Greek Tomato Salad

This is all about the perfect, sharp contrast between the sweet, juicy tomatoes and the pungent, sharp onions.

Yield: 2 servings as a side
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus optional resting time)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (about 450g) ripe, flavorful tomatoes (like Roma or vine-ripened)

• 1/2 medium red onion

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Greek)

• Salt to taste

• A splash of red wine vinegar (optional, but highly recommended)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, place the slices in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes. This removes some of the harsh bite. Drain and pat dry.

2. Prepare the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks or thick wedges. Important: Do this in your serving bowl to capture all the precious tomato juices.

3. Combine: Add the sliced red onion to the bowl with the tomatoes.

4. Season: Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil (and the optional red wine vinegar if using). Sprinkle with the dried oregano and a generous pinch of salt.

5. Serve: Toss gently to combine. For the best flavor, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the salt to draw out the tomato juices and for the flavors to meld.

Key Tips for the Best Salad:

• Tomatoes are Key: Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. The entire dish depends on them.

• The Juices: The mixture of tomato juices, olive oil, and salt at the bottom of the bowl is the "sauce." It's perfect for dipping a piece of crusty bread into!

• Keep it Simple: Don't add lettuce or other vegetables. The beauty is in this specific, sharp combination.

Enjoy this taste of pure, simple Greek summer!