It seems like my fondest memories always surround my grandfather. He was my favorite person and I just adored being in his company. He helped me build my first mini green house and plant my lettuce garden when I was barely 5 years old.
He taught me how to rub a garlic clove on my bruschetta to get just the perfect coverage for my underdeveloped taste buds. He thought me how to pick an heirloom tomato, how to save the seeds, dry them and plant them the following year.
Best Grandpa
Most importantly he thought me about simplicity, taste and real food, and how to make my favorite salad in the entire world.
The Best Grandpa on planet Earth, and if you knew him you would have asked him to adopt you. He really was that awesome.
( serves 4 )
- 2 Lb Organic Heirloom Tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1 English Cucumber – seedless thinly sliced
- 6 Scallions -sliced
- 2 Tbs lemon juice -freshly squeezed
- 1/3 c extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt + more to taste
- Black Pepper to taste -freshly cracked
Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and black pepper together. Pour over the sliced tomatoes, cucumber and scallions and toss to coat gently. Serve next to roasts, chicken, steaks.
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I just made some “Romanian salad” this morning! I didn’t put lemon juice, though, didn’t know about that, but I did use everything else. It’s wonderful how so few ingredients can taste so good and so fresh!
Actually, never mind, I did it with vinegar and oil, and now I see you don’t have vinegar in this recipe. So forget what I said! HA!
Hey Amanda! Vinegar works just as well, I just prefer the freshness of lemons when I have them handy. Sometimes I use red wine vinegar and it’s just as delicious!
I love this article about Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Salad Recipe | Ciao Florentina
I love this recipe and make it often. My great-grandson asks me to make it for him and when ever anyone tastes it for the first time they always comment that it is the best cucumber salad they’ve ever eaten. I use Zesty Italian on mine but, I think I’ll try the lemon juice and olive oil next time. I already have the cucumbers in the frige… yummy.
Hi Anna, love that story. Your grandson will probably think of you for the rest of his life when he eats tomato & cucumber salad. Simple things made with love are always the most impressive.
Ciao, I love what you said about your grandfather. He looks so very Italian. I felt that way about my Irish grandfather. I never knew my Italian (Silcilian) grandfather but I’m sure I would have love him as much as you love yours… ;o)
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