Savory Winter Tomato and Cucumber Medley
Elevate your winter dining experience with this vibrant Savory Winter Tomato and Cucumber Medley. Designed to highlight the natural sweetness and flavors of off-season tomatoes, this salad utilizes a rich dressing to coax out flavors that thrive in fat and complement the crispness of fresh cucumbers. The simple yet delightful union of gin or vodka with tangy lemon juice and a touch of mustard makes this dish a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side salad or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. To add an adventurous twist, consider using Pepper Vodka to invigorate your palette. Note that this dish is best enjoyed shortly after preparation, as the dressing will start to break down after one hour.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Gin or Vodka
1 tablespoon (none)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Tomatoes
1 cup (sliced)
Cucumber
1 cup (peeled and sliced)
Onion
1/3 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, gin (or vodka), lemon juice, ground mustard, and salt.
2
Whisk or beat the mixture with a fork until it thickens slightly, creating a smooth dressing.
3
Add the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and onion to the dressing in the container.
4
Seal the lid tightly and shake gently to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
5
Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld, but no longer than one hour for optimal freshness.
6
Serve the salad cold, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of salt if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Winter Tomato and Cucumber Medley?
It is a vibrant salad designed to highlight the flavors of off-season tomatoes using a rich dressing that complements the crispness of fresh cucumbers.
Why is this recipe particularly good for winter?
The dressing is specifically crafted to coax out and enhance the natural sweetness and flavors of tomatoes during the off-season.
What are the primary ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, gin or vodka, lemon juice, ground mustard, and salt.
Can I substitute gin with another spirit?
Yes, you can use vodka instead of gin, and for a spicier kick, you can even use pepper vodka.
How should I prepare the tomatoes for this salad?
The tomatoes should be sliced, with a total volume of approximately one cup.
Do the cucumbers need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling and slicing the cucumbers before adding them to the medley.
How do I prepare the dressing to the right consistency?
Whisk or beat the dressing ingredients with a fork until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the maximum time the salad should be kept before serving?
The salad should be enjoyed within one hour of preparation, as the dressing will begin to break down after that time.
What type of container is best for mixing the salad?
A medium glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid is recommended so you can shake it to coat the vegetables.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It can be served cold as a refreshing side salad or on its own as a light lunch.
Can I add extra seasoning to the salad?
Yes, you can garnish the finished salad with extra herbs or a sprinkle of salt if desired.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of olive oil.
Is the lemon juice supposed to be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much onion should be added?
You should use 1/3 cup of sliced onion.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total: olive oil, gin/vodka, lemon juice, ground mustard, salt, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
What is the purpose of adding ground mustard?
Ground mustard adds a touch of tanginess and helps emulsify the dressing.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, light meal featuring fresh vegetables.
How do I ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with dressing?
Seal the container lid tightly and shake gently to distribute the dressing over all ingredients.
Can this be prepared in advance for a party?
It is best made close to serving time and should not sit for more than an hour for optimal freshness.
What amount of ground mustard is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing should be smooth and slightly thickened after whisking.
Does the recipe contain salt?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the dressing.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of sliced regular tomatoes?
While the recipe suggests sliced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes could be used as a variation.
Is there an adventurous twist suggested for this recipe?
Yes, using Pepper Vodka is recommended to invigorate your palette.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It falls into categories such as salad, winter recipe, and tomato or cucumber salad.
How much cucumber is used?
The recipe calls for one cup of peeled and sliced cucumber.
Is the dressing fat-based?
Yes, it uses olive oil to create a rich environment where the tomato flavors can thrive.
What temperature should the salad be when served?
The salad should be served cold directly from the refrigerator.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be sliced before being added to the container with the dressing.