Thriving Guide
Posts
Fresh Heirloom Tomato Salad with Tangy Pickled Onions

Fresh Heirloom Tomato Salad with Tangy Pickled Onions

This bright, tangy summer salad puts juicy heirloom tomatoes and quick-pickled onions front and center perfect for outdoor dining or a vibrant appetizer.

Audrey Sawyer
May 01, 2025

If your summer meals are in need of a fresh upgrade, this heirloom tomato salad with pickled onions is about to become your go-to. Juicy, sweet tomatoes meet their match with tangy red onions that have been quickly pickled in a spiced vinegar bath, delivering that crisp, mouthwatering bite in every forkful.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility you can use whatever variety of heirloom or cherry tomatoes you have on hand, and the leftover pickling liquid doubles as a vinaigrette base for other salads or vegetables. It’s simple, clean, and absolutely full of flavor plus, it’s a beautiful way to highlight seasonal produce.

Ingredients

1 cup red-wine vinegar
1 cup water
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1½ teaspoons pickling spice
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup chopped fresh chives
3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced (or 6 cups cherry tomatoes)

Directions

Make the pickled onions: In a large saucepan, bring vinegar and water to a boil. Add brown sugar, pickling spice, and salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from heat and add the sliced red onions. Let the mixture cool to room temperature about 1 hour.
Store the onions: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the onions into a pint-size mason jar. Pour in ¾ cup of the pickling liquid (discard any extra or save for other uses). Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Make the vinaigrette: When ready to assemble the salad, drain the onions, reserving ½ cup of the pickling liquid. Whisk together the reserved pickling liquid, olive oil, and chopped chives in a small bowl.
Assemble the salad: Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes on a platter with the drained pickled onions. Drizzle generously with the vinaigrette and serve immediately.

This salad is the essence of summer simplicity no fancy equipment, just quality ingredients and time-tested technique. Serve it alongside grilled fish, as a side for a barbecue, or on its own with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine.