Substitute for red onion? (flavorwise)?

Question

I'm making a salad dressing that calls for chopped red onion. I'm out of red onions (and all other types of onions) If I put a little onion powder in the dressing, would it taste the same?

Answer 1

That is what I would do.

Answer 2

you can substitute powder, but the real taste doesn't compare.  Maybe you have some shallots or something else oniony.

Answer 3

leeks

Answer 4

I would use spring onions or shallots, they are milder than regular onions.

Regardless of what you use other than red onions, the taste will be different.

Answer 5

I think it would be fine.

Answer 6

Yeah, that will work just fine.

I'd use 4 tsp for every 1/4 cup fresh onion called for.

and the flavor of the powder will get stronger the longer it sits, since it hydrates more.

So keep this in mind. If you want it ready in 5 min, it might not be at full strength yet.

Answer 7

You could try chopped garlic - the kind that comes in a jar - with a splash of cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, and you'd pretty much approximate red onion.  Just use less of the garlic than the recipe calls for.  A lot less, garlic is potent!