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American Tomato Salad 2

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

American Tomato Salad 2

American Tomato Salad 2 is a quintessential dish that finds its place on the home tables across the country, especially during the warm summer months when tomatoes are at their peak. This version captures the spirit of American home cooking, where measurements are often done by instinct rather than precision, and the focus is on simplicity and flavor rather than formality. It's the kind of dish that accompanies a backyard barbecue or a casual family dinner, offering a refreshing counterpoint to grilled meats and other hearty fare.

Each bite of this salad delivers a burst of freshness, with ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumber harmonizing under a generous drizzle of olive oil. The acidity of freshly squeezed lemon juice balances the richness, while a mix of herbs adds layers of aroma and flavor. Fine sea salt, added to taste, enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making this salad both vibrant and satisfying. It's designed for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience that is as relaxed as it is delicious.

Ingredients

  • 3tomatoes
  • 1cucumber
  • 80 mlolive oil
  • lemonjuiced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by washing 3 tomatoes and 1 cucumber under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the tomatoes into thick wedges and the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they hold their shape and provide a satisfying texture in the salad.
  2. Place the sliced tomatoes and cucumber into a large mixing bowl. This bowl should be large enough to allow for easy tossing without spilling. Add a generous pinch of fine sea salt to the vegetables. The salt will draw out the natural juices, enhancing the flavors and slightly softening the tomatoes and cucumber.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Whisk them together until the mixture is well blended and slightly thickened. This will be your dressing, providing a rich, tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
  4. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and cucumber in the mixing bowl. Add a handful of your favorite fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, roughly chopped. The herbs should be added to taste, enhancing the salad with their aromatic qualities.
  5. Gently toss the salad using two large spoons or your hands, taking care to keep the tomato wedges and cucumber slices intact. The goal is to evenly coat the vegetables with the dressing without breaking them apart.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference. The salad should taste fresh and vibrant, with a good balance of acidity and saltiness.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side, allowing the bread to soak up the flavorful juices from the salad. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, capturing the essence of ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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