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American Tomato Salad 3

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

American Tomato Salad 3

American Tomato Salad 3 is a staple at home tables across the United States, especially during the warmer months when tomatoes are at their peak ripeness. This dish reflects the informal and intuitive cooking style of American families, where ingredients are measured by eye and seasoned generously. It's a simple yet vibrant salad that captures the essence of summer dining.

Expect a refreshing burst of flavors with each bite, as the juicy tomatoes mingle with crisp cucumber and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice ties everything together, while a scattering of herbs adds a fragrant finish. Hand-judged salt ensures every mouthful is perfectly seasoned, inviting you to savor the uncomplicated pleasure of fresh produce.

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, about 1/2 inch each, to ensure they hold their shape. Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, for a refreshing crunch.
  2. Place the sliced tomatoes and cucumber into a large mixing bowl. This will give you enough room to toss the salad without overcrowding. Add 80 ml of olive oil to the bowl, pouring it evenly over the vegetables. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture, ensuring the seeds are caught and removed.
  3. Sprinkle fine sea salt over the salad to taste. Start with a small amount, as you can always add more later. Tear fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, into small pieces and scatter them over the salad. The herbs should be fresh and aromatic, adding a burst of flavor.
  4. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently toss the salad. Lift the ingredients from the bottom of the bowl, turning them over to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes; they should remain intact and juicy.
  5. Taste a piece of tomato to check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed, ensuring the flavors are balanced and vibrant. The salad should taste fresh and slightly tangy, with the olive oil providing a smooth richness.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately, accompanied by slices of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, while the tomatoes are still firm and the cucumbers crisp.
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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