Sliced omatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil
In the heart of summer, when the days are long and the sun is at its peak, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a refreshing, crisp salad. One dish that encapsulates the essence of summer is the sliced tomatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil. This delightful combination not only cools you down but also tantalizes your taste buds with a medley of flavors.
Imagine sitting on a sun-drenched patio, the scent of fresh basil in the air, and a bowl of this vibrant salad in front of you. The juicy, ripe tomatoes meld seamlessly with the cool, crisp cucumbers, all brought together by the rich, smooth embrace of extra virgin olive oil. This dish is not just a salad; it is an experience that evokes the very spirit of summer.
The beauty of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients yet delivers a burst of flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying. The tomatoes bring a natural sweetness, while the cucumbers offer a crunchy contrast. The olive oil, infused with herbs and perhaps a hint of garlic, adds depth and complexity, making each bite a symphony of tastes and textures.
This blog post will guide you through the creation of this simple yet exquisite dish, providing tips and stories to enhance the experience. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, you’ll find that this salad is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. So, join us on this journey and discover how to make your summer meals more delightful with this timeless classic.
The Ingredients
The essence of a delightful culinary experience lies in the quality and harmony of its ingredients. For our salad of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil, freshness is paramount. Selecting the finest produce ensures each bite is a symphony of taste and texture.
Tomatoes are the stars of this dish, offering a juicy sweetness that forms the foundation of the flavor profile. Opt for ripe, firm tomatoes that burst with natural sugars and acidity. Their vibrant red hue is not just visually appealing but also indicative of their rich flavor and nutrient content.
Cucumbers bring a refreshing contrast with their crisp and cooling nature. Choose cucumbers that are firm to the touch, with a bright green color. Their subtle flavor provides the perfect backdrop to highlight the other ingredients, adding a hydrating crunch that makes each mouthful enjoyable.
Red onions introduce a sharpness that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the coolness of the cucumbers. Thinly sliced, they meld seamlessly into the salad, offering a pungent bite that enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
The marinade is the unifying element, crafted to elevate the natural flavors of the vegetables. Olive oil is the cornerstone, lending a rich, fruity base that coats each slice, ensuring a luxurious mouthfeel. To this, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar contributes a tangy brightness, cutting through the richness and adding a layer of zest.
A blend of spices like oregano and basil infuses the salad with aromatic undertones, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet delight. Optional additions such as sugar and garlic powder allow for customization, enabling you to tailor the salad to your personal taste preferences.
The Art of Preparation
Preparing sliced tomatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil is almost meditative, a process that allows you to connect deeply with each ingredient. Start by selecting fresh, firm cucumbers and ripe, juicy tomatoes. The way you slice these vegetables significantly impacts the final texture and flavor of the salad. For the cucumbers, use a sharp knife to cut them into thin, even slices. This ensures they absorb the marinade thoroughly and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. As for the tomatoes, you have the option to slice them into thin rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. Thin slices meld well with the cucumbers, while wedges provide a chunkier texture.
Next, the onions should be sliced thinly to add a subtle sharpness without overwhelming the other flavors. Red onions are particularly suitable for this recipe due to their mild and slightly sweet taste. Once your vegetables are prepped, it’s time to create the marinade, a simple yet crucial step that brings all the flavors together. In a small bowl, whisk together high-quality olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and your choice of spices. Common additions include salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder. The olive oil serves as the base, enhancing the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cucumbers while the vinegar adds a tangy note that brightens the dish.
After preparing the marinade, combine it with the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the olive oil mixture. Allow the salad to sit for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting period is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and flavorful. For best results, serve the salad slightly chilled, enhancing the crispness of the cucumbers and the juiciness of the tomatoes. Following these steps meticulously ensures a delightful culinary experience, truly capturing the essence of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers marinated in olive oil.
Serving and Enjoying
After allowing the sliced tomatoes and cucumbers to marinate in olive oil for at least an hour, and ideally overnight, the true symphony of flavors begins to unfold. The tangy and savory notes meld together, creating a dish that is both refreshing and rich in taste. As you prepare to serve this beautiful salad, give it a gentle stir to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. For an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or basil.
This versatile salad can be presented in various ways to suit different occasions. As a side dish at a barbecue, it complements grilled meats perfectly, adding a crisp, acidic contrast to the smoky flavors. On a hot summer day, it serves as a light, refreshing lunch that is both satisfying and hydrating. Another delightful option is to use it as a topping for grilled fish or chicken, where the marinated vegetables enhance the overall dish with their vibrant taste and texture.
Elevating the dining experience with this salad can be as simple as the presentation. Serve it in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vivid colors of the tomatoes and cucumbers. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of freshly ground black pepper just before serving can enhance the flavors even further. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a few thin slices of red chili can add an exciting twist.
Ingredients
- Two big cucumbers, thinly sliced; one big red onion, thinly sliced; three big tomatoes, sliced or wedges
- One fourth cup olive oil; one fourth cup apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar; two teaspoons sugar (optional, for a somewhat sweet taste).
- One teaspoon salt; one half teaspoon black pepper; one teaspoon dried oregano; one teaspoon dried basil; optional
- one half teaspoon garlic powder
- optional garnish fresh parsley or basil
Preparation
- Cut the onions and cucumbers thinly to ready the vegetables.
- Cut the tomatoes into slashes or wedges.
- Create the marinade—– Whisk the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar—if using, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder (if using) in a small bowl.
- Combine and marinating.
- In a large basin mix the tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Drizzle the vegetables with the marinade then toss to cover well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for least one hour to let the flavors meld. Marinated for many hours or overnight will provide optimal results.
- Before serving, stir the mixture gently; if desired, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top.
- Savour your crisp and tangy tomato, onion, and cucumber, marinated salad.
