When it comes to onions, Vidalias are the sweet stars of so many recipes. But running out doesn’t mean dinner’s ruined! We’ve tested six substitutes that are game-savers. Sweet onions, shallots, and a couple of other easy finds can totally step in.
We’ve personally swapped these in our favorite dishes, and they tasted great! Whether it’s a hearty soup or a crisp salad, these substitutes deliver that sweet onion flavor every time. Honestly, we were surprised at just how well these alternatives worked.
Stick with us because we’re sharing six simple Vidalia onion substitutes to keep your meals delicious. No Vidalias? No problem. Dinner is still very much on!
6 Easy Substitutes for Vidalia Onions
Here are six easy substitutes for Vidalia onions that can save any recipe. Keep them in mind next time you’re running low on your favorite sweet onion.
1 – Yellow Onions
First, yellow onions are everywhere. They’re super common and a close stand-in for Vidalia onions. They have a mild sweetness, but the flavor is sharper.
We’d say they’re a solid option for cooked dishes. They mellow out when sautéed or roasted. Use them in soups or stir-fries for an oniony fix.
Swap 1 cup of chopped Vidalia with 3/4 cup of chopped yellow onion. Cooking softens their bite, so they work well in most recipes needing sweetness.
Raw? They’re a bit stronger. Use less if tossing it in a salad or sandwich. Keep them in a cool spot, and they’ll last. For more ideas on using yellow onions, check out our yellow onion substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
2 – White Onions
The next onion that’s great for sweet vidalia substitutes is white onions. They’re less common than yellow, but they have a similar flavor profile.
They’re also sharper in taste and smell, with less sweetness overall. However, if cooked or baked – the sugar breaks down to create a much milder flavor.
Use 1 cup of chopped Vidalia and swap it with 3/4 cup of chopped white onion as an alternative. Expect a little extra bite when raw, though.
3 – Sweet Onions
If you happen to have a variety of sweet onion like Walla Walla, Maui, or Texas 1015 on hand – consider yourself lucky! They’re all fantastic substitutes for Vidalia onions.
These varieties come with a similar level of sweetness and mild flavor profile as Vidalias. Use them raw in salads, dips, or salsas instead of chopping up the store-bought variety.
If you want to cook with them – they’ll work well too. The caramelized flavors are just more intense than a regular sweet onion!
So when swapping out for cooked recipes? Use 1 cup of chopped Vidalia and swap it with 3/4 cup of sweet onion.
4 – Shallots
The next Vidalia onion substitute is shallots. These small, oval-shaped onions are perfect if you want to replace the mild flavor of Vidalias.
Shallots have a garlicky flavor, and while they’re much smaller than their onion cousins – they pack in a lot of punch! They can be used raw or cooked for a more delicate taste.
Swap 1/2 cup chopped Vidalia for 1/4 cup of shallots, and adjust according to your taste preferences. For more ideas on using shallots, check out our shallot substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
5 – Red Onions
In terms of looks, red onions and Vidalias are complete opposites. But don’t be fooled, these two have a similar sweetness and mildness to them – with red being just a tad sharper.
Raw or cooked? We prefer these for raw recipes like sandwiches, salads, dips, and salsas. They’re crispier than their yellow cousins and add a great color pop too!
Swap 1 cup of chopped Vidalia for 3/4 cup of chopped red onion, adjusting as needed based on your taste preferences.
6 – Leeks
Lastly, don’t forget about leeks! They have a mild onion flavor with a subtle sweetness that makes them an excellent substitute for Vidalias.
They can be used raw or cooked and work well in soups, stews, and stir-fries. Just make sure to thoroughly clean and slice them before using.
Swap 1 cup of chopped Vidalia for 3/4 cup of sliced leeks. For more ideas on using leeks, check out our leek substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.