Green onion stalks in the kitchen are often overlooked or thrown away, but they are actually a very versatile and tasty ingredient. The green part of green onions (or spring onions) can be sliced into rings (or finely chopped) and added to salads for a fresh and crunchy touch, or they can be used as a garnish for soups and main courses. They are delicious in pasta sauce, risotto, or in vegan omelets, in sautés, and even in sandwiches.
Green onion stalks in the pan are an anti-waste recipe – no waste.
HARVEST SEASON for #spring onions and #white or red green onions from Tropea: from March to October.
RECIPES with green onions

- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: Person
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Anti-waste
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Energy 60.20 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 3.67 (g) of which sugars 1.17 (g)
- Proteins 0.92 (g)
- Fat 5.10 (g) of which saturated 0.85 (g)of which unsaturated 3.91 (g)
- Fibers 1.30 (g)
- Sodium 201.79 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 50 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Green Onion Stalks in the Pan
- 3.5 oz green onion stalks (or spring onion stalks)
- 1 drizzle peanut oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- to taste salt (and preferred herbs)
Season with:
HERBS: wild garlic, marjoram, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, sage, thyme.
SPICES: turmeric, curry, paprika.
RECIPES with Green Onion Stalks
First, wash the green onions well and remove any dry or damaged parts.
Cut the green onion stalks in half lengthwise, then halve their stalks.
Cook in a pan with a drizzle of oil, salt, and add the preferred herbs.
Turn on the stove to medium heat and cover with a lid. Cook them for at least 10 minutes or until the desired doneness is reached. Stir as needed and add a little water if necessary.
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Prepare a sauce with the sautéed green onion stalks with a drizzle of oil and a little water. If desired, add:
– for vegans: tomato sauce or fresh cherry tomatoes, nutritional yeast flakes
– for vegetarians: grated cheese or scrambled eggs
– for omnivores: cubes of preferred cold cuts (speck, ham, bacon).
Then toss the pasta with the green onion stalk sauce.
Alternatively, try preparing risotto-style pasta with green onion stalks.
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Remove the damaged parts of the green onion stalks, wash, and cut into thin rings.
Then add to mixed salads, legumes, boiled potatoes, pasta salad, or cold rice.
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Chop the green onion stalks or cut them into rings.
Decorate the soup plate with a crunchy note, or use for the composition of a gourmet main course.
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Add green onion stalks: in vegan omelets, frittatas or savory pies.
Mix the chopped stalks with eggs to add extra flavor to your omelet. They also pair well with other vegetables, cheese, and cold cuts.
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Chopped with oil, garlic, nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts), and if desired cheese, the stalks can be turned into a great pesto.
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Finely chop the green onion stalks with extra virgin olive oil, anchovies, and capers (and/or olives).
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Prepare a sauté with the green stalks, then toast and flavor the rice and add the vegetable broth. Once ready, cream the risotto with oil or butter and if desired, cheese.
Alternatively, it can be enriched with other seasonal vegetables, saffron, sausage, or speck.
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In the classic sauté, green onion stalks can be used instead of onions, along with celery and carrots. They cook quickly and give a fresh note to the preparation.
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Add finely chopped green onion stalks to soy sauce, yogurt, sour cream, guacamole, chickpea hummus, or bean hummus.
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Add strips of green onion stalks to sandwiches, burgers, kebabs, tacos, sandwiches, or on pizza for a tasty and crunchy note.
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Cut into thin rings or chop the green onion stalks to add to focaccia or pizza dough.
STORE cooked green onion stalks
The green onion stalks cooked in the pan can be stored in the fridge, in a closed container for up to 3 days. Warm gently before consuming.
Fresh green onions can be kept for up to 12 days in the fruit and vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
How to eat raw green onion stalks?
Cut the stalks into thin rings, then add to salads, bean salads, sandwiches, or wraps. Also lovely as a garnish for gourmet dishes.
Which part of the green onion is used?
Both the white and green parts of the green onion are used. The white part is sweeter and more delicate, ideal for sautés and quick cooking. The green part, similar to chives, is perfect for salads, soups, and garnishes.
Can you eat the onion stalk?
Yes, the onion stalk is edible, as well as those of green onions. It is flavorful and versatile in the kitchen. You can slice it into rings and add it to salads and omelets, use it as a garnish or in sautés.
What’s the difference between an onion and a green onion?
The difference between an onion and a green onion lies in shape and flavor. The onion is larger and has a more pronounced taste. The green onion is smaller, with a white part and a green stalk, with a more delicate flavor.