Brasileiro Tomato Salad

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Begin by washing 3 tomatoes and 1 cucumber thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the tomatoes into thin wedges, ensuring each piece retains some of the firm flesh and juicy seeds. Peel the cucumber if desired, then cut it into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
2. Place the sliced tomatoes and cucumber into a large mixing bowl. This will give you enough room to toss the salad without spilling. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow the ingredients to be coated evenly with the dressing.
3. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil with the juice of one lemon. Whisk them together until they are well emulsified, creating a smooth and slightly thickened dressing. This will ensure the salad is evenly coated and flavorful.
4. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and cucumber in the mixing bowl. Sprinkle fine sea salt to taste, keeping in mind that the salt will enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. Use your hands or a salad spoon to gently toss the ingredients, ensuring each piece is lightly coated without breaking the delicate tomato wedges.
5. Add fresh herbs of your choice, such as parsley or cilantro, to the salad. Tear the herbs gently with your fingers to release their aroma and distribute them evenly throughout the salad. The herbs will add a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the acidity of the lemon juice.
6. Toss the salad once more, very gently, to incorporate the herbs without bruising them. The salad should appear glossy from the olive oil, with the tomatoes and cucumber glistening and the herbs evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful dressing, ensuring that the salad remains crisp and fresh. Enjoy the Brasileiro Tomato Salad as a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends.