I saw the first tomatoes at the farmer's market yesterday, so I had to pick some up. They were perfect and tasted like we were already in the dead heat of summer. Yum. I also bought an English cucumber and realized right away how I was going to combine these two finds: into my Classic Tomato and Cucumber Salad. As far as cucumbers go, I really prefer the English kind; the skin is not waxed and not too thick, and the seeds are not too big. I find that I peel the other version and scoop out the seeds, but I eat the complete English cucumber. (I also like little pickling cucumbers.) Also this salad is perfect with just a sprinkling of salt and pepper, but if you really want a dressing, just add a splash of olive oil and vinegar. This can be a completely raw recipe, if you leave off the dressing. If you've never had this simple pairing in a salad, you're in for a treat.
The whole salad in a serving bowl.
My salad plate. I ate it all up!
Classic Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
2 - 3 ripe tomatoes, quartered and wedged
1 English cucumber, ends trimmed and sliced in circles or semi-circles depending on the diameter of the cuke
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Put all ingredients into a serving bowl and toss well. Eat immediately. Don't chill; it will ruin the texture of the tomatoes. So, no leftovers! You have to eat it all in one night. Feeds five hungry vegans.
nothing better than a nice fresh salad.
ReplyDeleteSounds simple and perfect! Can't wait until the tomatoes are back in season here.
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one getting suspicious of this 'farmers market'? First it was 'Broccoli Leaves'. Then 'Wild Spinach'. Now there are 'Summer Tomatoes' and 'English Cucumbers'?
ReplyDeleteinteresting. i made the same salad and added onions, and from the look of your salad, way to much balsamic vinegar.....hmmmmmm. i should have looked this up before i made the salad.
ReplyDeletelovely salad.
Hi Blessedmama, how are you? I have been to busy to blog like I wanted recently, but I am always around!
ReplyDeleteCiao
A
http://alessandra-veganblog.blogspot.co.nz/
Cucumber is one of those foods that I put on everything I can. It's so refreshing. Avocado and cucumber is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually one of my favorite salads. So simple and easy to make! I've yet to try it with balsamic vinegar though.
ReplyDeleteMillie, they're the best!
ReplyDeleteFF, yes, I'm so happy they're already showing up here for us!
SV, oh, just wait - I'll be bringing home weird stuff all year long to showcase.
WM, oh, I'm sure yours turned out great. Onions would be a great addition. This is just the most basic, classic version.
Alessandra, great!
Nellie, I already know about your cucumber fixation...
Paulina, it doesn't really need it; it just adds a slight punch of flavor.
Looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI'm somewhat allergic to tomatoes, so I couldn't really dine on them as I'd like. But I've eaten sliced cucumbers and salt and pepper and vinegar, as you stated, since my aunt brought to my attention as a child.
Tastes great as a late night snack.
Tomatoes in the farmers' market already? Well, I suppose that's par for the course in your more southern climes...it'll be another 2 1/2 months at least before any show up around here.
ReplyDeleteThe tomato/cucumber combo is really beautiful. I love your suggestion of just eating them simply with salt and pepper; with such fresh, gorgeous veggies, they do all the work themselves and don't need much help when you think about it.
Don, I feel for you on your allergy. I didn't really like cucumbers until I had an English one.
ReplyDeleteRose, I was surprised to see tomatoes already too! My garden won't be producing them until a little later. Salt and pepper is really all this needs, but sometimes a little swish of vinegar and oil can suit our tastes, too.
There's nothing quite as refreshing as a tomato and cucumber salad — especially with vine-ripened summer tomatoes. Sometimes I like to add some fresh basil, too. Yum.
ReplyDeleteMmmm, looking forward to summer tomatoes!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, you're right, and so many things can be added here to snazz it up. I just offered the most basic version of the classic salad. Basil would be awesome, though, or mint.
ReplyDeleteSusan, they're great!