Chinese Tomato Salad

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 running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the tomatoes into thin wedges, aiming for uniformity to ensure even dressing. 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 give you enough space to toss the salad without spilling. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow the dressing to coat each piece evenly.
3. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil with the juice of one lemon. Stir well to create a smooth mixture. Season this dressing with fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed. The goal is to balance the acidity of the lemon with the richness of the olive oil.
4. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and cucumber in the mixing bowl. Use a gentle folding motion with a large spoon or salad tongs to toss the salad. Be careful not to bruise the tomatoes; they should remain intact and vibrant in color.
5. Finely chop your choice of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, and sprinkle them over the salad. The herbs should be fragrant and add a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.
6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference. The flavors should be bright and balanced, with the freshness of the vegetables shining through.
7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the cucumber and the juiciness of the tomatoes. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful dressing, making it a complete and satisfying dish.