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Caribbean Tomato Salad 3

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Caribbean Tomato Salad 3

Caribbean Tomato Salad 3 finds its roots in the everyday kitchens of the islands, where home cooks craft it with instinct and generosity. It's a dish that embraces the spirit of impromptu gatherings and the joy of sharing a meal. There's no need for precision; instead, it thrives on a cook's intuition, with salt pinched and oil poured freely. This is the salad of home tables, where each plate tells a story of casual hospitality.

Expect a vibrant play of textures and flavors—juicy tomatoes mingling with crisp cucumber, all kissed by the tang of lemon and the warmth of olive oil. Herbs add a fragrant whisper, while sea salt ties it all together. It's a refreshing medley meant to be enjoyed communally, where each bite offers a taste of the Caribbean's unpretentious charm.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by washing 3 tomatoes and 1 cucumber under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the tomatoes into thick wedges, ensuring each piece is about the same size for even flavor distribution. Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, to add a crisp texture to the salad.
  2. Place the sliced tomatoes and cucumber in a large mixing bowl. This will give you enough space to toss the salad without spilling. Drizzle 80 ml of olive oil over the vegetables, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the salad, catching any seeds with your hand or a small strainer.
  3. Sprinkle fine sea salt over the salad to taste. Start with a small amount, as you can always add more later. The salt will enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cucumber, so taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
  4. Add a handful of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the bowl. Tear the herbs by hand into smaller pieces to release their aroma and oils, which will infuse the salad with a fresh, vibrant flavor.
  5. Using a large spoon or your hands, gently toss the salad. Lift the ingredients from the bottom of the bowl to the top, ensuring the dressing coats every piece. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes; they should remain intact and juicy.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors. The salad should taste fresh and slightly tangy, with a hint of herbal aroma.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side, allowing diners to scoop up the salad and soak up any remaining dressing. Enjoy this vibrant Caribbean Tomato Salad as a refreshing side or light main dish.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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