Refreshing Tomato Salad

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and torn basil leaves.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat.
4. 4.
   Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve the Salată de roșii chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead for a sweeter taste.
• Red onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out its sharpness.
• Basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves just before adding them to the salad to preserve their freshness and aroma.
• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and quality.
• Red wine vinegar — If you prefer a milder tang, you can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar.

Tips & Tricks

• For added freshness, chill the tomatoes in the refrigerator before slicing them.
• Experiment with different varieties of tomatoes, such as heirloom or cherry tomatoes, to add more color and flavor to the salad.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Serve the salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for an extra crunch.
• Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the salad for a touch of sweetness.

Serving advice

Serve the Salată de roșii as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. It also pairs well with crusty bread or as a topping for bruschetta.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber in an alternating pattern on a platter. Garnish with torn basil leaves and drizzle the dressing over the top for an elegant presentation.