Description of this recipe: This Heirloom Tomato & Cucumber Summer Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for showcasing the best of summer’s bounty. It’s a simple yet elegant salad that combines the sweetness of heirloom tomatoes with the cool crispness of cucumbers, all tossed in a light and tangy vinaigrette. The addition of red onion and parsley adds a subtle bite and a touch of freshness, making it an ideal side dish or light meal. This salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with the colorful heirloom tomatoes adding a burst of visual appeal to any table.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore this Heirloom Tomato & Cucumber Summer Salad for its simplicity and fresh flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The salad is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, highlighting the natural sweetness of heirloom tomatoes and the refreshing crunch of cucumbers. The light vinaigrette enhances the flavors without overpowering them, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side, a light lunch, or even as a topping for grilled meats or fish. Plus, it’s a healthy and nutritious option, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 12 ounces assorted small-size heirloom tomatoes, quartered (approximately 2 cups), OR 1 package (12 oz) of Gourmet Medley tomatoes
- 1 (12 ounces) cucumber, peeled in stripes, sliced 1/2-inch thick then quartered (approximately 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley
Preparation:
Step 1: In a serving bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and the sugar and salt have dissolved. This mixture forms the vinaigrette that will coat the salad, so ensuring it’s well combined is key to achieving the right balance of flavors.
Step 2: Add the quartered heirloom tomatoes and the quartered cucumber slices to the serving bowl containing the vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and textures of the tomatoes and cucumbers will immediately make the salad visually appealing. Gently toss them together with the vinaigrette, ensuring that all the pieces are evenly coated.
Step 3: Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion and chopped parsley over the tomato and cucumber mixture. The red onion adds a sharp, slightly pungent flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes, while the parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the salad.
Step 4: Toss all the ingredients together gently but thoroughly, making sure that the red onion and parsley are evenly distributed throughout the salad. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the tomatoes and cucumbers to become mushy. You want to maintain their crispness and integrity.
Step 5: Once all the ingredients are combined, give the salad a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, or a touch more sugar, depending on your personal preferences. The salad is now ready to be served.
COOKING Rating: This recipe requires no cooking, making it exceptionally easy and quick to prepare. Its simplicity allows the fresh ingredients to truly shine.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish: Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It pairs particularly well with Mediterranean-inspired dishes or anything with a light, summery flavor profile.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of this salad as a light and healthy lunch. You can add a sprinkle of feta cheese or a few grilled shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
- Appetizer: Offer this salad as an appetizer at your next gathering. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to impress your guests. Serve it in small bowls or on individual plates for an elegant presentation.
- Topping: Use this salad as a topping for bruschetta or crostini. The combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette is a delicious complement to toasted bread.
- Mix-In: Add this salad to a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial salad. The variety of textures and flavors will elevate your salad to a whole new level.
Tips:
- Use the Freshest Ingredients: The key to a great Heirloom Tomato & Cucumber Summer Salad is to use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients possible. Look for ripe, juicy heirloom tomatoes and crisp, firm cucumbers.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to become even more refreshing.
- Don’t Overdress: Be careful not to overdress the salad. You want just enough vinaigrette to coat the tomatoes and cucumbers without making them soggy.
- Add Herbs: Experiment with different herbs to add a unique twist to the salad. Fresh basil, mint, or dill would all be delicious additions.
- Get Creative with Tomatoes: Use a variety of heirloom tomato colors and sizes to make the salad visually appealing. Yellow, red, green, and purple tomatoes will create a stunning presentation.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion:
The Heirloom Tomato & Cucumber Summer Salad is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. It’s a dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and easy preparation. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this salad is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, toss them together with love, and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite. This salad is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most delicious.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time, but it’s best to add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the tomatoes and cucumbers from becoming soggy. You can chop the vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply toss them with the vinaigrette and enjoy.
Q2: What if I don’t have heirloom tomatoes? Can I use regular tomatoes?
A: While heirloom tomatoes add a unique flavor and visual appeal to the salad, you can certainly use regular tomatoes if you don’t have access to heirloom varieties. Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes that are firm to the touch. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes would be good substitutes.
Q3: I don’t like red onion. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Yes, if you don’t like red onion, you can substitute it with a milder onion, such as a sweet onion or scallions. You could also use chives for a more subtle onion flavor. Alternatively, you can omit the onion altogether if you prefer.
Q4: Can I add cheese to this salad?
A: Absolutely! Adding cheese to this salad can add a delicious creamy element. Feta cheese is a classic choice that pairs well with the flavors of tomatoes and cucumbers. You could also use mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Q5: What other herbs can I use in this salad besides parsley?
A: There are many herbs that would complement the flavors of this salad. Fresh basil is a popular choice that adds a sweet, aromatic note. Mint adds a refreshing coolness, while dill provides a slightly tangy flavor. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite combination. Oregano and thyme would also work well.
