Apples and Onions Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that celebrates the unexpected yet harmonious pairing of apples and onions in a vegetarian dish! This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of apples combined with the savory depth of caramelized onions, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile that will elevate your weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add some creative, wholesome dishes to your repertoire, this apples and onions recipe is guaranteed to please your palate and nourish your body.

Perfectly balanced with a touch of herbs and spices, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as a side dish, a topping, or even a main component of a vegetarian meal.

So grab your cutting board and get ready to explore this delicious fusion of flavors that’s as comforting as it is unique. And if you love wholesome recipes, don’t miss our Half Runner Beans Recipe for another fresh vegetarian delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apples and onions recipe brings together two simple ingredients that are often overlooked as a pair. The natural sugars in the apples caramelize beautifully alongside the onions, creating a rich, sweet-savory taste that will surprise and satisfy.

It’s vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and packed with flavor without relying on heavy sauces or complicated techniques. Plus, it’s quick to make, requiring just one pan and a handful of fresh ingredients.

This dish is excellent for those busy days when you want something nutritious yet comforting.

Because it’s so versatile, you can enjoy it as a warm side dish with your favorite grains or as a topping on crusty bread. For more creative uses of fruits and vegetables in your cooking, check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet treat made with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 2 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, to enhance the apple flavor)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl (optional, for tossing apples with spices)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly. Peel and thinly slice the onions. If you prefer, toss the apple slices with the cinnamon to evenly coat them.
  2. Heat the olive oil: Place your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm until shimmering.
  3. Cook the onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 10-12 minutes until the onions become soft and start to caramelize. You want them golden and sweet, but not burnt.
  4. Add the apples and sugar: Stir in the sliced apples and sprinkle the brown sugar if using. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and blend with the onions.
  5. Season and deglaze: Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. This adds a pleasant tang and depth to the dish.
  6. Simmer gently: Lower the heat and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a topping on warm bread.

Tips & Variations

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans right before serving.

You can customize this recipe to suit your taste or occasion. For instance, swapping yellow onions for sweet red onions will add a slightly different sweetness and color.

If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes can elevate the dish wonderfully.

For a heartier meal, stir in some cooked lentils or chickpeas just before finishing. This turns the dish into a satisfying vegetarian main course.

To switch things up, add a splash of balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a richer, deeper tang.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 140 kcal
Carbohydrates 28 g
Fiber 4 g
Protein 1 g
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 0.7 g
Sodium 150 mg
Sugar 20 g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Serving Suggestions

This apples and onions dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a warm side alongside roasted root vegetables or grain bowls featuring quinoa or farro.

It also makes a fantastic topping for toasted sourdough or even as a filling for vegetarian sandwiches or wraps.

For a complete vegetarian meal, pair it with a protein-rich dish like our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe to add savory depth and variety to your plate.

You can also incorporate it into baked dishes or casseroles for a sweet-savory contrast—imagine it layered into a vegetable lasagna or served alongside a comforting bread pudding, such as our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.

Conclusion

Our apples and onions vegetarian recipe is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The harmony of sweet and savory flavors, coupled with easy preparation, makes this dish a must-try for anyone looking to diversify their vegetarian cooking.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs, spices, and add-ons to make it your own unique creation.

And remember, great cooking is all about enjoying the process and sharing good food with loved ones.

For more inspiring vegetarian recipes and creative ideas, be sure to explore our blog. Start your next culinary adventure with dishes like the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or our delicious Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Apples and Onions Recipe Vegetarian

Description: A simple and flavorful sauté of apples and onions perfect as a side dish or topping. This vegetarian recipe combines sweet and savory notes with minimal ingredients.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes.
  3. Stir in apples, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme.
  4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  5. Add balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  7. Serve warm as a side dish or topping.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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