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Caribbean Tomato Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Caribbean Tomato Salad

Caribbean Tomato Salad finds its place at home tables, where the vibrant mix of ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumber is elevated by a generous hand with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon. This dish is more than a side; it's a staple, crafted with care and shared among family and friends who gather around for a meal that feels both familiar and essential.

Expect a refreshing bite with every forkful, where the juiciness of tomatoes meets the crunch of cucumber, all cloaked in the richness of olive oil. The fine sea salt brings out the flavors, while herbs add a fragrant note that speaks to the bounty of the Caribbean. Serve it with anything or nothing at all.

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 or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the tomatoes into wedges, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for even flavor distribution. Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice 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 allow enough space to mix the salad without spilling. Add a handful of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, to the bowl. The herbs will add a burst of freshness and a hint of Caribbean flavor.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil with the juice of one lemon. Whisk them together until the mixture is well-blended and slightly thickened. This dressing will provide a rich, tangy coating for the salad.
  4. Pour the olive oil and lemon dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Sprinkle fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed. The salt will enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and herbs.
  5. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes or cucumber; you want the pieces to remain intact and vibrant.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately, accompanied by fresh bread to soak up the flavorful dressing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, with the crispness of the vegetables and the brightness of the dressing at their peak.
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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