This salad is super easy but makes me think of:  FRESH.  It just says, “Summer!” with the colorful tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing. It can be ready in an hour if you need it to, but it can also be prepared ahead of time and chilled for the evening. This is a great recipe for kids to practice slicing, shaking, and tossing. Even little ones won’t be able to resist the bright colors and sweetness of this cold summer salad.

 

Summer Tomato and Cucumber Salad

• 10-12 Roma tomatoes (or whatever you have from your garden or Farmers Market) – I used 2 colors to make it BEAUTIFUL!
• 3 cucumbers – I used the English variety; after all, a new Prince was born this week in Great Britain! Welcome Prince George!
• Optional:  1 onion, sliced

Dressing:

• 3/4 c. sugar
• 3/4 c. olive oil or vegetable oil (I used canola)
• 1/3 c. apple cider or regular vinegar
• 2 T. soy sauce

Slice and mix tomatoes and cucumbers. I think the Roma variety of tomatoes holds up better in this recipe, since it is stirred gently and the vinegar tends to make tender fruit/veggies break down a bit. Romas are a bit more firm and hold up longer.

In a jar (I used a jam jar) mix and shake the dressing ingredients. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and gently combine. If you love basil, I think you could toss in some chopped basil. I decided just to let the tomatoes and cucumbers take center stage!

Last night I served this with baked Parmesan chicken, mashed red-skin potatoes, and foccacia bread. Yum!

Chill until you’re ready to sit down and enjoy!

What summer fare are you cooking this weekend?