Pin it
In my kitchen I love making refreshing treats and this tomato cucumber salad is my little summer go-to. I whip it up with my signature dressing that blends yuzu ponzu and sesame oil. It's my favorite dish when I want something light and tasty that really shows off how simple ingredients can shine.
A wonderful blend of tastes
I'm crazy about how my juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers transform when they meet my sesame ponzu dressing. The magic happens when the rich sesame oil mixes with the tangy ponzu. This is my quick favorite for hot days when I'm craving something cool and satisfying.
The main players in my dish
- Cucumbers: 2, cut into thin slices for their refreshing crunch.
- Tomatoes: 1, or cherry tomatoes, chopped into pieces for natural sweetness and color pop.
- Ponzu sauce: 1 tablespoon (I always go for the yuzu variety for its special citrus kick).
- Sesame oil: 1/2 teaspoon, for a deep toasted flavor.
- Ground sesame seeds: As much as you like, for a subtle nutty taste and texture.
My step-by-step approach
- The moment of freshness
- I let my salad chill in the fridge then serve it on pretty plates for a truly refreshing experience.
- The finishing touch
- I carefully add my ponzu sauce and ground sesame seeds, making sure not to damage my veggies.
- Adding the sesame
- I gently drizzle my sesame oil over my vegetables to give them that toasted flavor I love so much.
- Cutting the veggies
- I start by cutting my tomatoes into nice bite-sized pieces and my cucumbers into thin slices. I combine them in my favorite salad bowl.
My little tricks
I always pick really ripe, fragrant tomatoes – it makes all the difference. Sometimes I throw in some fresh cilantro or chives depending on my mood. My special touch is using yuzu ponzu which brings that unique citrus note I can't get enough of.
Pin it
The beauty of presentation
I serve my salad as a starter when I'm making sushi or grilled fish. I like to arrange it in small individual bowls and always sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds at the last minute for the visual appeal and extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s ponzu sauce?
- Ponzu is a tangy Japanese sauce made with soy and citrus. It's salty and zesty, great for fresh veggies.
- → How do I pick good cucumbers?
- Choose firm, dark-green cucumbers without any soft spots. Lebanese or Japanese varieties are less watery and great for salads.
- → Can I make this salad in advance?
- It’s best right before serving, but if needed, prep the veggies and keep the dressing separate until serving time.
- → How do I grind sesame seeds?
- Use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. You can also buy pre-ground sesame, or gomasio, which includes salt.
- → What if I don’t have ponzu?
- You can mix soy sauce and lemon juice to mimic its tangy-salty flavor. It’s a simple and tasty substitute!