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Imagine a salad so delicious and refreshing that it stands alone as a meal. Our Rustic Tomato and Cucumber Salad is just that—a delightful blend of fresh flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a salad lover or someone looking to mix up their usual meal routine, this dish offers a perfect balance of taste and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. So easy, in fact, that my 8-year-old daughter made it herself! The combination of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy dressing creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with other dishes or enjoy on its own.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
For the vegetables:
- 5 large tomatoes (fresh and ripe; vine-ripened tomatoes are a very good choice)
- 1 pinch of brown sugar
- 1 English cucumber (fresh and firm)
- 1/2 large red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
- 1 pinch of kosher salt
- 1 pinch of black pepper
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil (very good quality)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 2 cloves of garlic (pressed)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Seed the tomatoes, cut them into 6 to 8 quarters, then cut each quarter in half. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl, sprinkle them with a pinch of brown sugar, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
- Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut it into slices 1/4″ thick. Add the cucumbers to the tomatoes.
- Slice half of the red onion very thinly across the width. You can cut the slices in half or leave them whole, according to your preference. Add to the cucumbers and tomatoes. Add the chopped parsley and coriander.
- To make the dressing, toss all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk vigorously until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir gently with both hands. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 1 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to blend. Serve and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
- Choose ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Allow the salad to sit for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your taste preference.
Additional Tips or Variations
If you love avocados, feel free to add a ripe avocado for a creamier texture. Alternatively, you can swap the parsley and coriander for basil and mint for a different herbal note.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 411mg | Potassium: 765mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2530IU | Vitamin C: 42.9mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1.2mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered and let it sit at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
Q: What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
A: You can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar as alternatives.
Conclusion
Our Rustic Tomato and Cucumber Salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparation. We invite you to try this recipe and experience its delightful flavors. Don’t forget to share your experiences and perhaps even introduce a new twist to make it your own!
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