Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Salad

During the summer months I enjoy using fresh, red ripe tomatoes in my meals. And salads are the perfect thing to make during the hot weather. This is a wonderful summer salad I discovered at Food Network. The tomato-cucumber-red onion combination is so delicious! The sweetness of the ripe tomatoes and fresh crunch of the cucumber is enhanced by the savory red onion and olive oil-vinegar dressing. So simple and yet so good! I changed up the original recipe slightly by adding a bit more red onion slices and an extra splash of red wine vinegar and thought it was wonderful!

TOMATO, ONION, AND CUCUMBER SALAD by Cottage Flavor, adapted from Foodnetwork

Makes 4 servings

• 5 medium plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 1/3 red onion, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 splashes of red wine vinegar
• coarse salt and black pepper, to taste

In medium bowl, combine the tomato, red onion, and cucumber slices; toss to mix. Drizzle with olive oil, add splashes of red wine vinegar, and add salt and pepper to taste; toss all ingredients together.

Let salad stand about 20 minutes. Re-toss ingredients and serve with crusty bread for mopping up juices and oil.

Have you been using fresh tomatoes in your recipes much this summer?