipe and your desired flavor profile.
For example, if the recipe calls for finely chopped green onions, you may want to chop more celery than usual in order to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
On the other hand, if you want a bit of extra onion flavor without going overboard, you may choose to use less celery than the recipe calls for.
2. Chives.
Chives are a member of the onion family, but they have a much milder flavor than green onions. They can be used as an attractive garnish or as a flavoring agent in sauces and salads.
How much chive equals a green onion?
The rule of thumb is that one tablespoon of chopped chives equals one green onion.
3. Dried green onions.
Dried green onions make a great alternative to fresh green onions. They are easy to use, have a long shelf life and can impart the same flavor as fresh green onions. Dried green onions are available in most supermarkets and health food stores.
How much dried green onion equals a green onion?
Generally, a tablespoon of dried green onion is equal to one fresh chopped scallion. However, it really depends on personal taste and preference. You may want to start with one tablespoon and add more if desired.
4. Garlic.
Garlic is a good substitute for green onions as it has the same texture and slightly stronger flavor. To use garlic as a replacement, mince up several cloves or purchase pre-minced garlic in the produce aisle of your local grocery store.
Garlic can be added to salads, dips, stir-fries, soups and other dishes to give them an extra kick of flavor. However, it is important to note that garlic has a much more intense flavor than green onions, so you may want to adjust the amount used accordingly.
It is also important to note that substituting garlic for green onions will change the nutritional value of the dish as well. Garlic contains higher amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as manganese and vitamin B6.
It also contains sulfur-containing compounds that may provide health benefits. However, it is important to use garlic in moderation due to its strong flavor.
How much garlic equals a green onion?
Generally, one green onion can be substituted with two cloves of garlic. It is important to note that the flavor will be much stronger and more intense than what you would get from a single green onion.
Additionally, if your dish calls for raw green onions, you should consider substituting cooked garlic instead as the cooking process will mellow out its strong flavor.
5. Green bell peppers.
Green bell peppers can add a mild sweetness to dishes in place of green onions. They are also high in Vitamin C and are often used as an ingredient in many popular dishes such as tacos and fajitas.
If you’re looking for a substitute that has a similar flavor, but is less pungent, try substituting green bell peppers for green onions.
How much green bell pepper equals a green onion?
Generally, 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper will equal one small green onion.
6. Green garlic.
Green garlic is a young garlic plant harvested before its cloves form. It looks like scallions but has a strong garlicky flavor.
It can be used in many of the same ways as green onions, such as diced and added to salads or sautéed with other vegetables.
How much green garlic equals a green onion?
The flavor of green garlic is much more intense than that of green onions, so it should generally be used in smaller quantities.
To substitute for one green onion, use about two tablespoons of finely chopped green garlic.
7. Leeks.
Leeks can easily be substituted for green onions in any recipe. They have a slightly milder flavor, but a surprisingly similar texture.
When using leeks as a substitute for green onions, use one leek in place of three or four green onions.
8. Oregano.
Oregano, also known as wild marjoram, is an herb with a robust flavor profile. It’s often used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, and it has a strong aroma that will provide the same aromatics to your dishes as green onions.
To substitute oregano for green onions, use three parts chopped fresh parsley to one part oregano. Or, for a more intense flavor, use three parts chopped fresh parsley to two parts oregano.
9. Onion Powder.
Onion powder is one of the most convenient substitutes for green onions, as it offers a similar flavor profile without having to be cut or sliced.
Onion powder can be added to recipes in place of fresh green onions, and it’s often used to enhance the flavor of soups, salads, and stews.
Additionally, it can be sprinkled on top of dishes like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese to add a savory, onion-y flavor. Onion powder can also be used when making homemade breads and batters, such as pancakes and waffles.
How much onion powder equals a green onion?
Generally, the rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon onion powder for every green onion you need. However, it’s best to taste your dish as you go and adjust the amount of onion powder based on how much flavor you want.
10. Pearl onions.
These small, round vegetables also have a mild flavor and can be used in the same way as green onions.
Slice them thinly to add a sweet onion flavor to salads or stir-fries, or use them whole in soups and sauces.
How much pearl onion equals a green onion?
Generally, one medium-sized green onion equals about two tablespoons of finely chopped pearl onions.
11. Ramps.
Ramps are a member of the onion family and resemble scallions, though they have a milder flavor. They can be used as an alternative to green onions in salads, soups, and other cooked dishes.
How much ramp equals a green onion?
For one green onion, substitute 1 tablespoon of chopped ramps.
12. Red onions.
Red onions are slightly milder and sweeter than green onions, but still give dishes the same flavor and texture.
How much red onion equals a green onion?
Depending on the dish you are making, a good rule of thumb is to use about two or three times as much red onion as green onion.
13. Shallots.
Shallots are a type of onion that is milder than green onions, but still has a subtle onion flavor. They can be used in many of the same dishes as green onions, such as salads and stir-fries.
How much shallot equals a green onion?
A single shallot is equivalent to 1/2 cup of chopped green onions.
14. Sweet onions.
Generally, one sweet onion will substitute for about four to five green onions. Sweet onions are large and have a mild flavor compared to other types of onions, so they may not provide the same level of spice as green onions.
15. White onions.
White onions have a milder flavor than green onions and can be found in most grocery stores. They are usually sold pre-chopped, making them convenient to use in dishes. You can substitute white onions for green onions in any recipe that calls for them.
How much white onion equals a green onion?
Generally speaking, one green onion is equal to about two tablespoons of chopped white onion. However, this can vary depending on the dish you’re making and your personal taste preferences.
For a more mild flavor, use less white onion than the recipe calls for and vice versa if you would like a stronger flavor.
16. Wild garlic.
Wild garlic is a great substitute for green onions in dishes that call for the flavor of chives or scallions.
Wild garlic has a mild onion flavor and can be used as an ingredient in salads, soups, casseroles, and more. It can even be added to scrambled eggs or omelettes to give them a delicious flavor.
How much wild garlic equals a green onion?
This depends on the dish. Generally, you can use about twice as much wild garlic as green onions.
17. Yellow onions.
Commonly used to replace green onions, yellow onions are a great option. They have a milder flavor than green onions and can be cooked in the same way that green onions are.
They provide a similar texture and flavor as green onion, with just a bit of sweetness. To use them as a substitute for green onions, simply chop or dice them
How much yellow onion equals a green onion?
Generally, one cup of chopped green onions equals ½ cup chopped yellow onion.
Substitute for green onion in stir fry.
If you don’t have access to green onion, there are plenty of other vegetables that can be used as a substitute.
Leeks, chives, and ramps are all great options for substituting in stir-fries. For example, leeks provide a milder onion flavor but with more sweetness than regular onions.
Chives also offer a mild onion flavor, but with a hint of garlic.
Finally, ramps provide a strong garlic-onion flavor and are often used in Asian stir-fries. All three of these vegetables are easy to find at most grocery stores and can easily be substituted for green onion in any stir-fry recipe.
Can I substitute onion powder for green onions?
The answer is yes and no. Yes, onion powder can be used as a substitute for green onions in many recipes, but it won’t provide the same flavor or texture.
Onion powder has a much more intense flavor than fresh green onions, so if you use it as a replacement in your recipe, you will need to reduce the amount of onion powder you use.
Additionally, green onions give dishes a mild crunch that cannot be replaced with onion powder. So, if the crunch of green onions is essential to your recipe, substituting it with onion powder is not recommended.
Can I use onion tops in place of green onions?
The answer is yes – as long as the onion tops are freshly cut, crisp, and bright green in color. Onion tops can make a great substitute for green onions, adding a mild onion flavor to your dish.
The only difference is that onion tops are usually larger than green onions, so you may want to adjust the quantity accordingly if you’re using them in a recipe. You can also use the onion tops as a garnish for salads or to top off soup.
When using onion tops, make sure to trim away any brown and wilted leaves before adding them to your dish – they won’t taste as fresh and flavorful if they’re not at their peak.
Can I substitute celery for green onions?
This can be a tricky question to answer since both have different tastes and textures. Generally, celery can be used in place of green onions but it will likely alter the flavor of the dish.
Celery has a stronger, more distinct taste than green onions, so it may overpower other flavors or be too strong for some dishes. It also has a crunchy texture that can be an unwelcome addition to certain dishes.
In some cases, it might be okay to substitute equal amounts of celery for green onions but it’s important to consider how the flavor and texture may change in the dish.
Can I use dried chives in place of green onions?
Yes, you can use dried chives in place of green onions. Dried chives have a mild onion flavor, so they will work well as an onion substitute.
However, you should be aware that the flavor of chives is slightly sweeter than that of green onions, so if you are looking for a stronger onion taste then green onions may be a better choice.
Additionally, dried chives have a more intense flavor than fresh chives so you may need to adjust the amount you use when substituting them for green onions.
Overall, however, dried chives make an excellent substitute for green onions in many recipes.
17 Best Substitutes for Green Onions
Green onions are a type of vegetable that adds flavor and texture to many dishes. If you don't have any green onions on hand, or if you simply want to try something different, there are several substitutes that can be used in place of green onions.
Ingredients
- Celery
- Chives
- Dried green onions
- Garlic
- Green bell peppers
- Green garlic
- Leeks
- Oregano
- Onion Powder
- Pearl onions
- Ramps
- Red onions
- Shallots
- Sweet onions
- White onions
- Wild garlic
- Yellow onions
Instructions
- Celery: Chop celery into thin pieces and use in the same quantity as green onions in your recipes.
- Chives: Cut chives into small pieces and use them as a substitute for green onions, but note that they are more pungent than green onions.
- Dried Green Onions: Reconstitute dried green onions by soaking them in cold water for 20 minutes. Use 1 tablespoon of dried green onions for each teaspoon of fresh green onion called for in recipes.
- Garlic: Mince garlic and use it as a substitute for green onions, but note that the flavor will be more intense.
- Green Bell Peppers: Chop green bell peppers into thin slices and use them in the same quantity as green onions in recipes.
- Green Garlic: Cut the bulbs of green garlic into thin pieces, just like you would with a scallion, and add to recipes as a substitute for green onions.
- Leeks: Slice and sauté leeks just like you would with green onions.
- Oregano: For a subtle onion flavor in recipes, add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of oregano for each tablespoon of fresh green onion called for in recipes.
- Onion Powder: Add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for every tablespoon of fresh green onion called for in recipes.
- Pearl Onions: Peel pearl onions and mince them as you would with green onions.
- Ramps: Slice ramps into thin pieces, just like you would with a scallion, and use them in the same quantity as green onions in recipes.
- Shallots: Mince shallots and add to recipes as a substitute for green onions, but note that the flavor will be more intense than with green onions.
- Sweet Onions: Finely mince sweet onions and use them as a substitute for green onions, but note that the flavor will be sweeter than with green onions.
- White Onions: Mince white onions and add to recipes as a substitute for green onions, but note that the flavor will be more intense than with green onions.
- Wild Garlic: Slice wild garlic into thin pieces, just like you would with a scallion, and add to recipes as a substitute for green onions.
- Yellow Onions: Finely mince yellow onions and use them as a substitute for green onions, but note that the flavor will be more intense than with green onions.
