Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Cooking time: 15 min
Recipe yield: 4 servings , 1 кг
Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Cucumbers is a simple, bright, and aromatic dish that I make when I crave the taste of real summer on a plate. Everything in this salad is natural and familiar: crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a light touch of vinegar’s acidity that awakens the appetite. The salad with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers always reminds me of childhood, of evenings in the yard when my mother sliced vegetables straight from the garden, and we had dinner to the quiet chirping of crickets. This salad doesn’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients – just attention, love, and the desire to feel the true taste of summer. I always choose the ripest tomatoes so they have tender flesh and a slightly sweet flavor. I use young cucumbers with thin skin – they give the salad freshness and a pleasant crunch. When I mix all the ingredients, the air fills with an unmistakable aroma: the combination of herbs, vegetables, and a hint of peppery spice creates a feeling of cozy home comfort.
Ingredients for Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Cucumbers
How to Make Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Preparing the Vegetables for the Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Cucumbers
First, I wash the vegetables thoroughly, because the taste and purity of the dish depend on it. I gently wipe the cucumbers with a towel to remove excess moisture so they stay crisp. I slice the tomatoes into thin circles – I love when their edges curl slightly, forming natural waves. I cut the cucumbers in the same way so the pieces match in shape and size. When I put them in a large bowl, the colors combine – green, red, light yellow – and the sight alone makes you hungry. At this moment, the kitchen fills with a fresh aroma, as if you’ve just opened a window to the garden.
Dressing the Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Oil and vinegar – a simple combination, but it’s what gives this salad its character. I always mix them in a small cup so the liquid becomes uniform and the aromas blend together. The light acidity of vinegar emphasizes the sweetness of the tomatoes and refreshes the cucumbers. When I pour the mixture over the vegetables, I feel the scent become brighter, the notes of herbs sharper. I add a little salt and ground black pepper – not for spiciness, but for fullness of flavor. It’s important to do everything carefully: too much salt will ruin the delicate balance, and too much vinegar will overpower the natural freshness.
Herbs and Aroma in the Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Cucumbers
I love when herbs not only decorate but also add their own voice to the flavor palette. I chop dill, parsley, or cilantro – depending on my mood – but always add a bit of green onion for aroma. When I sprinkle the salad with this green cloud, it feels as if it comes alive. The herbs don’t just add color – they soften the vinegar’s acidity and bring harmony to the dish. While mixing, I hear the gentle crackle of cucumbers and the soft rustle of herbs – these sounds, to me, are a sign that the salad is almost ready.
Serving the Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Serving this salad is always a small celebration. I place it in a deep ceramic bowl where red tomatoes alternate with green cucumbers, topped with a light veil of herbs. When I put the salad on the table, the aroma immediately fills the room: fresh herbs, sun-kissed tomatoes, a light hint of oil. I like to serve this salad with homemade bread or baked fish – then the flavors complement each other, creating the feeling of a perfect summer meal. The salad with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers looks simple, but every bite is pure pleasure and warmth. When I take a spoonful, I feel the crunch, juiciness, and gentle acidity that remind me: the best things are always simple.
