Tomato Onion Salad with Soy Sauce Dressing

There’s something about this salad that instantly takes me back to Istanbul. I can still see myself sitting by the Bosphorus in a little seafood restaurant, the sound of waves in the background, and a table full of mezze. Among all the colorful dishes, this simple tomato onion salad surprised me the most.

Juicy summer tomatoes, sweet red onions, and that unexpected soy sauce dressing that gives it a fresh, tangy, umami-packed flavor. It’s light and vibrant yet somehow so satisfying. Perfect as a side for grilled fish, chicken, or even with warm crusty bread as a light lunch.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket all summer long — simple, quick, and full of flavor.

Tomato onion salad with thinly sliced onions and fresh tomatoes drizzled with a glossy soy sauce dressing

Ingredients

• 3-4 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon salt (for the onions)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

Peel the tomatoes, chop them into large chunks, and set aside. Sprinkle the sliced onions with 1 teaspoon salt and gently massage them with your hands for about 30 seconds to help soften their sharpness. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then squeeze out any excess liquid.

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, and sugar. Add the prepared tomatoes and softened onions, toss gently, and let the salad rest at room temperature for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley.

Tips for Serving

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish or roasted chicken. Serve it at room temperature for the best flavor, and don’t skip peeling the tomatoes — it makes all the difference in texture.