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Filipino Tomato Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Filipino Tomato Salad

Filipino Tomato Salad is a beloved staple on Filipino home tables, often served as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood. Its roots lie in the everyday meals of Filipino families, where the emphasis is on simple, fresh ingredients and communal dining. This version captures the essence of the home-cooked dish, passed down through generations, with each family adding their own touch.

The salad offers a vibrant contrast of juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, brought together by the richness of olive oil and the bright tang of lemon juice. A sprinkle of fine sea salt enhances the natural flavors, while fresh herbs add a fragrant finish. It's a dish that speaks of abundance and sharing, meant to be enjoyed family-style, where everyone reaches for more.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by washing 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 and the cucumber into thin rounds, ensuring uniformity for even flavor distribution.
  2. Place the sliced tomatoes and cucumber in a large mixing bowl. This will allow you to toss the salad without spilling, ensuring all pieces are well-coated with the dressing.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 80 ml of olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Whisk them together until they are well-blended. This mixture will serve as the dressing, providing a bright, tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
  4. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and cucumber 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 sweetness of the tomatoes and balance the acidity of the lemon.
  5. Add your choice of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, finely chopped. These herbs will add a burst of freshness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
  6. Gently toss the salad using two large spoons or your hands, being careful not to break the tomato wedges. The goal is to coat each piece lightly with the dressing while keeping the vegetables intact.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter, arranging it neatly for an appealing presentation. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side, allowing diners to enjoy the salad's fresh flavors and contrasting textures.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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