Freda’s Spring/Summer Salad

I don’t know about you but I live for the spring and summer produce. I love the smell of fresh cucumbers, the beautiful colors of fresh red, green and yellow peppers, and the taste of watermelon and figs. Hmm my mouth is salivating as my mind wanders down the outdoor markets all over the world.

I have one particular salad that I practically live on all summer; my cucumber, onion and tomato salad. It is simple and even the most untalented cook, similar to myself, can dice this yummy recipe in a dash with little mess. What I love best about this salad is that as along as the vegetables are available, I keep some made and sitting in my fridge all summer long.

I try to buy local and organic vegetables, especially cucumbers and tomatoes because the chemicals and pesticides used seep easily into their skins and I don’t like genetically modified tomatoes. If you can’t get your hands on organic cucumbers make sure you peel the skins off.

As far as quantities, you use as much or as little as you want. I love cucumbers so I usually buy two.

What you will need:
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Crisp Red Onion
White Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh, good quality, Sea Salt (Himalayan is the best)
A bit of Olive Oil
Mozzarella or Cottage Cheese

Peel and slice cucumbers into half or quarters. Wash and slice tomatoes into eatable chunks. Peel the first few layers off your red onion and slice long ways. I cut my onion in hamburger rings and then dice from there into smaller pieces. Combine all ingredients into a bowl and add sea salt and a bit of olive oil to taste then start adding the white balsamic vinegar to your taste. I love white balsamic vinegar and sea salt so I use a lot, but I make big bowls of this salad.

I highly recommend letting it sit in the fridge for 24 hours so that all the flavors are released and infused into every bite. When ready to eat, grab your cottage cheese or mozzarella cheese and enjoy with some fabulous chilled white wine. I also add fresh salami or charcuterie and olives to really make a complete meal out of this. This is truly an explosion of freshness in your mouth!

Oh remember that cucumbers and onions are cleaning agents for your organs and if you eat a bunch of this at one time, well your body just might detox. I use this when I want to detox and eat just this salad and nothing else. Cleans those pipes right out!

Bon Appetito!
Chef Freda