Sunday, April 29, 2012

Classic Tomato and Cucumber Salad

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.

14 comments:

  1. nothing better than a nice fresh salad.

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  2. Sounds simple and perfect! Can't wait until the tomatoes are back in season here.

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  3. Am 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'?

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  4. interesting. 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.

    lovely salad.

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  5. Hi Blessedmama, how are you? I have been to busy to blog like I wanted recently, but I am always around!

    Ciao
    A
    http://alessandra-veganblog.blogspot.co.nz/

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  6. Cucumber is one of those foods that I put on everything I can. It's so refreshing. Avocado and cucumber is my favorite.

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  7. This is actually one of my favorite salads. So simple and easy to make! I've yet to try it with balsamic vinegar though.

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  8. Millie, they're the best!

    FF, 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.

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  9. Looks delicious.

    I'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.

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  10. 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.

    The 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.

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  11. Don, I feel for you on your allergy. I didn't really like cucumbers until I had an English one.

    Rose, 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.

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  12. 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.

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  13. Mmmm, looking forward to summer tomatoes!

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  14. Andrea, 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.

    Susan, they're great!

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