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Chinese Tomato Salad 2

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Chinese Tomato Salad 2

Chinese Tomato Salad 2 is a staple in home kitchens across China, where it finds its place on the table as a refreshing side dish. This is the version that families pass down, where each ingredient is measured by intuition rather than scales, and shared generously. The simplicity of its ingredients speaks to the essence of home cooking, where the focus is on freshness and balance.

This salad bursts with vibrant flavors, each bite a harmony of juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumber, all enveloped in the richness of olive oil. The zing of lemon adds a bright note, while herbs and a sprinkle of fine sea salt tie everything together. It's a dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh produce, enjoyed best when shared.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by washing the 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 and the cucumber into thin rounds. Arrange these slices on a large, shallow serving plate, slightly overlapping them for a visually appealing presentation.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil with the juice of one lemon. Stir the mixture well to ensure the lemon juice is fully incorporated into the oil. This will create a bright and tangy dressing that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
  3. Sprinkle fine sea salt over the sliced tomatoes and cucumber to taste. Be mindful not to over-salt, as the dressing will also add flavor. The salt will draw out the natural juices of the tomatoes, enhancing their sweetness and creating a subtle brine.
  4. Pour the olive oil and lemon dressing evenly over the arranged vegetables. Use a gentle hand to ensure all pieces are lightly coated without disturbing their arrangement. This step ensures that each bite is balanced with the rich, citrusy flavor of the dressing.
  5. Gently toss the salad using your hands or a pair of salad tongs. The goal is to mix the dressing and salt without breaking the delicate tomato wedges. The salad should look glossy, with each piece glistening from the dressing.
  6. Finish by sprinkling your choice of fresh herbs over the salad. Common choices include cilantro or basil, which add a fragrant aroma and a burst of color. The herbs should be fresh and vibrant, enhancing the salad's overall appeal.
  7. Serve the Chinese Tomato Salad 2 immediately with slices of crusty bread. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful juices that collect at the bottom of the plate, making it a perfect accompaniment to the fresh, tangy salad.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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