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Tomato, Cucumber & Herb Salad

Serves 4 Salad vegan, Salads

Tomato, Cucumber & Herb Salad

Tomato, Cucumber & Herb Salad is a staple at Mediterranean tables, where fresh produce and vibrant flavors are celebrated. This dish captures the essence of everyday cooking, echoing the sea and garden with its simplicity. It's a versatile accompaniment, perfect for laid-back lunches or as a refreshing side to grilled fish or meats.

The salad is a burst of freshness, with ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers mingling with the sharpness of red onion and the fragrant lift of parsley. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice tie everything together, seasoned with a touch of fine sea salt to enhance the natural flavors. Its light and invigorating taste makes it an enduring favorite.

Ingredients

  • 4tomatoes
  • 2cucumbers
  • 1/2red onion
  • handfulparsley
  • 60 mlextra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsplemon juice
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by washing 4 tomatoes and 2 cucumbers under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges, ensuring you remove the core if it's tough. Peel the cucumbers if the skin is thick or waxy, then slice them into half-moons about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Peel and thinly slice 1/2 red onion. To mellow its sharpness, soak the slices in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This step ensures the onion adds a subtle flavor without overpowering the salad.
  3. Chop a handful of parsley finely, discarding any tough stems. The parsley should be fresh and vibrant, adding a bright, herbal note to the salad. Set the prepared vegetables and herbs aside in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 60 ml of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp of lemon juice until they are well combined. This mixture will serve as the dressing, providing a rich and tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
  5. Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables and sprinkle with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount of salt, as you can always add more if needed. The salt will enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cucumbers.
  6. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently toss the salad until all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes or cucumbers; they should remain intact and vibrant in color.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately. The salad is best served fresh, capturing the crispness of the cucumbers and the juiciness of the tomatoes. Pair with crusty bread if desired, to soak up the flavorful dressing.