Recipe for Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Made Easy at Home

Updated On: October 18, 2025

If you’ve ever savored a Subway sandwich, you know that the secret to its irresistible flavor often lies in the sauces that accompany it. Among these, the beloved Subway Sweet Onion Sauce stands out as a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that elevate any sandwich to a new level of deliciousness.

This sauce perfectly balances the sweetness of onions with a hint of acidity and a touch of spice, making it a versatile condiment for sandwiches, wraps, and even salads.

Recreating this iconic sauce at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make a fresh batch of sweet onion sauce that tastes just like the one from Subway — if not better!

Whether you’re a sandwich enthusiast or someone who loves experimenting with dressings and dips, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details and bring that Subway magic right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Subway Sweet Onion Sauce is a game changer for anyone who loves flavorful condiments. Unlike store-bought versions that can be overly processed or too sweet, this recipe offers a fresh, balanced taste with natural ingredients that you can trust.

It’s incredibly versatile! Not only does it complement sandwiches perfectly, but it also works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, a salad dressing, or even a glaze for roasted vegetables.

Plus, making it at home means you can adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your personal preference.

Another great reason to love this recipe is how simple it is. With minimal prep and no fancy equipment required, you can whip up a batch in under 10 minutes.

It’s a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with a homemade touch that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about half a medium onion)
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder (for color, optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon celery seed (optional for extra flavor)

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small saucepan (optional, if you prefer to heat the sauce)
  • Storage jar or airtight container

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onions: Finely chop the yellow onion to ensure it blends well into the sauce without overpowering the texture. The smaller the pieces, the better the integration of flavor.
  2. Mix the vinegar and sugar: In a small mixing bowl, combine the distilled white vinegar and granulated sugar. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This mixture forms the tangy and sweet base of the sauce.
  3. Add the water and oil: Stir in the water and vegetable oil to the vinegar and sugar mixture. The oil helps balance the acidity and adds a slight richness to the sauce.
  4. Season the sauce: Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, turmeric powder, and celery seed to the bowl. Whisk thoroughly to combine all the spices evenly.
  5. Incorporate the onions: Stir the finely chopped onions into the sauce mixture. Mix well to ensure the onions are coated and distributed evenly throughout the sauce.
  6. Optional heating step: For a smoother flavor, you can gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes while stirring continuously. Do not boil. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing.
  7. Refrigerate: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before use. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Your homemade Subway Sweet Onion Sauce is ready! Use it to dress your favorite sandwiches or as a dip.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoother sauce, you can blend the mixture in a food processor or blender after adding the onions.”

Here are some tips to perfect your sauce:

  • Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar by a tablespoon or two. For a tangier sauce, add a splash more vinegar.
  • Use fresh onions: Fresh, firm yellow onions will provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-chopped or pre-packaged onions as they may be too watery.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to give the sauce a subtle kick.
  • Vegan and gluten-free: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for many dietary needs.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 2 tbsp serving
Calories 50
Total Fat 3.5 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Sodium 120 mg
Total Carbohydrates 5 g
Sugars 4.5 g
Protein 0.1 g

Serving Suggestions

This sweet onion sauce pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Classic Subway-style Sandwiches: Drizzle generously on your favorite sub loaded with turkey, ham, or chicken for that authentic Subway flavor.
  • Grilled Chicken Wraps: Use the sauce as a spread inside wraps to add a sweet and tangy dimension.
  • Salad Dressing: Toss with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a quick and tasty salad dressing.
  • Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside chicken tenders, fries, or vegetable sticks as a flavorful dip.
  • Roasted Veggies Glaze: Brush over roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a caramelized finish.

Conclusion

Creating your own Subway Sweet Onion Sauce at home is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. This recipe captures the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make the original sauce so memorable.

Not only does it enhance sandwiches, but it also adds a vibrant touch to many other meals.

With simple ingredients, easy steps, and minimal time, you can bring this iconic sauce into your kitchen and customize it to your taste preferences. Homemade sauces like this elevate everyday meals and impress guests with their fresh, bold flavors.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of Subway’s sweet onion sauce anytime you want!

Looking for more delicious homemade sauces and dressings? Check out these recipes: Honey Mustard Dressing, Creamy Ranch Dip, and Garlic Aioli.

📖 Recipe Card: Subway Sweet Onion Sauce

Description: A tangy and sweet sauce perfect for sandwiches and salads. This copycat recipe replicates the popular Subway sweet onion sauce flavor.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Add finely chopped onion, water, and corn syrup; mix well.
  3. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Whisk until smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  6. Serve as a sandwich spread or salad dressing.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 3g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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