Chives vs Scallions vs Green Onions: What’s the Difference?
Updated: Jan. 12, 2023
Knowing the difference between scallions vs green onions vs chives can bring bold, new flavor to your favorite dishes.
It turns out that knowing about chives vs scallions vs green onions isn’t just random chef trivia. Each one brings unique flavor and texture to your cooking, so knowing when to use which one can bring even better taste and smells to your kitchen.
Scallions vs. Green Onions
Scallions and green onions are often used interchangeably in recipes. They both add bold, fresh flavor to quick recipes like scallion pancakes. So is there a difference between the two?
What are scallions?
Scallions are young onions that have been harvested early before the bulb forms. There are also varieties of scallions that come from “bunching onions” that never form bulbs. The flavor of the white stalks has an intense bite like onions, while the leaves have a more mild, fresh taste.
What are green onions?
Like scallions, green onions come from the Allium cepa species of onions and are harvested early. Green onions are known for their long, thin leaves and stiff, white stalks.
Learn more about different types of onions and when to use ’em.
Are scallions green onions?
Yes! Scallions and green onions come from the same species and can be cooked in the same ways. They can be used fresh as a topping or cooked as part of the meal.
When preparing scallions or green onions, avoid harsh chopping, as this can bruise the leaves. Instead, slowly slice a bunch of scallions using the entire blade of the knife. The white stalks can be finely chopped and tossed in a saute pan.
Turn Up the Flavor with These Green Onion Recipes
Ravishing Radish SaladHere is a recipe that showcases spring veggies in all of their glory. The fresh, crunchy radish salad really complements grilled entrees. —Maggie Ruddy, Altoona, Iowa
Easy Crab CakesReady-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania
Easy Pad ThaiSkip the takeout restaurant and give this easy pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Steamed Beef & Ginger Pot StickersThese dumplings have a hearty filling that’s easy to make and a dipping sauce that’s too irresistible to pass up. I prepare them in advance and freeze them. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Spring Onion Pimiento Cheese GritsGrits were a breakfast staple when I was growing up. Even today, we still have them about three times a week. The trick with grits is the more you whisk, the creamier they'll be. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Chives vs. Green Onions
Chives, green onions and scallions look alike on the grocery shelf but have unique characteristics. While chives and green onions can sometimes be substituted in recipes, you’ll need to make some adjustments to the dish.
What are chives?
Green onions and scallions come from the same onion species, while chives are considered an herb and come from a different species of plant. Chives have a bright, mild flavor and are a favorite topping for hearty breakfasts like a ham and Swiss omelet or simple appetizers like deviled eggs.
Chives are a bit more delicate than their onion cousins so cut them with sharp scissors to avoid bruising and store them in a cool, damp towel in the refrigerator.
Are chives green onions?
No, chives are not the same thing but can be used in many green onion recipes. Because chives have a milder flavor than green onions and scallions, you’ll need to use more of them when substituting in a recipe.
When making a fresh chive recipe, feel free to substitute green onions for the garnish. If the chives are baked into the dish like in flaky cheddar-chive biscuits, it’s best not to substitute. Next, take a look at these onion recipes.
Get Your Chive On!
Herbed Onion BagelsI create my delightful bagels by adapting several other recipes. I enjoy them spread with cream cheese or onion and chive cream cheese. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Spring Pea SoupTruly a soup for the pea lover, this recipe originated with an idea in an old cookbook about eating better to live longer. Sauteed potatoes add body to an easy soup with good texture and superb pea flavor. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Slim Deviled Eggs with HerbsIf you need to make an appetizer in a cinch, try this easy finger food recipe. These deviled eggs are simple and easy to make, so they're perfect for any gathering or party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Chive-Cheese CornbreadThis cornbread goes well with any main dish. The chives and sharp cheddar cheese give it a special flavor. —Sybil Eades, Gainesville, Georgia
Chive Buttered CarrotsIt's nice to have a reliable side dish like this that pairs well with any entree. A friend shared the recipe with me several years ago, and I use it often. —Opan Snell, Jamestown, Ohio
Sour Cream & Chives Mashed PotatoesThis recipe is a family favorite that always stirs up good memories and moments. It's requested for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday parties, potlucks and other gatherings. It's simple to make and delicious to eat. If I make it early in the day I finish this dish for about 20 minutes in the oven, but you can use the stovetop to free up oven space for the turkey. —Linda Williams, Florence, Alabama
Crab-Stuffed Flounder with Herbed AioliIf you like seafood, you’ll love this scrumptious flounder. The light and creamy aioli sauce tops it off with fresh tones of chives and garlic. —Beverly O'Ferrall, Linkwood, Maryland
Cheese & Garlic BiscuitsMy biscuits won the prize for best quick bread at my county fair. One of the judges liked them so much, she asked for the recipe! These buttery, savory biscuits go with just about anything. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Cream Cheese & Chive OmeletThe first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey
Mini Sausage QuichesThese bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut
Originally Published: June 22, 2020
