This salad is very versatile. If you don't like raw onions, omit the shallot/onion and just use the green onions, which are much more mild. Instead of the sugar, use honey. If you want more heat, use a jalapeno pepper, if you want it to be more mild, use a poblano pepper. If you don't have cherry/grape tomatoes, seed a few regular sized tomatoes and chop them up instead. Adjust the dressing with more or less olive oil, lime/lemon juice, add or omit the rice vinegar. Parsley is a great substitute for the cilantro.