Cypriot salad

Cypriot Salad - An Explosion of Fresh Flavors and Aromas

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the culinary world of Mediterranean salads! Today we will prepare a delicious Cypriot salad, a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for any meal or picnic. This fresh salad combines juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, and aromatic olive oil, offering a unique taste experience. With each bite, you will feel the essence of the sun and nature, turning every meal into a celebration of flavors.

The history of this salad is linked to the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region, where fresh ingredients and natural flavors are the order of the day. Each ingredient plays its essential role, bringing nutrients and a distinctive taste. The Cypriot salad is also an ideal companion for a slice of fresh bread, which will perfectly complement each bite.

Ingredients:

- 3 large, ripe tomatoes
- 1 sweet onion, preferably white or yellow
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1-1.5 teaspoons of dried oregano
- Salt, to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the tomatoes well under cold water. I recommend choosing seasonal tomatoes, as they will be much more flavorful and juicy. After washing, cut them into thick slices of about 1 cm. This will allow each piece to maintain its shape and provide an attractive appearance to the salad.

2. Slicing the onion: Take the onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion, you can soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This trick will reduce its intensity, making it more pleasant.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the tomato slices and the sliced onion. Now it's time to add the extra virgin olive oil, which will add a rich note to the salad. Olive oil is not only delicious but also full of healthy fatty acids, beneficial for the heart. Then add the balsamic vinegar, which will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle dried oregano over the vegetable mixture. Oregano is an aromatic herb that not only adds a wonderful flavor but also has antioxidant properties. Gently mix everything so that the ingredients combine harmoniously without crushing the tomatoes.

5. Resting the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and become more intense.

6. Salting and serving: Before serving the salad, add salt to taste. It is important to add salt at the end to avoid the tomatoes releasing too much juice. Gently mix and serve the salad with fresh bread, ideal for accompanying each bite.

Practical tips:

- You can experiment with other ingredients, such as olives or feta cheese, to add extra flavor.
- If you want a spicy note, add a few slices of fresh chili pepper.
- This salad is also perfect as a side dish for meat or fish dishes.
- For an extra touch of freshness, you can add a few fresh basil leaves.

Nutritional benefits:
The Cypriot salad is a dish rich in vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the tomatoes, which are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Extra virgin olive oil is known for its heart health benefits, while onions contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
While it is possible to use canned tomatoes, the taste and texture will not be as fresh as with fresh tomatoes. I encourage you to use fresh ingredients for the best results.

2. Can I keep the salad in the fridge for the next day?
The salad is best consumed fresh, but if leftovers remain, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, the texture of the tomatoes may become softer.

3. What other dishes can it be combined with?
The Cypriot salad pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes, such as chicken or fish. It is also an excellent accompaniment to vegetable dishes or as part of a Mediterranean platter.

4. How can I make the salad more filling?
If you want a heartier salad, you can add cooked chickpeas or quinoa. These ingredients will provide a pleasant texture and turn the salad into a complete meal.

In conclusion, the Cypriot salad is not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring a touch of sunshine to every meal. With fresh and aromatic ingredients, this salad will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Try making it and enjoy the flavors!