Turkish Summer Tomato and Cucumber Salad
This vibrant Turkish Summer Tomato and Cucumber Salad is a refreshing addition to any meal, especially during the warm months when fresh tomatoes are at their peak. Bursting with flavors and colors, this dish harmoniously combines the juiciness of ripe tomatoes with the crispness of cucumbers, all drizzled with a zesty dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Infused with the natural taste of black olives and garnished with parsley, this salad not only appeals to the eyes but also invigorates the palate. Perfect as a side dish or a light entree, it can complement grilled meats, fish, or any Mediterranean-inspired meal. Make it an hour ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, and serve it chilled for a delightful experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
4 (medium, firm, thinly sliced)
Cucumbers
2 (thinly sliced)
Black Olives
1/2 cup (drained (adjust amount to preference))
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (n/a)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (n/a)
White Vinegar
1 tablespoon (n/a)
Flat Leaf Parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Fresh Mint
1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
Salt
to taste (n/a)
Pepper
to taste (n/a)
Parsley Sprigs
3 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by arranging the thinly sliced tomatoes around the outer edge of a large serving platter, slightly overlapping them in a circular fashion to create an attractive border.
2
Use a fork to pierce the thinly sliced cucumbers each a few times to enhance their flavor absorption. Then, place the cucumber slices in the center of the platter, nestled inside the circular arrangement of tomatoes.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, white vinegar, finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, fresh mint, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
4
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad arrangement and cover the platter with cling wrap. Refrigerate the salad for one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Just before serving, gently scatter the drained black olives over the salad, positioning them between the rows of tomatoes and cucumbers for an added burst of flavor.
6
Finally, garnish the salad with whole parsley sprigs for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of fresh ingredients!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkish Summer Tomato and Cucumber Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers with a zesty herb dressing, typical of Turkish Mediterranean cuisine.
What are the primary ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients are tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, olive oil, lemon juice, white vinegar, flat-leaf parsley, and fresh mint.
How many tomatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 medium, firm tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be sliced?
The tomatoes should be thinly sliced and arranged in an overlapping circular fashion around the edge of the platter.
How many cucumbers do I need?
You will need 2 cucumbers for this salad.
What is the best way to prepare the cucumbers?
The cucumbers should be thinly sliced and pierced a few times with a fork to help them absorb the dressing.
How do I arrange the salad on the platter?
Place the sliced tomatoes around the outer edge and nestle the sliced cucumbers in the center of the platter.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, lemon juice, white vinegar, finely chopped parsley, fresh mint, salt, and pepper.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What type of vinegar is recommended for this salad?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You should use 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
While fresh mint is preferred for the best flavor, you can use a smaller amount of dried mint as a substitute if necessary.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
When should I add the black olives?
Scatter the drained black olives over the salad just before serving, positioning them between the tomato and cucumber rows.
How many black olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of drained black olives, though you can adjust this amount to your preference.
What is the final garnish for this dish?
The salad is garnished with three whole parsley sprigs just before serving.
Is this Turkish salad recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this salad are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It is best made one hour before serving; making it too far in advance may cause the vegetables to become too soft.
What does this salad pair well with?
It complements grilled meats, fish, or any Mediterranean-inspired meal perfectly.
Should I peel the cucumbers?
The recipe does not require peeling, but you can peel them if you prefer a softer texture.
What kind of parsley should I use for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
Why should I pierce the cucumbers with a fork?
Piercing the cucumbers enhances their ability to absorb the flavors of the lemon and vinegar dressing.
Is this salad spicy?
No, it is a mild and refreshing salad, though it is seasoned with black pepper to taste.
Can I substitute red wine vinegar for white vinegar?
Yes, red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
What is the calorie count for this salad?
The specific calorie count is not provided, but it is a healthy, vegetable-forward dish with healthy fats from olive oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the garnish and seasonings.
Can I add feta cheese to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, feta cheese is a common addition to similar Mediterranean salads.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This salad is served chilled for a refreshing experience.
What makes this a 'summer' salad?
It is ideal for summer because it uses seasonal fresh produce like tomatoes and cucumbers and requires no cooking.