Tomato Salad with Zesty Oriental Dressing
How to Make a Delicious Tomato Salad with Homemade Oriental Dressing
This recipe features fresh, slightly salty ‘jjapjjari’ tomatoes, creamy cheese, and crisp salad greens, all brought together with a vibrant, homemade oriental dressing. It creates a sophisticated and satisfying salad dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Salad Ingredients- 2-3 ‘Jjapjjari’ Tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes/regular tomatoes)
- Your favorite cheese (e.g., mozzarella, feta, ricotta), desired amount
- Generous portion of fresh mixed salad greens
Homemade Oriental Dressing- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1-2 Tbsp Vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Finely Chopped Onion
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1-2 Tbsp Honey or Corn Syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Sesame seeds (whole or crushed), a sprinkle
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1-2 Tbsp Vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Finely Chopped Onion
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1-2 Tbsp Honey or Corn Syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Sesame seeds (whole or crushed), a sprinkle
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the delicious oriental dressing. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1-2 Tbsp vinegar, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp finely chopped onion, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, a pinch of black pepper, and 1-2 Tbsp honey. It’s best to adjust the amount of vinegar and honey based on your preference for sweetness and tanginess. For instance, since I added lemon juice for extra brightness, I only used 1 Tbsp of vinegar. I also prefer less sweet dressings, so I used only 1 Tbsp of honey. The minced garlic is balanced at 0.5 Tbsp; using too much can make the garlic flavor overpowering and detract from the other salad components. Finally, add 3 Tbsp of olive oil and the sesame seeds. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined. Your flavorful homemade dressing is now ready!
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the star of our salad: the tomatoes! I’m using ‘jjapjjari’ tomatoes, which are particularly flavorful this season. After washing them thoroughly, cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. (Tip: If ‘jjapjjari’ tomatoes aren’t available, regular cherry tomatoes or even standard ripe tomatoes will work beautifully!) I found myself snacking on the cut pieces as I went because they were so delicious! Even with regular tomatoes, their natural sweetness and flavor will make for a wonderful salad.
Step 3
It’s time to assemble our beautiful salad. Spread a generous amount of fresh, vibrant salad greens onto a large plate or in a bowl. Arrange the cut tomatoes and your chosen cheese artfully over the greens. (Tip: The contrast between the bright red tomatoes and the white cheese creates a visually appealing dish.) Just before serving, drizzle the freshly made oriental dressing over the assembled salad. The combination of the zesty dressing and the creamy cheese is absolutely delightful. Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with this simple yet elegant salad!