Shopping for scallions but can only find green onions, or vice versa? Been there!
While you may know the difference between garlic and onions like the back of your hand, the other members of this savory plant fam (aka the almighty alliums) can look verrry similar.
So when it comes to scallions vs. green onions, what is the difference? The short answer:
Scallions and green onions are just different names for the same plant.
Meanwhile, spring onions, in case you were wondering, are a different allium entirely. They look like scallions, but have a much larger white bulb at the end of their green stalks that almost looks like a tiny white (or red!) onion—which continues to grow until it forms a fully mature onion, whereas scallions will stay the same size.
Spring onions are early-harvested onions that are prized for their tender bulbs and sweet, mild onion flavor. Confusingly, they are also sometimes referred to as green onions, depending on the farmer’s market you’re perusing.
TLDR: Scallions and spring onions are totally different (scallions don’t grow bulbs, spring onions do), and both are occasionally referred to as green onions.
The good news? You can sub these plant sibs in for each other in any recipe (like this protein-packed frittata) because they boast a super similar flavor profile: The white part offers a more intense, onion-y bite and the darker green tops are milder and best eaten fresh, like an herb. Just note: The green tops of spring onions can be tougher than a scallion’s and might not have the best texture for chomping.
Next time you’re on the hunt for scallions but can only find green or spring onions—get ’em! They will work just about the same.
How To Use Green Onions, Spring Onions, and Scallions
You can eat them all day—literally. Sprinkle the green tops onto soft-scrambled eggs for breakfast, fold the chopped whites into tuna salad for lunch, or rub them down with olive oil and roast or grill whole for dinner. Here are some of ‘WH’ editor’s favorite healthy recipes starring the savory allium:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Sides
How To Store Green Onions, Spring Onions, and Scallions
If you have leftover scallions, green onions, or spring onions, stash them in the crisper drawer with a damp towel or stand them up in a jar of water in the fridge (like flowers), with a bag draped over the top.
Assistant Editor
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
