Welcome to a refreshing taste of summer with our Fresh Garden Trio Salad! This vibrant dish combines the best of your garden's bounty into a simple yet elegant salad that's perfect for any occasion.
The star of the show is undoubtedly our tomatoes. Opt for ripe, juicy varieties to bring a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Thinly sliced red onion introduces a subtle sharpness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant sweetness that ties the whole salad together beautifully. For the dressing, extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, fruity base, while red wine vinegar adds a zesty kick. Season it all with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
This Fresh Garden Trio Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It’s also excellent alongside a hearty pasta dish or as a topping for a piece of crusty bread for a light bruschetta-style appetizer.
Start by grabbing a large bowl; this will make it easier to toss everything together. Begin with your tomatoes. Chop them into bite-sized pieces — you want them small enough to easily pick up with a fork but not so small that they get mushy. Next, peel your cucumber and slice it into thin rounds. If the seeds are large, you might want to scoop them out, but otherwise, they add a nice texture.
Add the sliced cucumber and the chopped tomatoes into your bowl. Now, it's time for the red onion. Slice it as thinly as you can; this way, it will blend seamlessly with the other flavors rather than overpowering them. Toss the onion into the bowl as well.
Roughly chop the basil leaves and add them to the mix. This fresh herb is key to the salad's aroma and taste, so be generous with it. Drizzle your extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the top. These two will come together to create a simple yet flavorful dressing.
Using a pair of salad tongs or just your hands, gently toss everything together until all ingredients are coated and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that a little goes a long way.
Finally, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This rest time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious salad.
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