Best Green Onion Substitute 15 Amazingly Easy Alternatives To Use

Jump to Recipe You will probably need a green onion substitute at one point or another because they are such a common and versatile ingredient! Green onions are featured in many different recipes, from cold salads to hot soups, sauces, and casseroles- they are even frequently served as the perfect garnish on many dishes. With this in mind, knowing the best green onion substitutes is bound to come in handy! The Best Green Onion Substitutes Green onions (aka scallions) are the perfect addition to many recipes. Whether added as a garnish or mixed in, they provide a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower a dish. If you find you are out of green onions, you may think about just skipping them. While in many cases you can leave out the green onions, you don’t have to! With these delicious and simple substitutes, you can still have a flavor-rich recipe.

Jump to:The Best Green Onion Substitutes How To Choose A Green Onion Substitute

Chives
Shallots
Leeks
Ramps
White Onion
Yellow Onion
Red Onion
Garlic
Green Garlic
Green bell peppers
Dried green onions Seasonings to Use in a Pinch
Onion Powder
Onion Salt
Garlic Powder
Garlic Salt
Oregano 📋 Recipe

How To Choose A Green Onion Substitute There are many great options for green onion substitutes. Choosing the best for your recipe will depend on the purpose of the green onions. If the green onions are meant to enhance flavor, any of the substitutes below will work. However, if you need a substitute that can also be used as a green garnish, chives, or any of the substitutes with “green” in the name are best. Moreover, if you are fresh out of fresh ingredients – reach for one of the dry seasonings in your spice cabinet. While not an exact flavor substitution, these seasonings will give you a more flavorful dish than if you simply leave out the green onions.

Chives A misconception is that chives and green onions are the same thing. They are not. However, they do have many similarities and are great substitutes for one another. Chives are an herb, while green onions are a vegetable. Despite this difference, they both have a distinct oniony flavor. Although, chives are milder in taste than green onions. The milder flavor profile of chives makes them an easy substitute for green onions. Since they won’t overpower other flavors, you can substitute them in a 1:1 ratio. The mild flavor of chives does not hold up well in the heat though. Therefore, to maintain the flavor, only use chives raw in cold dishes or as a garnish. If you want to learn more about the similarities and differences between these commonly confused foods, check out my green onions vs chives article.
Shallots If you haven’t cooked with shallots, you are missing out! These little bulbs are bursting with a complex flavor that is a little bit onion, a little bit garlic, and a little bit sweet. Although they have a complex flavor, it is a softer overall taste (compared to onion and garlic). Their softer flavor makes them a great substitute for green onion. In addition, like green onions, they are delicious both cooked and raw. Use chopped shallots in a 1:1 ratio for green onions in any recipe.
Leeks Leeks come from the same family as the green onion. They are part of the allium family that also includes, onions, shallots, and garlic. Hence, why they are all great substitutes for one another. Leeks look a lot like a larger green onion. They have long green stalks and a white bulb at the end. However, they have a milder flavor than green onions. Like chives, this milder flavor makes them a wonderful and easy substitute. You can swap leeks for green onions in a 1:1 substitution. The best flavor comes from the bulb of the leek. Focus on using the lower end of the stalk and the bulb (rather than the green tops).
Ramps Ramps are sometimes referred to as wild leeks. They have a flavor that resembles a cross between garlic and onion. Although, it does lean more towards the garlic side. Despite leaning towards garlic, ramps are still a great substitute for green onions! They can be used in a simple 1:1 ratio that will enhance the flavors in many recipes. Avoid using them raw though, as they are best when cooked. The only downside of this substitute is that it’s hard to find. So, you probably won’t have it easily accessible in a pinch. However, if you come across ramps at the store grab some to try out (even if you don’t need a substitute).
White Onion White onions are fully matured onions. They have a stronger bite than their immature counterparts, green onions. These fully flavored onions are still a great substitute though. While you can cook white onions, their flavor is best when used raw. Especially when replacing green onions. Use these chopped up in salads, dips, or salsa. You can use white onion in a 1:1 ratio if you don’t mind a little bit more onion taste. To avoid too much oniony flavor, start with half and add more as desired.
Yellow Onion Yellow onion is the most versatile of all the onions. It is also the most common one to have at home – making it one of the best substitutes. While white onions are best used raw as a substitute, yellow onions shine as a cooked substitute. Their flavor is slightly subdued when cooked. They also have a very mild sweetness that softens the stronger onion flavor. Yellow onions can be used in a 1:1 substitution for green onions. Like white onions, you may want to start with half and increase as desired.
Red Onion Red onions have a similar taste to yellow onions. They are slightly more stringent though. The flavor of red onions is most favored when eaten raw. This makes them a great choice for replacing green onions in salads or other cold dishes. While their color is quite different than a green onion, the bold reddish-purple color can be a fun alternative to the right dish. As with the other onions, red onions can be used in a 1:1 substitution. Again, you always have the option to start with less and add more to taste.
Garlic In addition to onion, garlic is one of the most popular foods for adding flavor while cooking. The flavor profile of garlic is quite different than any type of onion. Despite their different flavor profiles, garlic can work as a wonderful flavor alternative to green onion. It will enhance the flavor of your recipe with a bold taste and aroma. Garlic is much more pungent than green onion. Therefore, start with a small amount (about ¼ ratio). Add more slowly to reach your desired taste.
Green Garlic Green garlic is less popular than green onions. It is essentially the immature version of garlic, like green onions are immature onions. Just like green onions still have an oniony taste, green garlic still has a garlicky flavor. Therefore, it will not be an exact flavor exchange for green onions. However, green garlic has an overall softer flavor profile compared to fully matured garlic. So, if you can find green garlic it is a better-suited substitute. It will give a softer and less pungent garlic flavor. Start with half the amount the recipe calls for and add more if needed.
Green bell peppers If the green onions are intended to add a little bit of color and texture to your recipe, consider using green bell peppers as an alternative. They won’t give you an onion flavor, but they will add a mild sweetness and crunch. This substitute is best used for dips and salads, or for adding a crunchy garnish at the end of cooking. Green bell peppers are very mild in flavor, so you can use a 1:1 substitution without overpowering the dish.
Dried green onions Although they are not commonly talked about, dried green onions are quite common to find in stores. They are also easy to find online. If you use green onions frequently then dried green onions are a good staple to have on hand. They have a long shelf life and can easily be used in any recipe. Although, they tend to do best in sauces and soups. Unlike dried herbs that are more compounded in flavor dried green onions lose some flavor. So, while you will start with a 1:1 substitution, you may need to increase the ratio for a stronger onion flavor. Seasonings to Use in a Pinch In many recipes, green onions are not a primary ingredient. They are added in smaller quantities to simply enhance the other flavors. Therefore, if you find yourself without any fresh substitutes you can use dried seasoning. The seasonings below will not be an exact flavor exchange for green onions. Moreover, these four seasonings are quite strong. Use them in small amounts to not overpower your recipe. I suggest starting with as little as ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon. You can always add more, but it is hard to dilute the flavor if you add too much. Dried seasonings are best used in recipes that you can easily mix the seasoning into: soups, salads, sauces, marinades, and casseroles. Remember, these seasonings will shift the overall flavor of your dish. Choose the seasoning that is best suited to the recipe you are making.
Onion Powder Made from dried ground onions. Will provide the closest flavor to green onions.
Onion Salt A blend of onion powder and salt. Leave out any additional salt your recipe calls for.
Garlic Powder The garlic version of onion powder. Made from dried ground garlic cloves.
Garlic Salt A blend of garlic powder and salt. Leave out any additional salt your recipe calls for.
Oregano A popular ingredient used worldwide. Will lend an earthy and sweet flavor to your dish. Can be used in hot or cold dishes. Cooking SubstitutesHerb & Spice SubstitutesBaking SubstitutesApple Cider VinegarBay LeafTapioca StarchSesame OilRosemary (Fresh & Dried)CornmealMarsala WineTurmericPotato StarchDijon MustardCelery SaltCoconut SugarHorseradishTarragonButtermilkRed Wine VinegarCardamom Brown SugarMasa HarinaPaprikaArrowroot PowderCream Cheese Chili PowderCornflourCreme FraicheCilantroShorteningWorcestershire SauceVanilla ExtractShallotsLemon ExtractMore great substitute pages to help you out with all of your cooking and baking! With so many easy green onion substitutes to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect ingredient for you on this list! Let us know what recipe you used a green onion substitute in and how it turned out!

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📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 1 review

Best Green Onion Substitute: Chives (+More Great Alternatives!)

You will probably need a green onion substitute at one point or another because they are such a common and versatile ingredient! Green onions are featured in many different recipes, from cold salads to hot soups, sauces, and casseroles- they are even frequently served as the perfect garnish on many dishes. With this in mind, knowing the best green onion substitutes is bound to come in handy!

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 serving Calories: 1kcal Prep 2 minutes Cooking 0 minutes

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3xBest Green Onion Substitute - Chives▢ 1 tablespoon chives (fresh, chopped)More Great Green Onion Alternatives▢ 1 tablespoon shallots (fresh, chopped)▢ 1 tablespoon leeks (fresh, chopped)▢ 1 tablespoon ramps (fresh, chopped)

InstructionsBest Green Onion Substitute - ChivesChives are best used in cold dishes and as a garnish, although they can be used in hot foods. Use as an equal replacement for green onions in a 1:1 ratio.1 tablespoon chivesMore Great Green Onion AlternativesAdditional alternatives that can also be used in a 1:1 ration for substitution include fresh shallots, leeks, and ramps.1 tablespoon shallots, 1 tablespoon leeks, 1 tablespoon ramps Equipment You May NeedChef’s KnifeCutting BoardAirtight Storage Container Notes*Nutritional information is calculated for the chives only. NutritionCalories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 131IU (3%) | Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg (6%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! best green onion alternatives, Green Onion Substitute, substitutions Course SubstitutionsCuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

The Best Green Onion Substitutes

Green onions (aka scallions) are the perfect addition to many recipes. Whether added as a garnish or mixed in, they provide a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower a dish.

If you find you are out of green onions, you may think about just skipping them. While in many cases you can leave out the green onions, you don’t have to! With these delicious and simple substitutes, you can still have a flavor-rich recipe.

How To Choose A Green Onion Substitute

There are many great options for green onion substitutes. Choosing the best for your recipe will depend on the purpose of the green onions.

If the green onions are meant to enhance flavor, any of the substitutes below will work. However, if you need a substitute that can also be used as a green garnish, chives, or any of the substitutes with “green” in the name are best.

Moreover, if you are fresh out of fresh ingredients – reach for one of the dry seasonings in your spice cabinet. While not an exact flavor substitution, these seasonings will give you a more flavorful dish than if you simply leave out the green onions.

1. Chives

A misconception is that chives and green onions are the same thing. They are not. However, they do have many similarities and are great substitutes for one another.

Chives are an herb, while green onions are a vegetable. Despite this difference, they both have a distinct oniony flavor. Although, chives are milder in taste than green onions.

The milder flavor profile of chives makes them an easy substitute for green onions. Since they won’t overpower other flavors, you can substitute them in a 1:1 ratio.

The mild flavor of chives does not hold up well in the heat though. Therefore, to maintain the flavor, only use chives raw in cold dishes or as a garnish.

If you want to learn more about the similarities and differences between these commonly confused foods, check out my green onions vs chives article.

2. Shallots

If you haven’t cooked with shallots, you are missing out! These little bulbs are bursting with a complex flavor that is a little bit onion, a little bit garlic, and a little bit sweet.

Although they have a complex flavor, it is a softer overall taste (compared to onion and garlic). Their softer flavor makes them a great substitute for green onion. In addition, like green onions, they are delicious both cooked and raw.

Use chopped shallots in a 1:1 ratio for green onions in any recipe.

3. Leeks

Leeks come from the same family as the green onion. They are part of the allium family that also includes, onions, shallots, and garlic. Hence, why they are all great substitutes for one another.

Leeks look a lot like a larger green onion. They have long green stalks and a white bulb at the end. However, they have a milder flavor than green onions.

Like chives, this milder flavor makes them a wonderful and easy substitute. You can swap leeks for green onions in a 1:1 substitution.

The best flavor comes from the bulb of the leek. Focus on using the lower end of the stalk and the bulb (rather than the green tops).

4. Ramps

Ramps are sometimes referred to as wild leeks. They have a flavor that resembles a cross between garlic and onion. Although, it does lean more towards the garlic side.

Despite leaning towards garlic, ramps are still a great substitute for green onions! They can be used in a simple 1:1 ratio that will enhance the flavors in many recipes.

Avoid using them raw though, as they are best when cooked.

The only downside of this substitute is that it’s hard to find. So, you probably won’t have it easily accessible in a pinch. However, if you come across ramps at the store grab some to try out (even if you don’t need a substitute).

5. White Onion

White onions are fully matured onions. They have a stronger bite than their immature counterparts, green onions. These fully flavored onions are still a great substitute though.

While you can cook white onions, their flavor is best when used raw. Especially when replacing green onions. Use these chopped up in salads, dips, or salsa.

You can use white onion in a 1:1 ratio if you don’t mind a little bit more onion taste. To avoid too much oniony flavor, start with half and add more as desired.

6. Yellow Onion

Yellow onion is the most versatile of all the onions. It is also the most common one to have at home – making it one of the best substitutes.

While white onions are best used raw as a substitute, yellow onions shine as a cooked substitute. Their flavor is slightly subdued when cooked. They also have a very mild sweetness that softens the stronger onion flavor.

Yellow onions can be used in a 1:1 substitution for green onions. Like white onions, you may want to start with half and increase as desired.

7. Red Onion

Red onions have a similar taste to yellow onions. They are slightly more stringent though.

The flavor of red onions is most favored when eaten raw. This makes them a great choice for replacing green onions in salads or other cold dishes.

While their color is quite different than a green onion, the bold reddish-purple color can be a fun alternative to the right dish.

As with the other onions, red onions can be used in a 1:1 substitution. Again, you always have the option to start with less and add more to taste.

8. Garlic

In addition to onion, garlic is one of the most popular foods for adding flavor while cooking. The flavor profile of garlic is quite different than any type of onion.

Despite their different flavor profiles, garlic can work as a wonderful flavor alternative to green onion. It will enhance the flavor of your recipe with a bold taste and aroma.

Garlic is much more pungent than green onion. Therefore, start with a small amount (about ¼ ratio). Add more slowly to reach your desired taste.

9. Green Garlic

Green garlic is less popular than green onions. It is essentially the immature version of garlic, like green onions are immature onions.

Just like green onions still have an oniony taste, green garlic still has a garlicky flavor. Therefore, it will not be an exact flavor exchange for green onions.

However, green garlic has an overall softer flavor profile compared to fully matured garlic. So, if you can find green garlic it is a better-suited substitute. It will give a softer and less pungent garlic flavor.

Start with half the amount the recipe calls for and add more if needed.

10. Green bell peppers

If the green onions are intended to add a little bit of color and texture to your recipe, consider using green bell peppers as an alternative. They won’t give you an onion flavor, but they will add a mild sweetness and crunch.

This substitute is best used for dips and salads, or for adding a crunchy garnish at the end of cooking.

Green bell peppers are very mild in flavor, so you can use a 1:1 substitution without overpowering the dish.

11. Dried green onions

Although they are not commonly talked about, dried green onions are quite common to find in stores. They are also easy to find online.

If you use green onions frequently then dried green onions are a good staple to have on hand. They have a long shelf life and can easily be used in any recipe. Although, they tend to do best in sauces and soups.

Unlike dried herbs that are more compounded in flavor dried green onions lose some flavor. So, while you will start with a 1:1 substitution, you may need to increase the ratio for a stronger onion flavor.

Seasonings to Use in a Pinch

In many recipes, green onions are not a primary ingredient. They are added in smaller quantities to simply enhance the other flavors. Therefore, if you find yourself without any fresh substitutes you can use dried seasoning.

The seasonings below will not be an exact flavor exchange for green onions. Moreover, these four seasonings are quite strong. Use them in small amounts to not overpower your recipe.

I suggest starting with as little as ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon. You can always add more, but it is hard to dilute the flavor if you add too much.

Dried seasonings are best used in recipes that you can easily mix the seasoning into: soups, salads, sauces, marinades, and casseroles.

Remember, these seasonings will shift the overall flavor of your dish. Choose the seasoning that is best suited to the recipe you are making.

12. Onion Powder

Made from dried ground onions. Will provide the closest flavor to green onions.

13. Onion Salt

A blend of onion powder and salt. Leave out any additional salt your recipe calls for.

14. Garlic Powder

The garlic version of onion powder. Made from dried ground garlic cloves.

15. Garlic Salt

A blend of garlic powder and salt. Leave out any additional salt your recipe calls for.

16. Oregano

A popular ingredient used worldwide. Will lend an earthy and sweet flavor to your dish. Can be used in hot or cold dishes.

With so many easy green onion substitutes to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect ingredient for you on this list! Let us know what recipe you used a green onion substitute in and how it turned out!

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 1 review

Best Green Onion Substitute: Chives (+More Great Alternatives!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 serving Calories: 1kcal Prep 2 minutes Cooking 0 minutes

Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!

5 from 1 review

Best Green Onion Substitute: Chives (+More Great Alternatives!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 1kcal

Prep 2 minutes

Cooking 0 minutes

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3xBest Green Onion Substitute - Chives▢ 1 tablespoon chives (fresh, chopped)More Great Green Onion Alternatives▢ 1 tablespoon shallots (fresh, chopped)▢ 1 tablespoon leeks (fresh, chopped)▢ 1 tablespoon ramps (fresh, chopped)

Equipment You May NeedChef’s KnifeCutting BoardAirtight Storage Container

Notes*Nutritional information is calculated for the chives only.

Nutrition

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

Course SubstitutionsCuisine American

US CustomaryMetric

The Best Green Onion Substitutes#

How To Choose A Green Onion Substitute#

1. Chives#

2. Shallots#

3. Leeks#

4. Ramps#

5. White Onion#

6. Yellow Onion#

7. Red Onion#

8. Garlic#

9. Green Garlic#

10. Green bell peppers#

11. Dried green onions#

Seasonings to Use in a Pinch#

12. Onion Powder#

13. Onion Salt#

14. Garlic Powder#

15. Garlic Salt#

16. Oregano#

📋 Recipe#

Best Green Onion Substitute: Chives (+More Great Alternatives!)#

Nutrition#

The Best Green Onion Substitutes

How To Choose A Green Onion Substitute

1. Chives

2. Shallots

3. Leeks

4. Ramps

5. White Onion

6. Yellow Onion

7. Red Onion

8. Garlic

9. Green Garlic

10. Green bell peppers

11. Dried green onions

Seasonings to Use in a Pinch

12. Onion Powder

13. Onion Salt

14. Garlic Powder

15. Garlic Salt

16. Oregano

📋 Recipe

Best Green Onion Substitute: Chives (+More Great Alternatives!)

Nutrition