tomato cucumber salad

After being with family on labor day and receiving a big bag of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers fresh from the garden, I knew Exactly what I wanted to make with it.  Tomato cucumber salad.    Or at least that's what my family calls it.

It's one of those foods that I think of when I think of summer.  A bowl full of fresh produce from the garden, with a light, zesty dressing.  It's so delicious.  And so light and refreshing that I can eat massive amounts of this salad without a problem.  The minute I finished making this salad I had to have a bowl.  And then another.  I think it's the tomatoes that make it so amazing.  There is nothing better than tomatoes fresh from the garden.  I think I can definitely call them my favorite food.  For sure.

tomato cucumber salad

Ingredients:

Dressing:

1/4 c. canola oil

3 T. vinegar

2 T. sugar

2 cloves minced garlic

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. salt (or 1/2 salt + 1/2 celery salt)

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. celery seed or celery salt (substitute 1/2 of regular salt with celery salt)

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

freshly ground black pepper to taste

Salad:

2 large or 4 small cucumbers, cubed (might want to seed if the seeds are really large)

4-5 large or lots of small tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 yellow or orange pepper, chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 can black olives, drained and cut in half (optional)

crumbled feta (optional)

Instructions:

Mix all dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until combined.  Cut up all veggies and add to the dressing.  Stir until combined.  Taste and add more salt if needed.  If using feta, add right before serving.  The "traditional" salad I grew up eating did not have feta, nor does the one picture as I didn't have any, but it is a good addition.  Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.  Serves 6-8 (normal people... If they all eat as much as I do, maybe 4 :)).

I always just make the dressing in a large bowl and start adding cucumbers and tomatoes until I think the dressing/produce ratio is right, so you might need more or less tomatoes and cucumbers.  I always like it to be heavy on the tomatoes. :)  

This makes for a great snack, side dish, or lunch if you want something quick and light.